Copycat Recipes That Are Better Than the Originals

When you serve this crispy chicken sandwich with a side of waffle fries, no one will believe this meal isn't takeout. The secret to the just-like-Chick-fil-A tender results? A pickle juice brine. You can skip the condiments and toppings, too; a toasted bun and a few pickle slices are all you need to complete one of our most popular copycat recipes.

With this Panera copycat recipe in your collection, you'll be able to enjoy this chili any time, whether or not the soup is in season at stores. And let us assure you, it's so good you'll want to make it year-round! There's just something about the combination of veggies, turkey, beans, and spices in a tomato-y broth that brings us comfort no matter the weather.

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Go ahead, give it a twirl. Thanks to Culinary Hill, you can whip up this delicious copycat restaurant recipe faster than you could order it from Noodles & Company. You're just 15 minutes away from enjoying this yummy noodle bowl, loaded with pesto and Parmesan cheese, of course. 

Related: 21 Quick and Easy Pesto Recipes

On your quest for copycat recipes from restaurants, we know you're looking for this. Your favorite showstopping pasta sauce is here! Cupcake Diaries created a recipe for legendary Alfredo. With this creamy Olive Garden copycat recipe, pasta night just got a whole lot better. Unlimited salad and warm breadsticks are up to you.

The secret to these extra juicy burgers? Form the patties into a ball, then smash them down in the pan as they cook. Finish with your favorite burger toppings, and this Smashburger copycat recipe is ready to serve (with plenty of ketchup and mustard, naturally).

Starbucks copycat recipes move beyond the sippable variety with these easy egg bites. By going the DIY route, you can customize with your favorite mix-ins (we’re fond of bacon, spinach, red peppers, and Gruyère). Make a big batch and store them in your fridge for up to three days for an affordable, quick, and healthy grab-and-go breakfast.

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Step aside, Little Debbie. Our list of copycat recipes includes a recipe for oatmeal cream pies that will knock your socks off. The use of fresh vanilla bean in the cookies themselves makes the cookie sandwiches truly special. This is one item you can cross off your grocery list forever.

This delicious grilled chicken glazed with lemon and rosemary is even better than its counterpart at Johnny Carino's. It’s Italian decadence at its best! Created by Cupcake Diaries, this copycat restaurant recipe is perfect with a side of angel hair pasta tossed with spinach and tomatoes.

Guests will be clamoring for this creamy queso, so go ahead and make a double batch! (No sweat if you don’t think to do so before the party. A new batch can be yours in just 10 minutes.) This copycat recipe of Chili's skillet queso from Cupcake Diaries is the perfect choice for a party appetizer. Serve with a big basket of tortilla chips to complete the experience.

We'll never say no to dessert, and these DIY candy bars are one of our favorite ways to indulge. A decadent milk chocolate ganache covers toasted almonds and a coconut filling. These homemade bars might just be even better than the real thing.

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Like spuds? Then you’ll definitely want to spoon this zuppa toscana copycat recipe that tastes a lot like Olive Garden’s hearty soup. To make it creamier and even more like the restaurant version, puree the beans before adding them into the stock pot.

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Who knew you could make this decadent chicken dinner in your own kitchen? Culinary Hill has topped Outback Steakhouse's recipe for this yummy grilled chicken covered in honey mustard sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and bacon. Pile the chicken dinner, one of our best copycat recipes, on a bed of rice, quinoa, pasta, or leafy greens.

Forget dining out. With this copycat recipe of Johnny Carino's bow tie festival, you'll be begging for any excuse to eat in. This recipe from Cupcake Diaries perfectly captures the creamy sauce and smoky bacon that make this chicken pasta dish a crowd-pleaser.

This Panera copycat recipe is remarkably similar to a combo of the chain’s Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt mashed-up with the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT. And even though it includes ranch, cheese, and bacon, each healthy sandwich clocks in at right around 400 calories.

I scream, you scream...turn plain ice cream into a nostalgic treat similar to Dairy Queen's legendary crunch coat. All you need to create one of the best copycat recipes for dessert: a quick dip in crushed praline pecans and colorful sprinkles.

Why wait for next PSL season (or in the coffee shop line) when you can try this Starbucks copycat recipe any time you like? Sweetened with seasonal maple syrup and made with real canned pumpkin, this might just be fall’s coziest drink. Make it completely dairy-free with unsweetened almond milk and vegan whipped cream (or aquafaba meringue!).

Similar to one of the unlimited offerings in the soup, salad, and breadsticks deal, this Olive Garden copycat recipe can now be yours all from the comfort of your pj's. A splash of red wine and a few strips of bacon add cooked-all-day flavor to the 40-minute recipe. Beans, tomatoes, pasta, and fresh basil round out each restaurant-like bowl of goodness.