Orange Chicken Sauce Recipe

Once you make this Orange Chicken Sauce, you’ll never order out again!

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Just in time for the weekend, I’m sharing another “do it yourself” recipe for a classic takeout dish! If you’re spending this Friday night in, don’t worry about ordering out. Instead, you can spend some time cooking iconic Asian cuisine at home (maybe with a partner or a few friends). This orange chicken sauce is going to make you forget all about that drawer full of paper menus and show you just how easy it is to create your favorite meals in your own kitchen.

If you’re anything like me, and you spend way too much money ordering takeout, learning how to make dupes of your favorite restaurant items is a lifesaver and won’t put a dent in your wallet. So this year, I’ve made it a point to try to recreate my favorite cuisine right from my own home. I’ve already mastered chicken pad thai, hoisin chicken, General Tso’s tofu, and several stir-fry dishes. Now, I’m taking on one of my first and forever favorites: orange chicken sauce! I figured if I can nail the sauce, I can nail the dish, right?

Orange chicken sauce doesn’t just get its name from the color of the sauce; it’s actually made with orange juice! I didn’t know that until I took it upon myself to learn how to make this recipe. The orange juice gives it a citrusy sweetness, while the other ingredients, like ginger, soy sauce, and garlic, support the balancing act of tangy and sweet in this dish. Once it’s poured over lightly battered chicken, the result is mouthwateringly good flavor.

Is Orange Chicken Sauce Healthy?

This recipe for orange chicken sauce uses real ingredients like garlic, ginger, and orange juice to create an authentic and distinct flavor without a ton of additives. However, the sauce is still high in sodium. If you’re trying to cut down on sodium in your diet, opt for healthier substitutes like coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

How To Achieve The Best Sauce Texture

One of the most important elements of a good sauce is the texture, and orange chicken sauce is no different. To ensure a nice, thick, uniform sauce, you’ll want to stir your sauce constantly while warming it on low heat. Also, pour your cornstarch mixture in slowly to thicken to the desired consistency and avoid clumping.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons water

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté

Cook ginger and garlic in oil until aromatic.

Combine

Add liquids and seasonings; dissolve sugar.

Thicken

Add cornstarch slurry; cook until sauce thickens.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

The sauce can be made in advance and will stay good in the fridge (if stored in a jar or airtight container) for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended, as it will affect the texture of the sauce.

IS ORANGE CHICKEN SAUCE SPICY?

Despite this recipe calling for red pepper flakes, orange chicken sauce is not typically considered spicy. Instead, I would describe this sauce as having a tangy, sweet, and mild taste. If you want to give your orange chicken sauce a kick, you can add more red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce.

USE FRESH INGREDIENTS

Using good ingredients, like fresh orange juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic, will greatly enhance the flavors of your orange chicken sauce. These vibrant flavors will brighten the dish and give it a more authentic Asian flair compared to using processed alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce, of course, begs to be served with some Crispy Fried Chicken. Because this recipe was inspired by one of my favorite takeout orders, it seems only right to enjoy it with other takeout favorites, too. Try making a side of Chicken Egg Rolls (and using this orange chicken sauce as a dipping sauce!) or maybe some Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad to pair with your chicken.