29 Copycat Recipes That Are Now Our Go-To Instead Of Dining Out

Dining out used to feel like the break we needed, but that changed fast once we found a rhythm. Those 29 make-at-home classics hit the same cravings without leaving the house. It’s faster than sitting through a waitlist, and there’s always a second helping. The biggest fight now is over the leftovers.

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy bites coated in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce are what make Bang Bang Shrimp a favorite for many. It balances a crunch with a smooth, flavorful finish. This recipe gives you restaurant-quality results without stepping out of your kitchen. Perfect for a casual weekday meal or a dinner party centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet and tangy with a touch of crunch, Orange Chicken stands out for its bold combination of flavor and texture. It’s one of those dishes that instantly upgrades any meal. Recreating it at home brings that restaurant flair to your table without ordering takeout. Perfect for pairing with simple sides or serving solo.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layered ingredients wrapped snugly in a warm tortilla make Crunchwrap Supreme fun and easy to eat. It has a combination of textures that keep each bite interesting. Making it from scratch lets you customize it just right for your taste. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend snack.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Juicy patties paired with bold toppings are what make Korean Burgers a standout choice. The fusion of flavors turns a familiar dish into something exciting. Homemade versions give you control over the flavors and create a more personal touch. Enjoy them as a fresh take on comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

With its rich, tasty flavor, General Tso’s Chicken packs a punch in every bite. The texture is just right with a balance of crunch and a flavorful sauce coating. It’s a restaurant-style dish that feels just as rewarding when made at home. Pair it with sides like rice or vegetables to make a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Sweet and Sour Pork

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The mix of tangy and rich flavors in Sweet and Sour Pork makes it a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of meals. You get a balance that’s hard to achieve in other dishes. It’s a combo of textures that adds something extra to every bite. No need for takeout when you can make this staple at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you like wings with bold spices, Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings offers just that. Their dry seasoning blend gives them a kick without being overwhelming. You’ll appreciate the tenderness paired with that flavorful coating. Perfect for gatherings without fussing over restaurant prices.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fans of warm, soft breads will find Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits irresistible. They’re packed with flavor, especially that hint of cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s surprising how quickly they come together compared to driving to a restaurant. Snag a few and your table feels special without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For something quick and hearty, Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry comes through with a depth of flavors and a mix of textures. This one’s great for busy nights when everyone wants something filling. You don’t have to head out or wait to get that rewarding mix of chicken and sauce. It’s a reliable option for homemade comfort.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Cheese Quesadilla

A person lifts a cheesy quesadilla slice from a wooden board. Nearby are bowls of guacamole and salsa on a light-colored table.
Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Keeping it simple but worthwhile is easy with Cheese Quesadilla, a family favorite. Just the right amount of melted cheese paired with its crispy counterpart. What makes it stand out is how effortlessly you can whip one up while keeping flavors intact. A homemade version beats waiting in line every time.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Dubai Chocolate

Close-up of sliced dessert bars with layers of chocolate, crumbly filling, and green topping, garnished with chopped pistachios.
Dubai Chocolate. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This dessert brings out everything you love about chocolate in a way that feels indulgent yet simple. Dubai Chocolate replicates the unique flavor of a high-end treat you’d grab at a luxury café. It’s creamy, balanced, and perfect for any time you need something sweet. Skipping the fancy shop for this feels like an upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With a little heat and crunch, Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites bring excitement to snack time. Beyond their crispy exterior, these bites hold well-packed flavor in every morsel. They’re fun to make and don’t feel heavy. Great for game days or movie nights without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Sushi Rice

A bowl of steamed white rice topped with sliced green onions and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Sushi Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Homemade dishes like Sushi Rice give you all the control without sacrificing quality. This staple serves as a base to enhance your sushi experience right at home. Once you’ve nailed it, you can skip takeout. Its precise texture is key, making sushi-making approachable even for beginners.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Rice

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those skipping the bun, Copycat Big Mac Salad gets you all the flavors in a bowl. The layered ingredients come together like the classic burger but without bread. It’s packed with flavor and feels like an easy alternative to the real thing. Great when you want something filling but lighter.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Raising Cane Tenders

A breaded and golden-brown fried chicken tender being dipped into a white sauce in a bowl, with more chicken tenders in the background.
Raising Cane Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style chicken strips at home, this one nails it perfectly. Raising Cane Tenders are crispy, perfectly sized, and full of flavor that feels professional. They’re paired with an unforgettable dipping sauce most people can’t stop talking about.
Get the Recipe: Raising Cane Tenders

Biscoff Ice Cream

Scoops of ice cream with chunks of cookie and a whole cookie piece placed on top in a glass bowl.
Biscoff Ice Cream. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This creamy dessert hits that perfect mix of sweetness and bold flavor you’ll probably recognize at first bite. Biscoff Ice Cream delivers a texture so smooth it feels homemade in the best way. It’s a blend of cookie-inspired flavor with an ice cream base you’ll want again and again.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Ice Cream

Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken in a pan, featuring carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic noodles meet the kind of stir-fry flavors you usually only get from your favorite takeout. Chicken Chow Mein locks in all the textures, from juicy pieces to the perfect chew of noodles. It’s light yet filling and has that flavorful taste people order again and again.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth.
Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This dish flips the regular fried rice into something packed and full of variety without always relying on meat. Tofu Fried Rice balances hearty pieces with flavors you’ll instantly recognize from restaurant takeout boxes. Easy but always a crowd hit.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smoky and tender, this option copies those grill items we always seem to go back for when eating out. Chipotle Grilled Chicken makes it possible to skip the restaurant and dive right into the bold yet simple flavor at home. It’s surprisingly easy and just as flavorful when done with care.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When fast-food cravings hit, this recipe blends two well-loved items into one creative package. Big Mac Crunchwrap combines layers of burger flavor with the crunch wrap style we see at taco chains. You get tender bites and crispy edges in every grab—you control the portions better when making these yourself.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Mexican Rice

A close-up of cooked Mexican rice with a wooden spoon, garnished with chopped parsley.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The aroma from this recipe is enough to remind you of plates stacked at local restaurants. Mexican Rice brings forward fluffy grains coated in unmistakable spices that everyone loves as a side. It pairs perfectly with almost anything or works alone when you want something on its own.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These replicate the soul-warming side dish that pairs perfectly with bowls or tacos. Copycat Chipotle Black Beans carry the same tender bite and earthy depth as what you’d grab in-store. They’re simple but have a way of complementing almost any homemade meal with ease.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This combines traditional flavors with a kick of heat that stays balanced but bold. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta mixes creamy texture with tender pieces you’ll find incredibly familiar. It’s the kind of dish you’d typically order out, except this homemade option adds even more control over the spice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Enjoy these delectable cookies topped with white frosting, chocolate chips, and small cookie dough pieces—a perfect Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie recipe.
Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft bites filled with flavor make Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe hard to resist no matter the occasion. Replicating it at home delivers that bakery feel right to your kitchen. It’s about making a treat that feels premium but without the bakery trip. Perfect for parties or enjoying alone.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Chicken Fried Rice

Close-up of chicken fried rice with peas, carrots, sliced green onions, and chopsticks.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick, filling, and with a homemade touch, Chicken Fried Rice lets you skip takeout but keep all the goodness. The balance between protein and rice makes it hearty and convenient. Creating this at home means it’s ready whenever you need a quick dinner solution. Great paired with a variety of sides or enjoyed solo.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Mushroom Pizza

Close-up of a pizza topped with arugula, mushrooms, cheese, and herbs on a parchment paper.
Mushroom Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Earthy flavors combined with a crispy base make Mushroom Pizza a wholesome, easy-to-recreate choice for any occasion. Making it fresh lets you experiment with how it tastes. This keeps it interesting and a great alternative to ordering out. An ideal choice for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crispy outside, juicy inside—Homemade KFC Zinger Burger is all about recreating that fast-food favorite right in your kitchen. It’s bold but easy to manage when making it from scratch. Putting this dish together feels freshly indulgent without the wait. Perfect for an easy lunch or a tasty dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light and fresh with a balance of sweetness, Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa adds a pop of flavor to any dish effortlessly. Making it yourself keeps it customizable for your needs. Preparing it fresh means it’s ready for wraps, bowls, or as a side. A simple addition to make meals feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized chicken perfection defines Chick-fil-A Nuggets, making them hard to resist, no matter how you serve them. Recreating them at home means a fresh batch whenever you want them. The crispiness and flavor work well for both meals and snacks. Easy to share or enjoy as a treat just for you.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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