
Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli: An Easy Weeknight Dinner
Craving Chinese takeout but want a healthier, easier, and faster option? Look no further than this Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli recipe! This dish delivers all the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors you love from General Tso’s chicken, but it’s made entirely on a single sheet pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience. Forget the deep fryer and complicated steps; this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
This recipe is a game-changer because it cuts down on the unhealthy aspects of traditional General Tso’s chicken. By baking instead of frying, you drastically reduce the amount of oil. Plus, using fresh broccoli adds a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. It’s a meal you can feel good about eating!
## Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken
* **Easy Cleanup:** Everything cooks on one sheet pan, making dishwashing a breeze.
* **Healthier Option:** Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content.
* **Quick and Convenient:** Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Delicious Flavor:** Captures the classic General Tso’s sauce perfectly.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level and vegetable additions to your liking.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; most of these are pantry staples that can be easily substituted or omitted.
**For the Chicken and Broccoli:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**For the General Tso’s Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
**Optional Garnishes:**
* Sesame seeds
* Chopped green onions
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfectly cooked Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli.
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper is highly recommended. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, broccoli florets, olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated. The cornstarch helps the chicken get nice and crispy in the oven. Make sure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
3. Spread the chicken and broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting. If needed, use two baking sheets.
**Step 2: Bake the Chicken and Broccoli**
1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Check the broccoli for doneness; it should be slightly browned and tender, but still have a bit of a bite.
2. While the chicken and broccoli are baking, prepare the General Tso’s sauce.
**Step 3: Prepare the General Tso’s Sauce**
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), cornstarch, and water until smooth. The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce. Make sure it’s fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
2. Add the sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor that is characteristic of General Tso’s sauce.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
**Step 4: Combine and Serve**
1. Once the chicken and broccoli are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. If you want extra crispy chicken, you can broil it for the last few minutes, but watch it carefully to prevent burning. Make sure to transfer the chicken and broccoli promptly to prevent them from cooling down too much before adding the sauce.
2. Pour the General Tso’s sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Toss well to coat evenly. Ensure that every piece is well covered with the sauce.
3. Serve immediately over rice (white or brown) or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These garnishes add a nice visual appeal and extra flavor. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
## Tips and Variations
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Control the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. For extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sheet pan, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Consider the cooking time of different vegetables and adjust accordingly. For example, carrots may need to be added earlier than broccoli.
* **Use Different Protein:** If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or even tofu. Chicken breasts may require a slightly longer cooking time. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess water before baking.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative with a similar flavor profile.
* **Sweetener Options:** Honey and maple syrup work well in this recipe. You can also use agave nectar or brown sugar as alternatives. Keep in mind that each sweetener will slightly alter the flavor of the sauce.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu or tempeh to remove excess moisture before baking to achieve a crispy texture.
* **Add a Citrus Zest:** A teaspoon of orange zest added to the sauce will brighten the flavor and add a subtle citrus note.
* **Make it Ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before using. You can also chop the vegetables and chicken ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.
## Serving Suggestions
This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli is delicious served with:
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all great options.
* **Quinoa:** A healthier alternative to rice that is packed with protein and fiber.
* **Noodles:** Serve over your favorite noodles for a heartier meal.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Complement the dish with steamed bok choy, asparagus, or green beans.
* **Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls:** Add some crispy appetizers for a complete takeout experience.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Store leftover Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage ensures food safety and maintains the quality of the leftovers.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. When reheating in the microwave, cover the dish to prevent splattering. Reheating in the oven helps to maintain the crispiness of the chicken and broccoli. Reheating on the stovetop allows you to add a little extra sauce if desired.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**
**A:** Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the sheet pan. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy.
**Q: Can I make this recipe without honey or maple syrup?**
**A:** Yes, you can use other sweeteners such as agave nectar or brown sugar. You can also use a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
**Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?**
**A:** Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the vegetables and chicken ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Assemble and bake just before serving.
**Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?**
**A:** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is the best way to prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
**Q: Is this recipe spicy?**
**A:** The spice level can be adjusted to your liking. The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can add more or less depending on your preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
**Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?**
**A:** Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure to cut the chicken breast into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but chicken breast is a leaner option.
**Q: What kind of rice should I serve with this dish?**
**A:** White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all great options. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand. Quinoa is also a healthy alternative to rice.
## Get Ready to Enjoy!
This Sheet Pan General Tso’s Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy your favorite Chinese takeout flavors at home. With minimal cleanup and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!