A Tangy Twist on Classic Chicken Wings

If you’re craving something bold and different for wing night, this Orange Pepper Sauce is it! Sweet orange juice, soy sauce, and honey blend with garlic, ginger, and black pepper to create a sauce that’s sticky, zesty, and addictive. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Pepper Sauce

This recipe is fast, versatile, and made with simple ingredients you probably have at home. The citrusy orange pairs perfectly with the heat of black pepper and hot sauce, giving your wings a restaurant-style flavor in minutes. Plus, it doubles as a dipping sauce for nuggets, shrimp, or even roasted veggies.

Perfect for Game Day or Weeknight Dinners

Whether it’s Wild Wing Wednesday, game night, or just a weeknight craving, this orange pepper sauce will take your wings to the next level. Toss freshly fried, grilled, or baked wings in this sticky glaze and watch them disappear.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (2–3 oranges, strained)
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (Crystal’s, Frank’s, or your favorite)
• 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (coarse grind for punch)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger.
2. Simmer for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced.
3. Stir in the butter until melted and combined.
4. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until the sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and toss immediately with crispy chicken wings, or serve on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information (per 2 tbsp serving)

• Calories: ~60
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: <1g
• Fat: 2g
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 120mg

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before using.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works if that’s what you have. Just avoid overly sweetened juice.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

Increase the hot sauce or add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.

Can this sauce be used on other meats?

Absolutely! It works great on grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even pork.

What’s the best way to coat wings in sauce?

For the crispiest result, toss wings in the sauce immediately after frying or baking while they’re still hot.