Sep 18, 2025
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We skip midweek takeout and make these 9 copycat dinners instead | Health

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Takeout menus always seem tempting when the week feels too long, but skipping them can save both money and the hassle of waiting for delivery that somehow always shows up cold. That’s where 9 copycat dinners come in handy, offering the same type of comfort without the price tag or delivery fee. These recipes make a weekday feel less like a grind and more like a small win.

Close-up of golden-brown fried chicken pieces garnished with herbs, with a bowl of dipping sauce in the background.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Chow Mein

Close-up of stir-fried noodles with sliced chicken, carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and green onions being lifted from a pan.
Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Skipping midweek takeout becomes easy when you can whip up restaurant-style noodles in your own kitchen. Chicken Chow Mein is the perfect mix of tender chicken and deliciously stir-fried noodles. It nails that takeout flavor without stepping out the door. You get the same satisfaction but made at home.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Cheese Quesadilla

A hand lifts a cheesy quesadilla slice from a wooden board, with bowls of salsa and garnish in the background.
Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why wait to order when gooey, melty comfort is so simple to recreate at home? Cheese Quesadilla brings a perfect balance of crispiness outside and cheesy goodness inside. It’s just as good as your favorite takeout spot, maybe even better since you can make it your way. You’ll forget all about that takeout menu.

Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu cubes coated in sauce, topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

No need to call for delivery when you can make this classic at home. Orange Chicken blends bite-sized fried chicken with a tangy, sweet sauce that sticks just right. It’s perfect for nights when you miss your go-to Chinese spot. Making it yourself lets you enjoy your own version of takeout perfection.

Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

A bowl of cooked black beans with chopped herbs sprinkled on top, set in a white dish.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Missing that restaurant-style burrito bowl doesn’t have to mean going out. Copycat Chipotle Black Beans lets you create a flavorful, protein-packed addition to your meals. You can pair it with rice, tacos, or anything else the takeout menu offers. It’s all the flavor without leaving your kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Close-up of seasoned, grilled chicken strips served over pasta with sliced bell peppers, onions, and garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta nights at home just hit a new high with this one. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta offers tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and an irresistible sauce. It’s exactly like what you’d get when dining in, minus the trip. Why go out when you can enjoy this from your table?

Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A close-up of a chicken sandwich with melted cheese, lettuce, and tomato in a soft bun.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Save yourself a drive-thru trip on busy weeknights with a crispy, spicy burger at home. Homemade KFC Zinger Burger gives you that all-too-familiar crunch and seasoning in every bite. It’s great for recreating your fast-food favorites without stepping out. You just might want to add this to your regular dinner rotation.

Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of seasoned, grilled chicken wings next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot wings are always tempting, but these bring the takeout experience right to your plate. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings are packed with bold flavors and that signature Wingstop finish. It’s a flavorful way to skip the delivery fees and enjoy wings that hit the mark every time. Perfect to make your weeknights extra satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Three golden-brown, crispy breaded balls stacked on a white surface, likely fried and served as an appetizer or snack.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bites like these are hard to resist, and now you can make them at home. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites deliver cheesy, spicy goodness in every bite. They’re just as good as the ones you’d find at the restaurant, but fresher and made by you. These are ideal for adding variety to your midweek meals.

Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Close-up of golden-brown fried chicken pieces garnished with herbs, with a bowl of dipping sauce in the background.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No need to swing by the drive-thru when you’ve got these ready at home. Chick-fil-A Nuggets are crispy, tender, and just how you remember from the restaurant. Making them yourself means you can have them anytime without the wait. They’ll quickly become a go-to choice for your quick snack cravings.

Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

The post We skip midweek takeout and make these 9 copycat dinners instead appeared first on Food Drink Life.



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