35 Copycat Chicken Recipes to Try at Home (2024)

Table of Contents
Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Caesar Salad with Chicken Inspired by: Boston Market Rotisserie Chicken Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Inspired by: Chili's Honey-Chipotle Chicken Wings Inspired by: Maggiano's Little Italy Chicken Piccata Inspired by: Benihana Hibachi Chicken Rice Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken Inspired by: P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps Inspired by: Chipotle Chicken Soft Tacos Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings Inspired by: P.F. Chang's Sesame Chicken Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana Inspired by: Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken Inspired by: Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken Inspired by: Boston Market Chicken Potpie Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Da Vinci Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Grilled BBQ Chicken Inspired by: McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Chicken Enchiladas Inspired by: Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Inspired by: Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Thai Chicken Pizza Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Wings Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup Inspired by: Chipotle Chicken Salad Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n’ Dumplins Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen California Club Pizza FAQs

Home Recipes Ingredients Chicken

35 Copycat Chicken Recipes to Try at Home (1)Katie BandurskiUpdated: Feb. 15, 2024

    We found copycat chicken recipes for all of your favorite restaurant dishes. Enjoy meals inspired by Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, The Cheesecake Factory and more.

    1/33

    I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here’s the delicious result! It’s wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California

    Get Our Recipe for Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Poultry lovers, make sure you check out our guide to cooking cuts of chicken, too.

    2/33

    Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken

    We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

    Get Our Recipe for Crispy Orange Chicken

    3/33

    Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Caesar Salad with Chicken

    This zesty dish is a success. After tasting the salad at a friend’s going-away party, I made sure to request the recipe. Now I fix it for my husband just about every week. It’s great with a potato or pasta side dish and chunks of crusty bread. —Kim Blanda, Neptune, New Jersey

    Get Our Recipe for Quick Chicken Caesar Salad

    4/33

    Inspired by: Boston Market Rotisserie Chicken

    This Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family’s favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan

    Get Our Recipe for Country Roasted Chicken

    Find more tasty roast chicken ideas.

    5/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich

    I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska

    This year we’ve been making our favorite menu items at home—and now you can, too! These are the best copycat recipes of 2021.

    6/33

    Inspired by: Chili's Honey-Chipotle Chicken Wings

    This honey chicken wings recipe was given to me by a special lady who was like a grandmother to me. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario

    Get Our Recipe for Sticky Honey Chicken Wings

    7/33

    Inspired by: Maggiano's Little Italy Chicken Piccata

    Once you’ve tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won’t hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California

    Get Our Recipe for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

    8/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Benihana Hibachi Chicken Rice

    This easy fried rice recipe really captures the flavor of fried rice served in restaurants. Use leftover chicken for a satisfying meal that’s easy to put together. —Lori Schweer, Mapleton, Minnesota

    9/33

    Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken

    As a child, my grandmother taught me how to make this chicken-fried steak. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are bigger, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York

    By the way, here’s how to make the best fried chicken.

    10/33

    Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken

    There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it’s easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California

    Get Our Recipe for Cashew Chicken with Ginger

    11/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps

    This is one of my go-to meals when I want a fun dinner. I love the spicy Asian flavors against the cool lettuce and the added crunch of peanuts and water chestnuts. —Brittany Allyn, Nashville, Tennessee

    Get Our Recipe for Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    12/33

    Inspired by: Chipotle Chicken Soft Tacos

    Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

    Get Our Recipe for Lime Chicken Tacos

    For more, check out our favorite Mexican chicken recipes.

    13/33

    Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings

    These lemon-pepper wings are perfect for game day. Try these out if you’ve been stuck in a chicken wing rut. Add grated lemon zest to the butter mixture if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Fried Lemon-Pepper Wings

    14/33

    Inspired by: P.F. Chang's Sesame Chicken

    Your family will love the flavorful sauce in this Instant Pot sesame chicken. And you’ll love how quick and easy it is for a weeknight dinner! If you serve gluten-free meals, use tamari instead of soy sauce. — Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland

    Get Our Recipe for Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

    15/33

    Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana

    Spaghetti sauce mix is the secret to the flavorful breading in this chicken parmigiana recipe. Just top juicy chicken breast recipe with prepared sauce and mozzarella cheese. —Trisha Lange, Appleton, Wisconsin

    Get Our Recipe for Baked Chicken Parmigiana

    16/33

    Inspired by: Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

    My family loves the kung pao chicken from our favorite Chinese restaurant. But in less time than it takes for the delivery guy to arrive, we can be digging into a steaming platter of this copycat recipe! —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

    Get Our Recipe for Kung Pao Chicken

    17/33

    Inspired by: Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken

    A wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California

    Get Our Recipe for Grilled Lime Chicken

    We love these other grilled chicken recipes, too.

    18/33

    Inspired by: Boston Market Chicken Potpie

    Why look for potpie in the frozen food aisle when this easy version tastes much better? The chicken pot pie’s crust is so tender and flaky, and underneath you’ll find the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults. —Amy Briggs, Gove, Kansas

    Get Our Recipe for Homemade Chicken Potpie

    19/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Da Vinci

    I fell in love with this dish at the restaurant and experimented until I could duplicate it at home. What’s so nice is that the sauce can be made ahead and be refrigerated or frozen. Now you can have a delicious copycat Cheesecake Factory pasta da Vinci on a weeknight. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

    Get Our Recipe for Copycat Pasta Da Vinci

    20/33

    Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Grilled BBQ Chicken

    What better place to find a fantastic barbecue chicken than Texas, and that’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We’ve served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia

    Get Our Recipe for Favorite Barbecued Chicken Recipe

    21/33

    Inspired by: McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets

    I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

    Get Our Recipe for Chicken Nuggets

    22/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Chicken Enchiladas

    Leftover chicken gets an awesome makeover in this rich and creamy casserole. This colorful dish is loaded with flavor. It’s a nice change of pace from beef enchiladas. —Julie Moutray, Wichita, Kansas

    Get Our Recipe for Zippy Chicken Enchiladas

    If you’re looking for more recipes from The Cheesecake Factory, here’s our favorite copycat chicken piccata recipe.

    23/33

    Inspired by: Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken

    We love how the snappy veggies and pineapple make this stir-fry taste fresh and bright. Add brown sugar and you get a sweet-and-sour dish that’s packed with flavor. —DeEtta Rasmussen, Fort Madison, Iowa

    Get Our Recipe for Chicken and Pineapple Stir-Fry

    24/33

    Inspired by: Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

    Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington

    25/33

    This sweet and sour chicken dish is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Pre-cooked, frozen popcorn chicken simmered in a thick, homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the secret to this fast and fabulous recipe. And what a great way to dress up frozen chicken nuggets! —Amy Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan

    Get Our Recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Popcorn Chicken

    26/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo

    As a cattle rancher, my husband’s a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, “I love this casserole!” I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I’m asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana

    Get Our Recipe for Four-Cheese Chicken Fettuccine

    27/33

    Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Thai Chicken Pizza

    Contributor Gigi Miller, from Stoughton, Wisconsin, provided a fabulous recipe for sweet and saucy chicken thighs that she serves with rice. We took it a step further, and used the chicken and sauce to make this restaurant-inspired Thai pizza. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

    Get Our Recipe for Saucy Thai Chicken Pizzas

    28/33

    Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Wings

    I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They’re an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba

    Get Our Recipe for Glazed Chicken Wings

    29/33

    Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup

    This quick and easy chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for a cold, wintry day. It is my favorite thing to eat when I’m not feeling well; it makes me feel so much better. —Lacy Waadt, Payson, Utah

    Get Our Recipe for 30-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup

    30/33

    Inspired by: Chipotle Chicken Salad

    We use this super duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping measure seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington

    Get Our Recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Salad

    31/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n’ Dumplins

    Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It’s the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York

    Get Our Recipe for Quick Chicken and Dumplings

    32/33

    Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips

    I came up with these crispy strips one night when I was looking for a fast new way to serve chicken. They also make delightful appetizers, especially when served with barbecue or sweet-and-sour sauce for dunking. —Crystal Sheckles-Gibson, Beespring, Kentucky

    Get Our Recipe for Easy Chicken Strips

    33/33

    Taste of Home

    Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen California Club Pizza

    Inspired by the California Club pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, I decided to whip up my own version. It’s loaded with tons of fresh veggies, so that means it has to be good for you, right? —Robert Pickart, Chicago, Illinois

    Get Our Recipe for California Chicken Club Pizza

    Originally Published: November 01, 2021

    35 Copycat Chicken Recipes to Try at Home (34)

    Katie Bandurski

    As Senior Shopping Editor, Katie connects Taste of Home readers with the best gifts, deals and home products on the market. An avid foodie and a holiday enthusiast, Katie is an expert at cultivating meaningful moments.When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and watching Christmas movies.

    35 Copycat Chicken Recipes to Try at Home (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the secret to cooking chicken? ›

    Chicken breasts must be at room temperature before going in the pan as cold chicken can cook unevenly and tends to be tough. Allow the chicken breast to sit out for 20 minutes. That should do the trick.

    What is the best cooking method for chicken? ›

    Braising is a great technique for when we want to cook cheaper or less tender cuts of meat, but it's also a wonderful way to cook chicken. Braised chicken is a warming, soulful dish, and the meat will almost fall off the bone.

    How to make chicken for dummies? ›

    Method
    1. Let chicken come to room temperature by sitting out 15-60 minutes depending on the size.
    2. Preheat oven to 400-425F.
    3. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
    4. Season chicken with salt (if not using a marinade or brine). ...
    5. Add a few glugs of olive oil to the skillet. ...
    6. Sear for 3-5 then transfer to oven.

    How do you make chicken taste different? ›

    Marinate them.

    If you're cooking chicken breasts without skin or fat, infuse them with some extra flavor and liquid to keep them tender. Choose your favorite marinade and throw them in a ziploc bag with the marinade. Marinate them overnight before grilling, baking, or searing. The difference is uncanny.

    What makes chicken taste the best? ›

    Here are the best ways to make chicken breast taste good, every time!
    1. Make sure your Chicken is Properly Defrosted Prior to Cooking. ...
    2. Buy a Meat Thermometer. ...
    3. Marinate, Marinate, Marinate! ...
    4. Buy High Quality, Pasture Raised Chicken.

    How to cook chicken breasts so they are tender and juicy? ›

    Heat up a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a touch of oil. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and make sure it sizzles. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

    Is it better to bake or pan fry chicken? ›

    While both baking and pan frying can give you tasty, juicy chicken, if you are in a hurry, it is better to pan fry it. Because baked chicken breast is easy to dry out, it needs time to brine or marinade before you cook it.

    What's the best way to cook chicken without drying it out? ›

    Make the chicken thinner

    Thinner breasts or cutlets are less likely to dry out, as they won't spend as much time in the pan. A simple option is to pound the chicken until it is 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet/pounder, heavy skillet or even a hammer. This is best done between parchment paper or plastic wrap.

    What is the general rule for cooking chicken? ›

    Baste the chicken during cooking, by spooning the juices over the bird. The general rule of thumb for cooking any large piece of meat is to cook it for 20 minutes for every 454g/1lb weight, in an oven pre-heated at 180oC/350oF/Gas Mark 4, and allow another 20 minutes for all juice to run clear.

    What to know before cooking chicken? ›

    Cook chicken by temperature, not time

    "Pulling the chicken from the heat when a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part will help you perfectly cook chicken every time," says Danielle Walker of Against All Grain, "and make sure you never dry it out."

    What is the easiest method of cooking poultry? ›

    ROASTING POULTRY. Roasting is a dry heat cooking technique in a closed environment. It is an easy technique that involves placing poultry in a roasting pan on a rack in a preheated oven. Select either whole poultry or poultry parts.

    What gives chicken the most flavor? ›

    Marinating is good for flavouring and tenderising your chicken at the same time. It's best to marinate your chicken overnight to give the flavours plenty of time to infuse. A faster way to add flavour is to simply brine your chicken in salty water prior to cooking.

    How do you increase the flavor of chicken? ›

    Spices: Garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and cumin add savoriness and flavor to the chicken. Spices like paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning add heat and smokiness to the chicken.

    What makes chicken juicy? ›

    A 15-minute marinade with one cup of yogurt and one teaspoon of salt makes for the most tender chicken breasts imaginable. It adds its own flavor, but it also allows for even more flavor to easily adhere to the chicken.

    How do chefs get chicken so tender? ›

    Low and slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or smoking are most effective when trying to create tender, succulent chicken.

    How do you make chicken soft and tender when cooking? ›

    Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture in the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook. The simplest way to do this is with a dry brine — unwrap the chicken breasts, salt them on both sides and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.

    How do you cook chicken so it is not tough? ›

    1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
    2. Heat the pan. ...
    3. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
    4. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
    5. Turn the heat down to low. ...
    6. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
    7. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. ...
    8. Remove lid and take temperature.

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