If you’re searching for an easy sheet pan chicken recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup, this Sheet Pan Orange Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect choice. Tender chicken bites are coated in a vibrant homemade orange sesame glaze and roasted alongside crisp broccoli until caramelized and delicious. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this meal combines sweet citrus, savory soy, and nutty sesame flavors in every bite.

Unlike traditional fried orange chicken, this healthier version is baked on a single sheet pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. The homemade sauce contains fresh orange juice, garlic, ginger, honey, and soy sauce, creating a naturally balanced flavor without relying on bottled sauces.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy chicken dinner, a high-protein meal prep recipe, or an easy alternative to takeout, this recipe checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy one-pan cleanup
Ready in about 35 minutes
Healthier than takeout
Loaded with fresh broccoli
Perfect for meal prep
Naturally high in protein
Family-friendly flavors
Budget-friendly ingredients
Great for busy weeknights
Better than restaurant orange chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

For the Broccoli

4 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Homemade Orange Sesame Sauce

½ cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
2 sliced green onions
Orange slices (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces into a bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Mix the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Arrange on the Sheet Pan

Spread the chicken on one side of the baking sheet and the broccoli on the other. Make sure everything is in a single layer for even roasting.

Step 5: Roast

Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the broccoli is lightly browned.

Step 6: Make the Orange Sesame Sauce

While the chicken cooks, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a saucepan.

Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add it to the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Pour the orange sesame sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat. Mix with the roasted broccoli.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Tips for Success

Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Roast at high heat to achieve caramelized edges.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper roasting.
Toast sesame seeds before garnishing for extra flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

Jasmine rice
Brown rice
Fried rice
Garlic noodles
Cauliflower rice
Quinoa
Asian cucumber salad
Stir-fried vegetables

Recipe Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.
Substitute broccoli with asparagus or green beans.
Add bell peppers for extra color.
Include snap peas or carrots.
Make it spicy by adding sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving:

Calories: 390
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 620mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw and pat it dry before roasting to prevent excess moisture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce up to one day in advance.

What is the best chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while chicken thighs provide a juicier texture and richer flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute regular soy sauce with certified gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two sheet pans instead of overcrowding one pan.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well and stays flavorful for several days, making it ideal for lunches and busy weeknight dinners.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but high-quality, no-sugar-added bottled orange juice also works.

What vegetables go well with orange sesame chicken?

Bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, snap peas, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and green beans all roast beautifully alongside the chicken.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water) and simmer until the desired consistency is reached.