Everyone loves chicken, so this is the perfect way to recreate the favorites in your own kitchen. I don't like the word copycat…maybe we can use a trendy word like "hack"!
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When putting this list together, we've placed the emphasis on simplicity. In other words, we want you to be able to easily recreate your fast-food favorites at home. No leaving the house required!
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1) Chick-fil-A Copycat Chicken Sandwich
This recipe is very basic and simple to make. There are very few ingredients, but the amounts are not listed, so people could easily add too much of something. The chicken is fried in oil, so you need to be very careful when using the oil.
I would add some fresh lettuce and tomatoes to add color and make it look more appealing. A good alternative would be a fish fillet. Or, to make it healthier, you could use an air fryer.
2) KFC Original Recipe Fried Chicken
The ingredients are very simple here and widely available. I like the use of different cuts of chicken, so this adds variety. I would serve this with some corn on the cob and zesty coleslaw.
Make sure the chicken is properly cooked right through to the center. For health-conscious people, an option to use an air fryer would be great.
3) Panda Express Orange Chicken
This looks like a large portion; it's attractive as it has been garnished with orange zest and green onions, which add color. The method is fairly clear, but there are no exact amounts. I would add some vegetables like sugar snap peas and maybe pineapple chunks to the sauce.
A healthy, protein-rich alternative would be tofu.
4) Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
This is an easy recipe with just a few ingredients. It looks very beige in the photo, so I would serve it with bright veg such as corn on the cob, mangetout, or tomato salsa. Caution is required with the cooking times, as it will depend on the thickness of the tenders.
This recipe would work really well with halloumi cheese, mushrooms, or fish.
5) Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich
The ingredients are simple, and the method is easy. I would consider adding lettuce and a vibrant salsa to this. You could use fish or tofu, or halloumi cheese instead.
Sweet potato fries would be a good nutritious alternative to the chips.
6) Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings
This is so easy and a great cheat by using a bottle of sauce. The dips too are ready made, shop bought, so the only cooking is the chicken pieces. Great suggestion about keeping it mild and having chilli on the side.
A simple garden salad would pair nicely with this, or some smoky BBQ beans.
7) Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken
This looks like a nice crunchy chicken coating. It looks too big for the plate, though! I would serve this with a creamy mash and gravy.
Caution is needed when cooking the chicken, as it has the bone in and can take longer time to cook without burning the coating.
8) Chili’s Crispy Chicken Crispers
A simple take on a familiar recipe. Easily prepared with a few store cupboard ingredients. I would serve this with sweet potato wedges and a spicy coleslaw.
9) Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana
This one would look even better if presented neatly and nicely garnished with some fresh basil. If you're not a fan of greasy chicken, you could cook it in an air fryer instead. I would serve this with a baked potato and salad.
An alternative could be to use prawns, as these would go well with the spaghetti.
10) Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken
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A nice, simple recipe, quick to make. I like the lime element, so I would keep the Mexican vibe going and serve this in a taco shell or on a tortilla. I would add a zingy salsa on top.
A nice garnish of fresh lime and shredded basil or coriander will add a vibrant touch. This could also be made with white fish such as cod.
11) Texas Roadhouse Herb-Crusted Chicken
This is a simple recipe with just chicken and spices. The chicken would be good for wraps the next day, but not the mash and beans. I would pair this chicken with roasted veg and sweet potato mash, making it more colorful and nutritious.
12) LongHorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This is a nice way to add some interest to a chicken breast. This dish could easily be cooked in an airfryer for speed when you have a busy life. This would also work with large open mushrooms or even aubergines.
Keep the sides simple as there is a lot of flavour on the chicken. A tomato and cucumber salad or a light pasta salad would be perfect.
13) Outback Alice Springs Chicken
This is almost like hunters chicken so to make healthier I would use a bbq sauce for a punchy flavour and cut back on the greasy, fatty cheese. This would also work with pork. Steamed veg is a great side to serve with this or for a change some peas and corn.
This is simple to prepare as it is mostly cooked in the oven.
14) Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan
This recipe is almost Marry Me Chicken, which I think would look and taste better. Goat cheese can be strong and very tangy, and it can look messy on a plate. You could use cream cheese instead for a creamy alternative.
15) California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Pizza
Great recipe for quick pizza instead of takeout. Lots of adaptations could be offered, as you can put anything on the pizza base. A few examples would be good, such as ham, pulled pork, roast veg, etc.
Adding more veg will bulk it out and make it go further. A good way to use up leftovers!
16) Panera Napa Almond Chicken Salad
This recipe is nice for lunch. You can add other ingredients to boost nutrition, like olives, asparagus, and spinach, and keep the fresh, vibrant salad feel. It could be served in wraps or stir in some cooked pasta for a fast lunch.
For dinner, some boiled new potatoes would be nice. To add extra tang and heat, you could add mustard! If you don't have chicken, try it with Tuna.
17) Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Plate
The addition of some fresh, healthy sides would be a good contrast to the greasy chicken. Corn cobs, garden salad, salsa. This would also work with Halloumi cheese or fish.
Salmon fingers are delicious.
18) Wingstop Lemon Pepper Wings
A simple, fast wing recipe. I like it because it can be done in an air fryer for speed and health. This could be served with a few more sides to make a substantial meal.
Corn, peas, or even a big fresh salad.
19) Shake Shack Chicken Shack
This is very similar to the previous recipe but has shredded lettuce added. It needs some more colorful items to serve with it to make it sing. Fresh tomato, some cheese.
You could serve this out of the bun with wedges as an alternative. This could also be fish.
20) Culver’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich
This recipe is also very similar to the other 2 above. This one has addition of mustard which is nice. Wedges and salad would be nice here.
A fresh salsa instead of coleslaw is healthier option.
