One-Pan Harissa Orange Chicken and Broccoli

This bright and bold one-pan wonder combines the sweet citrus notes of orange with the complex spiciness of harissa paste, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that coats tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. This recipe proves that extraordinary flavors can come from just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 1 medium navel orange (for zest and ⅓ cup/80ml juice)
  • 3 tablespoons (63g/2.2 oz) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30g/1 oz) harissa paste
  • 1½ teaspoons (4.5g/0.16 oz) cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g/0.09 oz) kosher salt

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

  • 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken (breasts, thighs, or mix)
  • 12 ounces (340g) fresh broccoli crowns
  • 2 tablespoons + 1½ teaspoons (35ml) olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon (3.75g) kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce (5 minutes)
  • Zest the orange finely
  • Juice the orange (should yield about ⅓ cup)
  • Whisk together in a bowl:
    • Orange zest and juice
    • Honey
    • Harissa paste
    • Cornstarch
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  1. Prepare the Chicken (5 minutes)
  • Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces
  • Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
  • Season with:
    • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  1. Cook First Batch of Chicken (5-6 minutes)
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat
  • Cook half the chicken until golden-brown
  • Flip and cook second side
  • Transfer to plate
  1. Cook Second Batch (5-6 minutes)
  • Add 1½ teaspoons oil
  • Repeat process with remaining chicken
  • Transfer to plate with first batch
  1. Cook Broccoli (2-3 minutes)
  • Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan
  • Add broccoli florets
  • Cook until lightly browned
  1. Finish the Dish (3-4 minutes)
  • Return chicken to pan
  • Increase heat to medium-high
  • Pour in re-whisked sauce
  • Cook until thickened and reduced

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 385
  • Protein: 41g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Serving size: ¼ of recipe

Timing:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Professional Cooking Tips

  1. Chicken Preparation:
  • Cut pieces uniformly for even cooking
  • Pat very dry for better browning
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan
  1. Sauce Technique:
  • Whisk sauce again before adding
  • Reduce until desired thickness
  • Spoon sauce over ingredients while cooking
  1. Temperature Control:
  • Maintain proper heat for browning
  • Adjust heat as needed
  • Watch for proper reduction

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Protein Options:
  • Turkey breast
  • Firm tofu
  • Shrimp (adjust cooking time)
  1. Vegetable Alternatives:
  • Cauliflower
  • Green beans
  • Bell peppers
  • Sugar snap peas
  1. Sauce Adaptations:
  • Lime instead of orange
  • Maple syrup instead of honey
  • Sambal oelek instead of harissa

Common FAQs

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: Moderately spicy; adjust harissa amount to taste.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Best served fresh, but reheats well within 2 days.

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Couscous, rice, or cauliflower rice work well.

Q: Is harissa paste easy to find?
A: Available in most grocery stores’ international section or Middle Eastern markets.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage:

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Store in airtight container
  • Keep sauce separate if making ahead

Make-Ahead Steps:

  • Mix sauce up to 24 hours ahead
  • Cut chicken and store separately
  • Prep broccoli and store in paper towel-lined container

Reheating Guidelines:

  • Stovetop: Medium heat with splash of water
  • Microwave: 1-minute intervals
  • Avoid overheating to prevent tough chicken

This vibrant dish brings together Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors in a quick, weeknight-friendly format. The sauce’s complex flavor profile makes it feel special enough for company, while its simple preparation keeps it accessible for everyday cooking.