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Flavorful Orange Chicken Sauce Recipe for Easy Skillet Dinners

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A sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange chicken sauce that clings perfectly to crispy chicken pieces, perfect for quick and easy skillet dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice
  • Zest of one medium orange
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Zest one medium orange carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, then juice the orange until you have about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh juice. Set both aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using until honey is fully incorporated.
  3. Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
  4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Add about 1.5 pounds (700 grams) of bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving juices in the pan.
  5. Pour the sauce base into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the fresh orange juice and zest, stirring to combine. Let simmer for about 3 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
  6. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring as the sauce bubbles and thickens, about 1-2 minutes, until glossy and pourable.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or thickness by adding more honey or a splash of water/broth if needed.
  9. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice and zest for best flavor. Add cornstarch slurry slowly while whisking to avoid lumps. Adjust sweetness and thickness to taste. Can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken sauce, easy skillet dinners, quick dinner sauce, sweet and tangy sauce, homemade orange sauce, chicken recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/flavorful-orange-chicken-sauce-recipe-for-easy-skillet-dinners/