Restaurant Copycat Recipes
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl.
A Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that you can easily make at home. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
For the Chipotle Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Salt to taste
For the Black Beans:
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Corn Salsa:
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 small tomato, diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños
Sliced black olives
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Prepare the Corn Salsa:
In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Make the Guacamole:
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocados with a fork until desired consistency. Stir in the lime juice, diced red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Warm the Black Beans:
In a small saucepan, heat the black beans over medium heat until warmed through.
Assemble the Burrito Bowl:
In individual serving bowls or one large bowl, layer the rice, chipotle chicken, black beans, corn salsa, and guacamole. Add any optional toppings you desire, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or black olives.
Serve:
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl!
Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Kentucky Fried Chicken is known for its delicious and iconic fried chicken. While the exact KFC recipe is a closely guarded secret, I can provide you with a homemade fried chicken recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or a mix)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon celery salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder (optional)
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Wash the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Create the Buttermilk Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, celery salt (if using), and dried mustard powder (if using). Stir well to mix.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the buttermilk marinade. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavors.
Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish or large zip-top bag, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for the coating.
Coat the Chicken:
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before frying. This ensures more even cooking.
Heat the Oil:
In a large, deep skillet or a deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
Coat the Chicken in Flour Mixture:
Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken to form a good coating. Shake off any excess flour.
Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, a few at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown and crispy exterior.
Drain and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the KFC-style fried chicken hot and enjoy its crispy, flavorful goodness!
Applebee’s Honey Barbecue Riblets.
Applebee’s Honey Barbecue Riblets are a popular menu item known for their sweet and tangy flavor. While I don’t have the exact recipe used by Applebee, I can provide you with a delicious homemade version that comes close to replicating the flavors.
For the Riblets:
2 lbs (about 1 kg) pork riblets or baby back ribs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Barbecue Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Riblets:
If using whole racks of baby back ribs, cut them into individual riblets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush the riblets with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake the Riblets:
Place the seasoned riblets on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the riblets are tender and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat; it should slide in easily.
Prepare the Honey Barbecue Sauce:
While the riblets are baking, prepare the honey barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, honey, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Glaze the Riblets:
Once the riblets are cooked, remove them from the oven. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set it to broil. Brush the honey barbecue sauce generously over the riblets on both sides.
Grill or Broil the Riblets:
Place the sauced riblets on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice caramelized glaze. Alternatively, if broiling, place the sauced riblets on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes on each side until the sauce is bubbly and slightly charred.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the riblets from the grill or broiler, and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the Honey Barbecue Riblets with extra sauce on the side for dipping. They go great with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, cornbread, or seasoned fries.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake.
The McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is a seasonal mint-flavored milkshake that is typically available around St. Patrick’s Day. While the exact recipe used by McDonald’s is proprietary, you can make a delicious homemade version of the Shamrock Shake with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup whole milk (you can use reduced-fat milk for a lighter version)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for the signature green color)
Whipped cream, for topping
Green sprinkles or green sugar, for garnish (optional)
Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Chill the Glasses:
Before you begin making the shake, place the glasses or serving cups in the freezer to chill. This will help keep the shake cold and refreshing.
Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, peppermint extract, and green food coloring (if using). Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high speed until the ingredients are fully mixed and the shake is smooth and creamy.
Adjust Consistency:
If the shake is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more milk and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
Add Toppings:
Pour the Shamrock Shake into the chilled glasses. Top each shake with whipped cream. If you like, you can also add green sprinkles or green sugar for a festive touch. Finish it off with a maraschino cherry on top.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Shamrock Shake immediately while it’s still cold and creamy. Insert a straw and enjoy the minty, refreshing goodness of this homemade McDonald ‘s-inspired treat!
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are a beloved item on their menu. These cheesy, buttery biscuits are surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s a simple recipe to recreate these delicious biscuits.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder until well combined.
Cut in Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cheese and Buttermilk:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Gradually pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
Form Biscuits:
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should get around 10-12 biscuits depending on the size.
Bake:
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
Prepare Butter Topping:
While the biscuits are baking, prepare the butter topping. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Brush the Biscuits:
As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the tops with the prepared butter mixture while they are still warm. This will give them that signature flavor and sheen.
Garnish (optional):
If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the buttered biscuits for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serve the Cheddar Bay Biscuits while they are still warm and enjoy the cheesy, buttery goodness!
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Olive Garden’s Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy and comforting soup featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vegetables in a rich broth. Here’s a delicious homemade version of this popular soup.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half (or use half milk and half heavy cream)
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cooked potato gnocchi (you can find pre-cooked gnocchi in the pasta aisle)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken:
You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook chicken breasts specifically for this soup. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil until it’s fully cooked. Shred the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables become tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Broth and Thyme:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Chicken and Gnocchi:
Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked potato gnocchi. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken and gnocchi through.
Add Half-and-Half and Spinach:
Pour in the half-and-half (or the half-milk and half-heavy cream mixture). Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped spinach and cook for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
Season and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the chicken broth and gnocchi may already add some salt to the soup. Be cautious not to oversalt. Once you’re satisfied with the taste, remove the soup from the heat.
Serve:
Ladle the Chicken Gnocchi Soup into serving bowls. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top as a finishing touch.
Enjoy this delicious and creamy Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Gnocchi Soup with some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!
Panera Bread’s Macaroni.
Panera Bread’s Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy dish loved by many. While the exact recipe used by Panera Bread is proprietary, you can make a tasty homemade version that comes close to replicating the flavors. Here’s a delicious and straightforward recipe for Panera-style Macaroni and Cheese:
Ingredients:
8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or small shells of pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mild yellow cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the elbow macaroni or small shells of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan or pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the Milk:
Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to bubble.
Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese and mild yellow cheddar cheese to the sauce, reserving a small amount of the white cheddar for topping. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy goodness.
Optional Crunchy Topping:
If you like a crunchy topping, preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the reserved shredded white cheddar cheese over the top and add a layer of Panko breadcrumbs. Place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the dish from the oven (if you used the optional crunchy topping), and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious Panera-style Macaroni and Cheese while it’s warm and creamy!
This homemade version of Panera’s Macaroni and Cheese is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings! Feel free to adjust the cheese types or seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza.
California Pizza Kitchen’s BBQ Chicken Pizza is a popular menu item that combines the tangy flavors of barbecue sauce, tender chicken, melted cheese, and other delicious toppings. While I don’t have the exact CPK recipe, I can provide you with a homemade version that closely replicates the flavors of their famous BBQ Chicken Pizza.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
1 pound (about 450g) store-bought or homemade pizza dough
Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (typically 500°F or 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
Prepare the Chicken:
Cook the chicken if it’s not already cooked. You can grill, bake, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thin crust, roll it out thinner, and for a thicker crust, leave it slightly thicker.
Prepare the Pizza Toppings:
Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Next, scatter the shredded cooked chicken over the sauce.
Add Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda (or more mozzarella) over the chicken. Top with thinly sliced red onions.
Brush the Crust:
Brush the outer edges of the pizza crust with olive oil. This will help the crust brown and develop a nice crunch.
Bake the Pizza:
If you have a pizza peel, transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone in the oven. If not, you can bake it on a baking sheet or pizza pan. Bake the pizza for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Add Fresh Cilantro:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top.
Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice it into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza with all its flavors!
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.
Cracker Barrel is known for its comforting and homestyle dishes, and its meatloaf is no exception. While I don’t have the exact Cracker Barrel recipe, I can provide you with a delicious homemade version that comes close to replicating the flavors of their famous meatloaf.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, diced celery, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Use your hands to shape the mixture into a loaf shape, making sure it’s evenly packed and smooth on top.
Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.
Glaze the Meatloaf:
Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, coating it evenly.
Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). The glaze should be caramelized and the meatloaf should be cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or macaroni and cheese.
This homemade version of Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf will delight your taste buds with its savory flavors and tender texture. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a hearty family meal.
Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino.
Starbucks’ Caramel Frappuccino is a popular frozen coffee drink that combines coffee, milk, ice, and caramel syrup for a sweet and creamy treat. You can easily make a homemade version with this simple recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
1 cup milk (whole milk, skim milk, or any milk of your choice)
1/2 cup caramel syrup (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups ice cubes
Whipped cream, for topping
Additional caramel syrup, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions:
Brew the Coffee:
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee. You can use instant coffee, a coffee maker, or cold brew coffee. Allow the coffee to cool completely, then chill it in the refrigerator.
Make the Caramel Syrup:
If you don’t have store-bought caramel syrup, you can make a simple version at home. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Let it come to a boil and cook without stirring until the syrup turns a rich amber color. Remove from heat and slowly stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated, and then let the caramel syrup cool.
Blend the Frappuccino:
In a blender, add the chilled brewed coffee, milk, caramel syrup, and ice cubes. Blend on high speed until all the ingredients are well mixed and the drink has a smooth and creamy texture.
Adjust Sweetness:
Taste the Frappuccino and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more caramel syrup if you want it sweeter or more coffee if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor.
Serve the Caramel Frappuccino:
Pour the blended Caramel Frappuccino into serving glasses. Top each drink with a generous dollop of whipped cream and drizzle some additional caramel syrup over the whipped cream for extra caramel goodness.
Insert a straw into the Frappuccino and enjoy this delicious homemade Starbucks-inspired Caramel Frappuccino!
