If you’re like me and love meals that come together quickly but taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, you’re going to adore this Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli recipe. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a little bit tangy, with a beautiful sticky glaze that clings to tender bites of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. Plus, it’s all made on one pan, which makes cleanup super easy—something we all appreciate on busy nights!
I first tried this recipe when I was hunting for a quick weeknight dinner that didn’t compromise on flavor, and it immediately became a favorite in our house. You’ll find that the ginger and garlic add a warm, fresh zing while the honey and ketchup create a luscious sticky sauce that’s irresistible. Serve it over jasmine rice, and you have one of those meals everyone asks you to make again and again. Trust me, this Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli is definitely worth trying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a sheet pan, saving you time and minimizing cleanup.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sticky ginger soy glaze hits sweet, savory, and a hint of heat perfectly every time.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can swap chicken cuts or even make it in the Instant Pot depending on your schedule.
- Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, especially with jasmine rice and bright green onion garnish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combination of fresh chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a sticky sauce made from pantry staples makes this recipe both flavorful and accessible. I always keep the tamari or soy sauce on hand—it’s the backbone of this glaze that pulls everything together.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work well too; just cut into even 2-inch cubes for quick, uniform cooking.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for crunch, but you can use frozen in a pinch—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that gorgeous sticky glaze.
- Ketchup: Surprising, right? It rounds out the tanginess and enhances color.
- Tamari or soy sauce: This brings depth and that classic umami flavor—tamari if you need gluten-free.
- Pomegranate juice (or orange juice): I love the tart brightness pomegranate juice adds, but orange works well too.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: The fresh aromatics are essential for that vibrant flavor punch.
- Chili flakes: Just a pinch to add subtle heat; adjust based on your preference.
- Jasmine rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all that sticky sauce.
- Sliced green onions and pomegranate seeds (optional): These add freshness and a pop of color that make every bite more exciting.
Variations
I love mixing up this Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli depending on what’s in my fridge or how much time I have. Feel free to make it your own! Here are some ideas I’ve tried over time that gave it a fun twist.
- Protein swap: I once used firm tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist—it held up beautifully and soaked up the sauce perfectly.
- Veggie swaps: Sometimes I add thinly sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color; just add them midway through baking.
- Spice level adjustment: If you like things hotter, I double the chili flakes or toss in fresh sliced chili once out of the oven.
- Instant Pot version: When life gets hectic, I use the pressure cooker option, which saves time and keeps the chicken super tender.
How to Make
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. While it heats up, lightly oil a large baking sheet—this helps prevent sticking and encourages that perfect caramelization on the chicken and broccoli. Arranging everything in a single layer really helps them roast evenly.
Step 2: Mix and Coat the Chicken and Broccoli
In a bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, tamari, pomegranate juice, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of chili flakes until well combined. Pour this delicious sauce over your cubed chicken and broccoli and toss everything until every piece is generously coated. This sticky ginger soy chicken and broccoli glaze is the magic that makes this dish so memorable.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the baking sheet into the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and thickening nicely. About 5 minutes before it’s done, switch the oven to broil and watch closely as the chicken caramelizes and develops those irresistible golden spots. Don’t walk away here—broilers work fast and can easily go from perfect to burnt!
Step 4: Serve Hot Over Jasmine Rice
Serve everything hot over fluffy jasmine rice. Sprinkle sliced green onions and pomegranate seeds on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. This final touch elevates the dish in a way that always makes my family go “Wow!”.
Pro Tips for Making
- Even Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken into uniform 2-inch cubes ensures everything cooks evenly without drying out.
- Watch the Broiler: When broiling, stay nearby and check every minute—it’s easy to go from caramelized to burnt in seconds.
- Don’t Skip Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh aromatics bring brightness and depth you won’t get with powders or pre-minced versions.
- Toss Midway (Optional): If you want, toss the chicken and broccoli halfway through baking to coat everything uniformly with the sticky sauce.
How to Serve
Garnishes
I love topping this dish with sliced green onions because they add a mild oniony crunch that balances the sticky sauce. Pomegranate seeds are my secret weapon—they add unexpected bursts of tart sweetness and make the plate look stunning. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
Side Dishes
Jasmine rice is my go-to side here because its fragrant aroma complements the flavors perfectly. If you want something green on the side, a simple Asian-style cucumber salad or steamed bok choy with a splash of sesame oil pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, I like plating this sticky ginger soy chicken and broccoli in small bowls layered with jasmine rice, then garnishing each with pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of extra sauce. It feels a bit more special and makes serving easy when guests arrive. You can also serve it family-style on a large platter with extra green onions sprinkled on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, which actually helps keep the chicken juicy. When you go to reheat, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce so it doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture may be just a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor still holds wonderfully.
Reheating
I prefer reheating this recipe on the stovetop over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the glaze and keep the chicken tender. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir halfway through for even heating. Adding fresh green onions before serving freshens it up nicely.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the pan to avoid extra moisture. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly or increase oven temperature at the end to get some caramelization.
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What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs are my favorite because they stay tender and juicy even at high heat. That said, chicken breasts also work well if you watch the cooking time carefully so they don’t dry out.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari, which works beautifully here without sacrificing flavor.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, try using firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking the veggies, and you’ll still get that delightful sticky ginger soy flavor.
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Can I prepare this in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Arrange the chicken and broccoli inside the Instant Pot, pour over the sauce, then cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. It’s a great option if you’re short on time and still want that sticky ginger soy chicken and broccoli goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli recipe has become one of my staple weeknight meals because it’s hands-down delicious and effortless. I love how it makes the kitchen smell amazing and how the flavors come out perfectly every time. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did. And hey, once you try it, it might just become your new family favorite too!
PrintSheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The chicken and broccoli are coated in a sticky ginger soy sauce and baked until caramelized and tender, making it a perfect weeknight dinner served over jasmine rice with optional fresh green onions and pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 2 inch cubes
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice (or orange juice as substitute)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- Chili flakes, to taste
To Serve
- Jasmine rice, cooked, for serving
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Arrange Chicken and Broccoli: Evenly spread the cubed chicken and broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, ketchup, tamari or soy sauce, pomegranate juice, chopped garlic, fresh ginger, and a pinch of chili flakes to create the sticky ginger soy sauce.
- Coat and Bake: Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.
- Broil for Caramelization: Switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken and broccoli for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This will caramelize the sauce, adding extra depth of flavor and a sticky finish.
- Serve: Serve the sticky ginger soy chicken and broccoli over hot jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and pomegranate seeds if desired for added freshness and a pop of color.
Notes
- You can substitute pomegranate juice with orange juice if unavailable.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your desired spice level.
- Using chicken thighs will result in a juicier, more flavorful dish compared to breasts.
- Make sure to watch closely during the broiling step as the sauce can burn quickly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg