10 Copycat Recipes That Taste Just Like the Originals

1. Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

If you’ve ever craved Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken sandwich but didn’t want to leave the house, this copycat recipe is for you. With its crispy breading and juicy chicken, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pickle juice
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp powdered sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Butter for toasting
  • Pickles for topping
• Instructions:
  1. Marinate the chicken in pickle juice for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together milk and egg. In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, powdered sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip the marinated chicken into the milk mixture, then coat it with the flour mixture.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  5. Toast the hamburger buns in the skillet with a bit of butter.
  6. Assemble your sandwich with the fried chicken and pickles. Enjoy!

2. Copycat Olive Garden Salad

One of the highlights of dining at Olive Garden is their famous salad, served with a tangy dressing and topped with olives, cheese, and croutons. This copycat version brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup Olive Garden dressing (or homemade Italian dressing)
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle the salad with Olive Garden dressing and toss to coat.
  3. Top with croutons and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately!

3. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

Fall is incomplete without a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. This homemade version captures all the flavors of the season without the wait in line.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1-2 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1-2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 shot espresso (or 1/2 cup strong coffee)
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • Additional pumpkin pie spice for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, combine milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat over medium heat until steaming.
  2. Using a whisk or frother, froth the mixture until it’s creamy and fluffy.
  3. In a coffee mug, pour the espresso (or coffee) and then add the frothed milk mixture.
  4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy your cozy drink!

4. Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

The Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Try this homemade version for a fun family dinner or a quick meal on the go.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 large tortilla
  • 1 small tortilla (for the center)
  • 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup nacho cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Lay the large tortilla flat and layer with ground beef, nacho cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
  3. Place the small tortilla in the center and fold the edges of the large tortilla over it to create a hexagon shape.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the Crunchwrap seam-side down. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
  5. Slice in half and serve immediately!

5. Copycat KFC Coleslaw

KFC’s coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. This copycat recipe is creamy, crunchy, and easy to make at home.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine chopped cabbage and grated carrot.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.

6. Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy, cheesy soup from Panera is a favorite during the colder months. Make it at home and serve it in a bread bowl for the full café experience.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

7. Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

This sweet and tangy dish is a staple at Panda Express. With this easy recipe, you can whip up your own batch of orange chicken in no time!

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • Oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture.
  2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened.
  4. Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce and serve hot over rice.

8. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

These cheesy, buttery biscuits are a must-have at Red Lobster. Now you can enjoy them fresh from your oven with this simple recipe!

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the cheddar cheese and milk until just combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the hot biscuits before serving.

9. Copycat Domino’s Pizza

Making your own pizza at home can be both fun and delicious! This copycat Domino’s pizza recipe allows you to customize your toppings just the way you like them.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Your choice of pizza sauce
  • Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, veggies, cheese, etc.)
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed until smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and place on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
  6. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, add your toppings, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

10. Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

The Big Mac is an iconic burger that many crave. With this easy copycat recipe, you can recreate the famous flavors right in your kitchen.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 sesame seed hamburger buns (1 top, 1 bottom, and 1 middle)
  • 1/4 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 2 slices American cheese
  • Pickles
  • Big Mac sauce (mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp French dressing, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, and 1 tsp vinegar)
• Instructions:
  1. Form the ground beef into thin patties and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the patties on a grill or skillet over medium heat until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
  3. Toast the middle bun lightly for added texture.
  4. Assemble the burger by placing a bottom bun down, followed by a patty, a slice of cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a generous spoonful of Big Mac sauce.
  5. Add the middle bun, another patty, more lettuce, pickles, sauce, and finally the top bun. Serve with fries!

Conclusion

Copycat recipes help to bring the beloved flavors of your favorite restaurants into your home kitchen. Whether you’re craving fried chicken, cheesy biscuits, or a classic burger, these recipes allow you to enjoy indulgent meals without the hassle of dining out. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and savor the deliciousness of homemade versions of your favorite dishes!