Who can resist the crispy fried chicken paired with a sweet and tangy orange sauce? What if I told you making this mouthwatering orange chicken sauce at home is super simple—and yes, it’s low-carb. This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights, and I can’t wait for you to try it.
One day, after another chaotic evening of work, other activities, and a hungry family, I realized I needed a go-to recipe that didn’t require much effort but still felt special. That’s when this orange chicken sauce became a staple in our kitchen. It’s so simple to whip up, transforming plain chicken into something my whole family looks forward to, and we no longer have to visit Chinese restaurants.
Homemade Orange Chicken Sauce for Orange Chicken Recipe
There’s nothing better than a homemade sauce that’s clean, simple, and made just the way you like it—no hidden sugars, no preservatives, just incredible flavor. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious in no time.
Knowing exactly what’s in your food is so satisfying. I love making my own sauces, and favorites like my Korean sauce for BBQ, cranberry sauce, caramel sauce, and Worcestershire sauce are always a hit in my kitchen.
Can I Make Orange Chicken Sauce with Cornstarch Slurry
Yes, you can, but if you’re keeping it low-carb, xanthan gum is the better choice. Cornstarch can add unnecessary carbs, which we’re trying to avoid here. Xanthan gum does the job just as well, creating that silky, thick sauce you love in orange chicken recipes.
How is Low Carb Orange Sauce Made?
With just a few simple steps and a little cooking, your sauce is ready in no time. It is great for chicken, but we love to use it as a dip in a small bowl with some of the frozen nuggets or chicken fries. Just brilliant.
For those who prefer watching the instructions rather than reading, I have also prepared a short video you can follow.
Kitchen Gadgets Needed:
- Immersion or Hand Blender: This is a game-changer for blending the sauce to a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula works best for stirring and scraping every last bit of sauce from the pot. No wasting the good stuff.
- Cooking Pot: A medium-sized cooking pot simulates all the ingredients together. A non-stick pot is ideal to prevent sticking or burning.
Ingredients Needed:
- Broth: You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. It provides the base for the sauce and adds a depth of flavor.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: This brings a slight tangy kick to balance the sauce’s sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute.
- Brown Sweetener: Brown sweetener is used to keep the sauce sugar-free. Monk fruit or erythritol blends are great options that still provide that caramelized sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari for a low-carb and clean version of this essential ingredient.
- Orange Zest: Fresh orange zest is a must. It gives the sauce its vibrant, citrusy flavor. Try to use organic oranges if possible to avoid waxy residues.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves add a punch of savory goodness. Mince them finely or use a garlic press for convenience.
- Sesame Oil: A few tablespoons of sesame oil uplift the flavor with a nutty, rich aroma. Use toasted sesame oil for an even deeper taste.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy note. It pairs perfectly with the orange and garlic flavors.
- Xanthan Gum: This is the perfect ingredient to thicken this sauce. It helps achieve that glossy, clingy texture without adding any carbs.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THE BEST ORANGE CHICKEN SAUCE
First Step: Organize Sauce Ingredients
Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Measure out the broth, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sweetener, and spices to ensure you have everything on hand.
Second Step: Sauté Garlic
Set the pan on medium-high heat. Pour two tablespoons of sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. This step adds a rich flavor base to your sauce, infusing it with a savory depth. Stir frequently to prevent burning and keep it moving.
Third Step: Add the Base Flavor
Add the sweetener, chicken broth, orange zest and fresh ginger. Continue to cook together for a minute, allowing the citrus and spice to meld beautifully. This improves the overall aroma of the sauce and sets the foundation for its bold taste.
Fourth Step: Pour Remaining Ingredients and Thickener
Pour in the rice wine vinegar and soy sauce. Whisk well to combine. Then, add xanthan gum to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring as the mixture simmers to avoid clumps and ensure everything blends smoothly.
Fifth Step: Blend to Smoothen the Mixture
Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can blend less. This step is essential to create a creamy, rich sauce that perfectly coats your fried chicken pieces.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Orange zest is typically one orange but will vary based on size. The zest should be very fine when grated.
- If using ground ginger, start with 1/8 teaspoon, add more, or adjust to taste if necessary.
- Use fresh orange juice instead of orange zest for a deeper orange flavor if you are not into low carb.
- To avoid burning the garlic, sauté it over medium heat and keep stirring constantly.
- Add a bit of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick to your sauce.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What To Serve With Chinese Orange Chicken Sauce?
There are plenty of delicious options besides orange chicken in an air fryer when serving orange chicken sauce. Cauliflower rice is a great choice, as it soaks up the rich sauce and adds a satisfying base. Steamed artichoke provides a fresh, crisp side that perfectly balances the flavors.
For something more substantial, fiber noodles offer an alternative to traditional pasta. Grilled asparagus is another tasty option, adding a hint of smokiness that complements the tangy sauce beautifully.
To store the orange sauce mixture, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir or shake before each use to ensure the consistency remains smooth. You can reheat it gently over low heat to maintain its flavor and texture.
Can I Freeze The Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the orange sauce. Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
More Tasty Ideas for You
I’ve got plenty more ideas for you to try, like our homemade BBQ sauce, which gives you that smoky and tangy barbecue experience. Dips and dressings are some of my favorite things to make; that’s why buffalo chicken dip and salsa dressing are the ones you should for sure check.
You can also dip our baked chicken wings in these delicious options; these wings can perfectly fit with different sauces,
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Orange Chicken Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Broth
- 3 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar Substitute Sugar Free
- 2 Tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Zest
- 3 Pieces Garlic Cloves Minced
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Ginger Fresh
- 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
Video
Instructions
- Before you start, gather all your ingredients. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Measure out the broth, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sweetener, and spices to ensure you have everything on hand.
- Set the pan on medium-high heat. Pour 2 tablespoons sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. This step adds a rich flavor base to your sauce, infusing it with a savory depth. Stir frequently to prevent burning and keep it moving.
- Add the sweetener, chicken broth, orange zest and fresh ginger. Continue to cook together for a minute, allowing the citrus and spice to meld beautifully. This improves the overall aroma of the sauce and sets the foundation for its bold taste.
- Pour in the rice wine vinegar and soy sauce. Whisk well to combine. Then, add xanthan gum to thicken the sauce. Keep stirring as the mixture simmers to avoid clumps and ensure everything blends smoothly.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can blend less. This step is essential to create a creamy, rich sauce that perfectly coats your fried chicken pieces.
Notes
- Orange zest is typically one orange but will vary based on size. The zest should be very fine when grated.
- If using ground ginger, start with 1/8 teaspoon, add more, or adjust to taste if necessary.
- Use fresh orange juice instead of orange zest for a deeper orange flavor if you are not into low carb.
- To avoid burning the garlic, sauté it over medium heat and keep stirring constantly.
- Add a bit of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick to your sauce.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Other Kitchen Essentials for you
Stocking your kitchen with various spices and herbs is like having a secret weapon for transforming this simple recipe into a flavorful masterpiece. From earthy seasonings to fresh herbs, these essentials add depth, aroma, and a touch of magic to every meal.
