Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange chicken is a popular and flavorful dish that has become a favorite at the Cheesecake Factory.

With its crispy chunks of tender chicken smothered in a tangy, zesty orange sauce, it’s no wonder that fans of this dish want to recreate it in their kitchens.

This Cheesecake Factory copycat recipe allows you to do just that, and it’s easier than you might think.

To achieve the texture and taste that Cheesecake Factory is known for, you’ll need to gather ingredients such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts, eggs, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger.

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken

Ingredients List

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

Orange Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.

Dredge the chicken cubes in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan on medium-high heat.

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Create the orange sauce

Combine the water, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, and soy sauce in a separate saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering orange sauce.

Add the garlic powder and whisk until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and coat

Once the sauce has thickened, gently fold the fried chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

Serve your Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken immediately, and enjoy the tender, flavorful dish with your favorite sides.

Side Dishes For Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken

When enjoying Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken at home, selecting the perfect side dishes is important.

Here is a list of the main side dishes that can be served with Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken:

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables are an excellent choice for a side dish, as they provide a healthy and vibrant contrast to the rich orange sauce.

Choose a variety of colorful veggies, such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas, and simply steam them until tender.

This side dish will add a refreshing crunch and essential nutrients to your meal.

Brown Rice

Brown rice can be a nutritious and filling alternative to white rice.

Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it a great companion for the sweet and spicy orange chicken.

To prepare, cook brown rice according to the package instructions and serve as a fluffy bed for the orange chicken, soaking up the delicious sauce.

Remember to select one or more of these side dishes when preparing your Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken at home.

Your taste buds will thank you for the well-rounded meal with delicious and complementary flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making the Orange Chicken Cheesecake Factory recipe, you might not have all the ingredients or look for alternatives to suit your taste.

Below is a list of suitable substitutes for various ingredients in the recipe.

Tangerine Juice or Grapefruit Juice

If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute tangerine juice or grapefruit juice.

Both options will still give your dish a citrusy flavor while providing a slightly different taste profile.

Lemon Juice

Try lime juice or a small amount of white vinegar to substitute lemon juice.

Both options will give a similar acidic and sour taste to your dish.

How To Store Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken

Storing your Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken properly will ensure that it maintains its quality and taste.

Here are a few methods to store your homemade meal.

Refrigerating

Once your Orange Chicken has cooled down, place it in an airtight container or ziplock bag with as little air as possible.

Separate the chicken from any leftover rice or vegetables to preserve their texture.

Refrigerate your chicken for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or stovetop until heated.

Freezing

If you plan to store your Orange Chicken long-term, freezing is a great option.

Again, place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe ziplock bag, removing any excess air.

Freeze your chicken for up to 2-3 months.

To defrost, move the container or bag from the freezer to the refrigerator and leave it there for 24 hours or overnight.

Once thawed, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot.

Follow these storage tips, and your Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken will be kept fresh and ready for your next meal.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken.

Overcooking the Chicken

One of the most common mistakes when preparing Factory Orange Chicken is overcooking the chicken.

Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform 1½ inch cubes and monitor the cooking time.

Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry, affecting this popular dish’s overall texture and taste.

Incorrect Sauce Consistency

The right sauce consistency is crucial for the proper balance of flavors in Factory Orange Chicken.

The sauce should be thick and creamy, which can be achieved by using a mixture of cornstarch and water as a thickening agent.

It is important not to add too much or too little of this mixture, as the former can cause a pasty texture, while the latter will result in a watery sauce.

Unbalanced Flavors in the Sauce

The sauce for Factory Orange Chicken should have a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Ensure that you use the correct amounts of each ingredient – freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), and freshly ground black pepper – to create a harmoniously flavored sauce.