Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken is a popular dish at The Cheesecake Factory, a US casual dining company noted for its large menu and iconic cheesecakes.
The Honey Truffle Chicken recipe is a flavorful chicken meal made with tender, boneless chicken breast pieces coated in a honey truffle sauce and baked to perfection.
How to Make Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken
After trying this dish, I wanted to make it at home and pair it with the right sides to enhance the meal.
Through my culinary experimentation and taste tests, I found some delicious side dishes that go well with Honey Truffle Chicken, bringing freshness, crunch, and balance.
I’m excited to share my step-by-step directions for making Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken at home, along with some real-life side dishes that will impress your family and guests.
Let’s dive in and discover how to make this delicious chicken dish a memorable meal!
Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken Ingredients
For the Honey Truffle Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
How To Make Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Truffle Glaze
The key to the Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken’s irresistible flavor is the honey truffle glaze.
To make the glaze, whisk together honey, truffle oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet.
This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station
Set up a dredging station to coat the chicken. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drain off, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating to the chicken.
Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken breasts aside on a plate.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken with Honey Truffle Glaze
Once all the chicken breasts are fried and drained, place them on a serving platter.
Using a pastry brush, generously coat each chicken breast with the prepared honey truffle glaze, brushing it over the top and sides of the chicken.
The glaze will add a luscious sweetness and truffle aroma to the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
Honey Truffle Chicken Variations
Spicy Honey Truffle Chicken: For a little extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey truffle sauce.
Lemon Honey Truffle Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the honey truffle sauce for a tangy twist.
Honey Mustard Truffle Chicken: Replace the soy sauce in the honey truffle sauce with dijon mustard for a tangy, savory flavor.
Honey Garlic Truffle Chicken: Increase the amount of minced garlic in the marinade for a stronger garlic flavor.
Vegetarian Honey Truffle Tofu: Replace the chicken with firm tofu, sliced into thin strips, for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Honey Truffle Shrimp: Swap out the chicken for peeled and deveined shrimp for a seafood twist on the recipe.
How To Serve Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken
When it comes to choosing side dishes, I always look for options that balance out the rich and savory flavors of the chicken, while adding freshness and contrast to the meal.
Here are some ideas that have proven to be perfect accompaniments to the Honey Truffle Chicken:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Crispy chicken and creamy mashed potatoes are a fantastic match. Make garlic mashed potatoes or loaded mashed potatoes with cheese and bacon.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables caramelizes and deepen their taste, complementing the honey truffle sauce on the chicken. Roast carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers in olive oil, salt, and pepper until soft and crispy.
Garlic Green Beans: Fresh, crunchy green beans sautéed in garlic butter make an attractive side dish. After blanching the green beans in boiling water, sauté them in butter and garlic until soft.
Buttery Corn on the Cob: This classic side dish pairs well with the honey truffle chicken’s richness. To add flavor, boil or grill corn on the cob and spray it with melted butter and salt, and pepper.
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp lettuce, colorful veggie, and tangy dressing salad can cut the richness of the chicken. Choose romaine, mixed greens, or spinach, and add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a spicy vinaigrette.
Storing and Reheating Homemade Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken
Storage
After preparing the Honey Truffle Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Avoid keeping it in the refrigerator for too long, as the flavors may start to degrade.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat the Honey Truffle Chicken, there are a few options to choose from, depending on your preference:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until it is heated through.
- Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it with a microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat it in the microwave on low power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken Faq’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken thighs take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
Can I use regular oil instead of truffle oil?
While truffle oil adds a distinct earthy flavor to the dish, you can use regular oil if you don’t have truffle oil on hand.
Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Honey Truffle Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Truffle Glaze
- The key to the Cheesecake Factory Honey Truffle Chicken’s irresistible flavor is the honey truffle glaze.
- To make the glaze, whisk together honey, truffle oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Next, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet.
- This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station
- Set up a dredging station to coat the chicken. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drain off, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating to the chicken.
- Shake off any excess flour and set the coated chicken breasts aside on a plate.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken with Honey Truffle Glaze
- Once all the chicken breasts are fried and drained, place them on a serving platter.
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat each chicken breast with the prepared honey truffle glaze, brushing it over the top and sides of the chicken.
- The glaze will add a luscious sweetness and truffle aroma to the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
