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.
33 Copycat Chicken Recipes Inspired by Your Restaurant Favorites
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
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
Poultry lovers, make sure you check out our guide to cooking cuts of chicken, too.
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Inspired by: Panda Express Orange Chicken
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 450 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1294mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
3/33
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Caesar Salad with Chicken
Total Time
10 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 318 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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Inspired by: Boston Market Rotisserie Chicken
Total Time
80 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 525 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1399mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 52g protein.
Find more tasty roast chicken ideas.
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Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
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.
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Inspired by: Chili's Honey-Chipotle Chicken Wings
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This honey chicken wings recipe was given to me by a special lady who was like a grandmother to me. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 71 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Inspired by: Maggiano's Little Italy Chicken Piccata
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Inspired by: Benihana Hibachi Chicken Rice
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 476 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 1077mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
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Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/3 cup gravy: 563 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
By the way, here’s how to make the best fried chicken.
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Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Spicy Cashew Chicken
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
11/33
Inspired by: P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 303 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
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Inspired by: Chipotle Chicken Soft Tacos
Total Time
340 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
For more, check out our favorite Mexican chicken recipes.
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Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Lemon Pepper Wings
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 103 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Inspired by: P.F. Chang's Sesame Chicken
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 311 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1004mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
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Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 342 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 1048mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
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Inspired by: Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 285 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
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Inspired by: Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 127 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
We love these other grilled chicken recipes, too.
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Inspired by: Boston Market Chicken Potpie
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
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Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Pasta Da Vinci
Total Time
60 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 634 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
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Inspired by: Texas Roadhouse Grilled BBQ Chicken
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
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Inspired by: McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 487 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
If you’re looking for more recipes from The Cheesecake Factory, here’s our favorite copycat chicken piccata recipe.
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Inspired by: Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without rice): 427 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
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Inspired by: Panera Bread Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Total Time
290 mins
Servings
12 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 203 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Inspired by: P.F. Chang's Sweet & Sour Chicken
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 441 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 1143mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
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Inspired by: Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 641 calories, 47g fat (27g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
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Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen Thai Chicken Pizza
Total Time
265 mins
Servings
2 pizzas (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 520 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 800mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
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Inspired by: Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Wings
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 196 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Inspired by: Chipotle Chicken Salad
Total Time
190 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n’ Dumplins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 420 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1443mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
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Inspired by: Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 283 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
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Inspired by: California Pizza Kitchen California Club Pizza
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 612 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein.
