Skip the Delivery—This Orange Chicken Packs Real Flavor and Crunch
Craving that iconic takeout orange chicken with crispy edges and a tangy-sweet glaze? This homemade version from Chelsea Lazkani (@chelsealazkani) brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen—with less grease and way more citrus love.
Fresh orange juice gives the sauce its bright, natural zing, while a double-layered approach (marinade + batter) ensures every bite of chicken is juicy inside and crispy outside. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping to flex all week, this dish proves that homemade can be better than takeout.
Ingredients List
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ beaten egg
For the Orange Sauce:
- Juice from 4 large oranges (or 10 oz orange juice, no pulp)
- 1⅓ tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
For the Batter:
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 5 tbsp water
- ½ beaten egg
- 1 tsp oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Cut chicken into small, even-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine chicken with salt, cornstarch, water, and egg.
- Mix well and set aside to marinate while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, water, egg, and oil until smooth.
- Add marinated chicken pieces to the batter and coat thoroughly.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry battered chicken in small batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Prepare the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, salt, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a glaze.
5. Toss and Serve
- Add the fried chicken to the pan of sauce.
- Toss until fully coated and glossy.
- Garnish with orange zest or orange slices.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or veggies.
Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Juice Matters: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor—but bottled, pulp-free works too.
- Double Fry for Crispier Chicken: Let chicken rest after the first fry, then fry again for extra crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keep sauce and chicken separate when storing, then toss and heat when ready to eat.
- Pair It With: Steamed broccoli, fried rice, or pickled cucumbers for balance.
About the Creator
This recipe is brought to you by Chelsea Lazkani, known as @chelsealazkani. Chelsea blends her passion for bold flavors and accessible cooking to reimagine takeout favorites with a soulful, home-cooked spin.
Follow her kitchen creations at @chelsealazkani
Chelsea Lazkani | @chelsealazkani