Orange Chicken Sauce
Elevate your homemade takeout game with this zesty and flavorful Orange Chicken Sauce, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice, aromatic garlic, and ginger, and balanced with a touch of soy sauce, hoisin, and honey, this sauce delivers an irresistible depth of flavor. A pinch of orange zest and optional red chili flakes add a burst of freshness and a customizable kick of heat, while a simple cornstarch slurry ensures a glossy, restaurant-quality finish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile sauce is ideal for coating crispy chicken, as a dipping sauce, or even drizzled over rice and vegetables. With its bold flavors, quick prep time, and easy-to-store leftovers, this orange chicken sauce is a must-try addition to your home-cooked Asian-inspired meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 0.33 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 whole orange zest of an orange
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and honey over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest to the mixture, stirring well to incorporate the flavors.
If you'd like a bit of heat, add the red chili flakes at this stage. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Gradually pour this into the saucepan while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Allow the sauce to cook and thicken over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should have a glossy finish and coat the back of a spoon when ready.
Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce, if necessary.
Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Serve immediately by tossing it with crispy chicken, or use it as a dipping sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stovetop before use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
483 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.3 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1432 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 116.3 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 88.8 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 720 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
