3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Sauce

olivia

Published:

January 4, 2026

Easy 3-ingredient recipe for homemade orange chicken sauce

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About this recipe

This sauce uses just three things and works fast. It tastes bright and sweet and joins well with fried or baked chicken. For a quick guide and more ideas, see this simple orange chicken sauce page.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe to save time and get big flavor. You need no hard steps and no strange tools. If you like quick orange dishes, also check this easy orange chicken recipe for a full meal idea.

how to make 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Sauce

You mix the three things and stir until smooth. You can use the sauce as a marinade or add it to a pan while the chicken cooks. You can also use it in place of other sauces for a fast dinner, like some people do with a chicken shawarma with garlic sauce style meal.

Ingredients :

1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey

These three items are easy to find at the store and work for many dishes. The mix pairs well with roasted chicken and sides, as shown in some roasted orange chicken recipes.

Directions :

Put the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl.
Stir until the honey blends and the mix looks smooth.
Use the sauce to marinate raw chicken for 15–30 minutes, or skip the marinate and add it while you cook.
Heat a skillet on medium. Add a little oil. Add chicken pieces and cook until they get color.
Pour the sauce into the pan. Stir and let it heat and thicken a bit. Cook until the chicken is done and the sauce coats the chicken.

Roasted orange chicken also uses orange flavors if you want another cooking method.

how to serve 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Sauce

Serve the chicken hot with rice or noodles. Spoon extra sauce over the top. Add steamed greens or a simple salad on the side. The sweet and tangy sauce fits well with plain sides.

how to store 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Sauce

Put the sauce in a clean jar or airtight box. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer life, freeze in small bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.

tips to make 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken Sauce

Taste the sauce before you cook and add a bit more honey if you like it sweeter.
For more zip, add a small pinch of red pepper flakes.
Use fresh orange juice for a bright taste, but bottled juice works fine.
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it in the pan a bit to reduce and thicken.

variation (if any)

Add minced garlic or ginger for more depth.
Swap part of the orange juice for orange marmalade for a sticky glaze.
Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use this sauce for tofu?
A: Yes. The sauce works well with tofu. Cook the tofu first, then add the sauce and heat through.

Q: Can I make the sauce less sweet?
A: Yes. Use a little less honey or add a splash more soy sauce or lemon juice to balance the sweet.

Q: Do I need to cook the sauce before I eat it?
A: If you use it as a marinade, cook the chicken well after marinating. If you use the sauce on cooked chicken, heat it so it warms and blends with the meat.

Q: Is this sauce gluten free?
A: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten free.

Q: Can I double the sauce?
A: Yes. Keep the same mix ratio and make more as you need.