Irresistible Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken Recipes To Make At Home

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired dishes, you’ve probably heard of the Cheesecake Factory orange chicken. This popular dish has become a staple in many households, and for good reason. With its sweet and tangy flavor, crispy coating, and juicy chicken, it’s no wonder why this dish has become a favorite among many. In this article, we’ll share two delicious recipes for Cheesecake Factory orange chicken that you can easily make at home. So, let’s get started!

Recipe 1: Classic Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs and then coat in the cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and orange zest.
7. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water.
9. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
10. Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (4 servings):
Calories: 536
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 24g

Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Tips:

• For extra crispy chicken, double coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture.
• To make the sauce spicier, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce.
• Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.

Notes:

This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Cheesecake Factory orange chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Suggestions for modifications and variations to the recipe:

• Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
• Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli or snow peas for a more nutritious meal.
• Use honey instead of sugar for a healthier option.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a saucepan before serving.

Recipe 2: Healthier Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 egg whites, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, whole wheat flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg whites and then coat in the cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, honey, white vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, and orange zest.
7. Cook over medium heat until the honey has dissolved and the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water.
9. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
10. Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (4 servings):
Calories: 426
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 29g

Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use a non-stick skillet to cook the chicken without adding too much oil.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.

Notes:

This recipe is a healthier version of the classic Cheesecake Factory orange chicken, using whole wheat flour and honey instead of all-purpose flour and sugar.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the healthier Cheesecake Factory orange chicken over quinoa or brown rice and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced almonds.

Suggestions for modifications and variations to the recipe:

• Try using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
• Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for a more nutritious meal.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use almond flour instead of whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, you can use almond flour instead of whole wheat flour. It will make the coating slightly nuttier and higher in protein.

Q: Can I use orange marmalade instead of orange juice?
A: Yes, you can use orange marmalade instead of orange juice. Just reduce the amount of honey to balance the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the classic or the healthier version, both of these Cheesecake Factory orange chicken recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor. You can customize them to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, and they make for a great weeknight meal or impressive dinner party dish. So, go ahead and give them a try. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!