15 Homemade Recipes That Taste Better Than Takeout!

Photo of author

| Published:

15 Homemade Recipes That Taste Better Than Takeout!

If you’ve ever thought about skipping the takeout and making your favorite dishes at home, now is the perfect time. We’ve rounded up 15 recipes that are so good, you’ll forget about ordering in. From cozy comfort foods to light, fresh dishes, there’s something for everyone. You might be surprised at how simple it can be to recreate those restaurant flavors in your own kitchen. Plus, cooking at home lets you control the ingredients, making mealtime healthier and more enjoyable.

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whipping up a cozy meal at home can be as simple as making this inspired version of a restaurant classic. With its creamy sauce and comforting appeal, it brings the essence of Olive Garden right to your dining table. You’ll save a trip and gain the contentment of a meal crafted with your own hands. Gather around for a comfort dish that will make nights in feel like a dinner out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

A bowl of creamy chicken pasta garnished with herbs, served with a side of rice and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Unleash the flavors of your favorite spicy pasta dish with an easy homemade twist that warms up any dinner occasion. It’s a blend of heat and creaminess that you can tailor to your preference. Plus, mastering this recipe means any night can become a special pasta night without waiting for a table. Serve it up for friends and family and watch it become your go-to comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Channel the satisfying crunch and kick of a KFC Zinger Burger with a homemade recipe that’s sure to impress. Crafted in your kitchen, this burger lets you control the crunch and spice level while savoring the joy of a freshly made sandwich. There’s nothing like that first bite into a juicy burger that you’ve made yourself. It’s the sort of meal that turns a regular evening into a casual feast.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ever crave the sweet and savory taste of your favorite Asian-inspired chicken without the drive-thru experience? Attempting this at home means you can enjoy those familiar, inviting flavors right from your own stove. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about recreating and sharing a dish you love. So, fire up the stove and prepare to fill your home with a fragrance that promises a meal to remember.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Chipotle Sauce

Creamy chipotle sauce with lime and herbs on a bright background.
Chipotle Sauce. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Have you thought about the magic a good sauce can add to your meals? This particular sauce brings the distinct Chipotle taste to any table, enhancing everything it touches. It’s so simple to whip up a batch that lunchtime sandwiches and dinner-time burritos will feel gourmet. This sauce is soon to be your secret weapon in the kitchen, trust me.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Sauce

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fancy a quick and comforting snack that beats the drive-through wait? These homemade nuggets capture the essence of Chick-fil-A’s classic taste. It’s all about that golden, crispy coating and juicy interior that makes them a crowd-pleaser. So why not bring the fast-food favorite to your kitchen counter for a fresh, satisfying crunch?
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brighten up your taco nights with a corn salsa that rivals the popular Chipotle version. It’s a burst of freshness that will lift any dish, made right in your kitchen, and ready to pair with your favorite meals. The joy comes from the mix of flavors and the knowledge that you’ve created something truly vibrant. It’s how simple ingredients come together to make something wonderfully tasty.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The secret to bringing a touch of restaurant magic to the house? Grill up some chicken with that unmistakable Chipotle-inspired seasoning. It’s perfect for an array of meals and bound to become a staple at your family barbecues. Combining ease and flavor, this is how you make meal times a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside; that’s exactly what you get with these Hash Browns made fresh at home. This breakfast staple is no longer just a diner treat, but can be enjoyed any morning—or night—in your very own kitchen. Grab your favorite dip or top them as you like, because brunch just got a whole lot better. It’s the small joys like these that make for a perfect start to the day.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s amazing how some black beans can transform a meal with rich, hearty flavors. They’re great as a side or as part of a burrito or bowl, mirroring the well-loved Chipotle style. Versatile and delicious, these black beans will have you reconsidering their simplicity. Infused with warmth and comfort, they’re just right any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Using an air fryer for your next chicken dish is a revelation that promises a fuss-free dinner. This whole chicken recipe yields a succulent meal with a minimum of effort and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect invitation to explore the wonders of air frying. It will be a hit for those seeking a simple yet thoroughly enjoyable mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mushroom Birria Tacos

A plate of tacos with a sauce on it.
Mushroom Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s nothing quite like a taco to bring everyone to the table, and this mushroom version offers a twist that’s rich with flavor. The unique take on traditional birria tacos is set to become a new favorite. Quick, packed with flavor, and totally homemade, it’s a dish that brings a smile with every bite. Who knew that a classic could be reinvented so deliciously?
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Birria Tacos

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, nothing says home like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially when it has that Cracker Barrel touch. It’s soul food that warms the heart and belly. Sit back, relax, and enjoy spoonfuls of comfort without stepping foot outside. It’s like a hug from the inside, and who wouldn’t love that?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving a burger with a perfectly seared crust and juicy middle? Then this homemade version is just the ticket. It’s the satisfaction of that classic American diner burger, made just how you like it, without the hassle of going out. Get ready for smiles around the table when these burgers are served.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This fragrant rice dish brings a spice of freshness to any meal, with a hint of citrus that pairs so well with a variety of dishes. It’s this simple touch that can transform a standard side into something memorable. Not to mention, it’s a breeze to put together for that last-minute dinner fix. Trust me, it’s going to be a staple in your recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.