The Korean Fried Chicken at Cheesecake Factory is a favorite among customers. It features crispy chicken tossed in spicy Korean BBQ sauce. The dish is served over steamed rice and topped with creamy avocado, tangy kimchi, earthy mushrooms, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Fans rave about the bold taste and satisfying crunch that make each bite a delight. However, it contains common allergens, including gluten, eggs, soy, sesame, and wheat. Overall, this dish showcases the restaurant’s dedication to delicious food and a warm atmosphere.
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Tools You’ll Need
• Deep fryer or large pot for frying
• Wire rack and paper towels
• Tongs
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
Ingredients for Korean Fried Chicken
For the Chicken Marinade
• 2 lbs chicken wings or boneless thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp rice wine or mirin
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp garlic paste
For the Batter & Coating
• 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
For the Korean Sauce
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp ketchup (optional for added tang)
Cooking Time ⏱️
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including marinating)
How to Make Korean Fried Chicken Cheesecake Factory Style
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Rinse and pat dry your chicken pieces.
• Toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, rice wine, ginger, and garlic.
• Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• In a large bowl, mix potato starch, flour, and baking powder.
• Add cold water gradually until you get a pancake batter-like consistency.
• Dip marinated chicken into the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
• Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry chicken pieces in batches for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden.
• Remove and rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
• Return chicken to hot oil and fry again for 2–3 minutes until deep golden brown and super crispy.
Step 4: Make the Korean Sauce
• In a small saucepan, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy.
• Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
• Place crispy chicken in a large bowl.
• Pour warm sauce over and toss quickly to coat.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
• Serve hot with pickled radish or steamed rice.

The Magic of Korean Fried Chicken
What makes Korean Fried Chicken stand out is its double-frying method that creates an unbeatable crispy crust without drying out the meat. Then comes the sauce—sticky, bold, and beautifully balanced. The combination of textures and flavors turns a simple fried chicken into a mouthwatering, unforgettable dish. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or love crispy comfort, this dish satisfies every craving.
Tips for the Best Korean Fried Chicken
🍗 Double Fry for Extra Crunch – This is the secret to staying crispy even after saucing
🍗 Use Cornstarch – It creates a lighter, crispier coating than flour
🍗 Keep Oil Temperature Consistent – Helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy
🍗 Rest Between Fries – Letting the chicken sit before the second fry enhances texture
🍗 Toss While Hot – Sauce adheres best to freshly fried chicken
Why You’ll Love Korean Fried Chicken
🔥 Flavor Explosion – Spicy, sweet, salty, tangy – it’s got it all
🔥 Crunch Like No Other – That double-fried texture is addictively crispy
🔥 Totally Customizable – Mild or hot, you control the heat
🔥 Great for Any Occasion – Party platter, weeknight dinner, or solo treat
🔥 Just Like the Restaurants – Bring that Korean street food vibe home
Serving Suggestions
- With Pickled Radish – A Korean classic for balancing the richness
- Over Steamed Rice – Turns it into a complete meal
- With Beer or Soju – It’s the ultimate pub-style pairing
- On a Party Platter – Pair with fries, slaw, or dumplings
- With Kimchi – Adds a tangy, fermented kick
Variations and Add-Ins
1. Sweet Soy Version
Skip the gochujang and use more soy sauce and honey for a milder option
2. Extra Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze for more heat
3. Honey Butter Glaze
Melt honey and butter together for a rich, sweet twist
4. Boneless Option
Use bite-sized chicken thighs or tenders for easier eating
5. Air Fryer Version
Fry chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
Storing and Reheating Korean Fried Chicken
To Store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
To Reheat:
Re-crisp in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or use an air fryer
Avoid Microwaving:
Microwaving makes the crust soggy, so it’s not recommended
Korean Fried Chicken Cheesecake Factory Allergens:
The Korean Fried Chicken at Cheesecake Factory contains several common allergens. Here’s a breakdown of the key allergens to be aware of:
- Gluten: Present in the crispy chicken coating and possibly the Korean BBQ sauce, making this dish unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.
- Eggs: Eggs are often used in the batter or coating process to achieve a crispy texture, so this dish contains eggs.
- Wheat: Since wheat is a common ingredient in the coating and sauce, it’s important for those with wheat allergies to avoid this dish.
- Soy: The Korean BBQ sauce used for tossing the chicken typically contains soy sauce, which is a major allergen for some.
- Sesame: Sesame seeds and potentially sesame oil in the BBQ sauce are used for added flavor, which may trigger allergies in those sensitive to sesame.
Note: If you have specific dietary concerns, it’s recommended to confirm with the restaurant staff as ingredients or preparations may vary.
Korean Fried Chicken Cheesecake Factory Nutrition:
Energy Content: 1810 Cal, 7575 Joule
Nutrients | Per Portion |
Protein | 51g |
Sugar | 66g |
Saturated Fat | 13g |
Trans Fat | 1.5g |
Fat | 72g |
Carbohydrates | 239g |
Cholesterol | 80mg |
Sodium | 3930mg |
Fiber | 12g |
FAQs:
How many calories are in Korean fried chicken at Cheesecake Factory?
The Korean Fried Chicken at Cheesecake Factory contains approximately 1,810 calories per portion.
Why does Korean fried chicken taste so good?
It has a crispy coating and flavorful spicy BBQ sauce, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
How is Korean fried chicken different from normal fried chicken?
Korean fried chicken is double-fried for extra crunch and has a thin, light skin, while regular fried chicken is usually thicker and batter-coated.
Why is Korean fried chicken not greasy?
Double-frying at high temperatures removes excess oil, keeping it crispy and less greasy.
Korean Fried Chicken is an unbeatable combination of bold flavor and crispy texture. With its addictive sweet-spicy glaze and that unforgettable crunch, this dish is perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re already a fan, one bite and you’ll understand why Korean Fried Chicken has taken the world by storm.
Korean Fried Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken wings or boneless thighs cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin optional
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for deep frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish (Optional):
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- ✅ In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rice wine. Let sit for 30 minutes if time allows.
- ✅ In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Dredge chicken pieces until fully coated.
- ✅ Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- ✅ Refry chicken at 375°F (190°C) for another 2–3 minutes until ultra crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- ✅ Meanwhile, combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- ✅ Toss fried chicken in the warm sauce until well coated.
- ✅ Transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot!
Notes
- Double frying is the secret to that irresistible Korean-style crunch.
- You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing gochujang.
- Try it with pickled radish and cold beer for a classic Korean touch.