Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli

Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli is a standout recipe for any night of the week! The bright flavor of Mandarin oranges, combined with the sweet and savory citrus sauce, makes this an easy, utterly delicious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.

For other delicious Asian-inspired dishes I've shared over the years, I invite you to visit and try: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, Crispy Duck Patties over Asian Cabbage, Chicken Pad Thai, Egg Roll Soup, and Chinese Bing Bread.

The ingredient list:

*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

Kitchen tools and equipment needed for making citrus ginger chicken:

• wok (optional)
• large high-sided skillet (optional)
• chef's knife
• paring knife
• cutting board
• large over-the-sink strainer (optional, for cleaning the broccoli)
• can opener (optional)
• microplane (for zesting the citrus)
• citrus juicer (optional)
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• whisk
• spider strainer (optional)
• large slotted spoon (optional)
• large serving spoon

Recipe disclaimer:

This recipe was originally published in 2013. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, recipe videos, additional recipe information, and any changes made to the original recipe.

I only made slight changes to the original 2013 recipe based on what I had and didn't have in my pantry at the time of the update.

What I wrote about citrus ginger chicken in 2013:

I found it in a Southern Living cookbook and then tweaked the heck out of it so it no longer resembles the original in any way, shape, or form except that it still has chicken, citrus, and ginger.

Seeing as it's still a bit nippy here in the Midwest, I also brought the cooking from the chilly outdoor grill into the warmth and coziness of the kitchen to make it into an Asian-inspired stir-fry dinner.  

I was very pleased with the results, and the flavors combined with the citrus, fresh broccoli, and garlic were simply divine.

Citrus Ginger Chicken stir fry variations and ingredient swaps:

I used canned mandarin orange segments, but feel free to use fresh mandarin orange segments you peel yourself. Make sure you remove all the white membrane and strings.

Not a fan of broccoli? Use chopped asparagus instead. That would be delicious!

Chicken thighs would be a wonderful swap for chicken breast in this recipe.

If you prefer teriyaki to traditional soy sauce, add 2 teaspoons (or more to taste) of brown sugar into the orange marmalade sauce and whisk to combine.

Using peanut oil in place of avocado oil is a wonderful way to add additional Asian flavor to this dish. Both oils have a high smoke point and are excellent for stir-fry recipes.

Sesame seeds are totally optional for the finishing touch. Use them or not. It's completely your call.

Can this recipe be made without a wok?

It sure can. Make sure you use a high-sided large skillet and crank the heat on the stovetop as high as it can go. That's the secret to stir-frying. High heat and quick cooking.

Tips and tricks for recipe success:

• Once the chicken has been browned, remember it is not fully cooked at this point. Adding the chicken back to the pan to simmer in the sauce is imperative to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• Tip - How to tell if the chicken is fully cooked? Take out one of the larger pieces of chicken, and cut it in half. If it is no longer pink in the center, it is done. If there are still signs of pink, allow the chicken to cook for a few more minutes.
• Depending on how you prefer your broccoli (or other vegetables) cooked, adjust the stir-fry cooking time accordingly. For softer vegetables, cook them longer than for crispier vegetables, and keep in mind that they will cook for a few more minutes when all the ingredients are combined shortly before serving, to make one cohesive dish.

How long does this Asian-inspired chicken dish take from start to dinner?

As written, this citrus chicken and broccoli stir-fry will take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. If you prep some ingredients in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook, it will take even less time.

Can any of the ingredient components be prepped in advance?

Yes.

You can dice the chicken in advance and refrigerate it in a covered container for up to 24 hours before cooking. Do not season the chicken if prepping in advance because it will become too salty.

Cleaning and prepping the broccoli and onions in advance can also be a time-saver. Wash, trim, and cut the broccoli into manageable bite-sized florets, and medium dice the onion. You can store both of these prepped items in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in advance, if desired.

The step-by-step photo instructions:

• Dice chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Dry, and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
• Add orange marmalade, ginger, orange and lime zest plus juice, soy (or teriyaki) sauce, ground coriander to a bowl to combine to make the sauce.
• Prepare 4 cups of broccoli florets, and drain 1 can of mandarin oranges.
• Add oil to a very hot wok to brown, but not fully cook the chicken. This is best done in two separate batches.
• Remove the partially cooked chicken to a separate bowl (keep warm).
• Add additional oil and the broccoli florets to the wok.
• Stir to coat the broccoli in the oil and season with salt and pepper.

• Cook the broccoli (and diced onion, not shown), stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes over very high heat.
• After the broccoli is slightly cooked (not mushy), remove it from the wok to a separate bowl and keep warm.
• Add the partially cooked chicken back into the wok and add the prepared orange marmalade sauce. Fully cook the chicken in the sauce, stirring occasionally for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
• Add the broccoli and onion (not shown) back into the wok withe the chicken and sauce.
• Reduce the heat to low and gently stir the mandarin orange segments throughout the chicken and broccoli.
• Serve the citrus ginger chicken over rice (if desired), and spoon the sauce on top to finish.

What to serve alongside ginger citrus chicken?

Everything Green Beans Fries are for when you want a tasty snack that's still healthy and good for you.

Savory Scallion Pancakes are thinly rolled pancakes packed with chopped scallions and delicious flavor. Serve them as an appetizer or side dish along with your favorite Asian dipping sauce.

If you're looking for a delicious pastry that's not too difficult to make but impressive to serve, these Orange Cream Puffs are just the ticket.

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