Easy Orange Chicken Sauce

Name: Easy Orange Chicken Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup fresh orange juice; ¼ cup white or light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 teaspoons ginger (grated); 2 teaspoons garlic (grated); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp orange zest (zest from one orange)

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This homemade Orange chicken Sauce Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the sweet and tangy flavors of takeout orange chicken. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Orange Chicken Sauce is one of those crave-worthy sauces that blends the sweetness of oranges with savory flavors to create an irresistible dish. If you haven’t tried my Easy Orange Chicken Recipe, it’s time to do so! Some of my other favorite take-out recipes are Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken and Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe.

Recipe Summary

Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of orange zest, juice, soy sauce, and honey creates a harmonious sweet-tangy-savory sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is faster than ordering takeout.
Versatile: Use it for chicken, tofu, shrimp, salmon or even as a dipping sauce.

Orange Chicken Sauce Ingredients

Ingredients needed for homemade orange chicken sauce.

Oranges: Fresh orange juice gives this dish a tangy, tart base and orange zest gives it extra color and flavor.
Sugar: White or brown sugar makes the sauce sticky sweet after it cooks down.
Soy sauce and rice vinegar: These two ingredients add a savory saltiness and tang to the sauce.
Cornstarch: A sprinkle of cornstarch helps the sauce thicken and gives it a velvety mouthfeel.
Spices: Grated ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes add tons of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Citrus Variations: Use tangerine or mandarin juice for a slightly different flavor.
Sweetener: Swap sugar for honey, brown sugar or agave syrup.
Protein: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.

How To Make Orange Chicken Sauce

Orange chicken sauce is prepared in a small skillet.

Step 1: Juice oranges. Juice the oranges and add the juice to a saucepan.

Sauce ingredients are combined in a small skillet.

Step 2: Mix the ingredients. Combine the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Cook to thicken. Cook the sauce for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring continuously. Turn off the heat and add the orange zest.

A spoon scoops orange chicken sauce out of a small jar.

Step 4: Cool and store. Allow the sauce to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Use immediately or store for later use.

A spoon drizzled homemade orange chicken sauce onto a bowl of fried chicken pieces.

Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Orange Juice: Bottled juice can lack the bright, fresh flavor of freshly squeezed oranges.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Orange zest adds a burst of citrusy aroma and flavor. Use a micro-plane grater.
Thicken the Sauce Properly: Stir the cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps and cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

What to Serve with Orange Chicken Sauce

Orange chicken sauce is a versatile dish that pairs well with:

Proteins– Best proteins to pair with orange chicken sauce are chicken, shrimp, tofu and salmon.
Steamed Jasmine Rice or Fried Rice – Rice soaks up the tangy sauce beautifully and pairs well with any protein.
Noodles – A bowl of lo mien or rice noodles will complement the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly along with a protein of choice.
Crispy Wontons or Spring Rolls – These are great appetizers to serve alongside orange chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Storing: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

To reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Or microwave it in 30-second internals, stirring between, until warmed through.

Freezing: Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray (then pop the cubes into a freezer bag) and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat from frozen.

A spoon dips orange chicken sauce out of a jar.

Common Questions

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While fresh orange juice will provide a brighter flavor, you can substitute bottled juice.

Why is my orange chicken sauce thin?

You can continue to boil the sauce so it cooks down, or you can add more cornstarch. To do that, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tsp water to create a slurry. The mix the slurry into the simmering sauce. Bring to a boil to fully thicken.

Can I make orange sauce ahead?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat before using.

Why Is my orange sauce too thick?

If for any reason you over cook the sauce or add more corn starch than the recipe calls for, just add a little bit more orange juice or water to thin it out.

Chopsticks pick up a piece of fried chicken coated with homemade orange sauce.

Asian Inspired Recipes

This quick and Easy Orange Chicken Sauce brings vibrant flavors to any meal. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Skip the restaurant and enjoy this tastier version at home!

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