We’ll show you how to make all your favorites at home, from juicy chicken sandwiches to fluffy biscuits and yummy noodle dishes.
These recipes are super easy – perfect for mini chefs like you! We’ll share smart tricks to get those restaurant flavors you love, all without spending a ton of money. So ditch the drive-thru and get ready to cook up some delicious fast food fun in your own kitchen!
10. Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Believe it or not, you can recreate Popeyes Chicken Sandwich right in your kitchen! It all comes down to a few clever tricks to get your chicken ultra-crispy.
Most buttermilk-marinated chicken goes straight into the flour coating. Here’s the secret: we pat the chicken dry first. This ensures the batter sticks firmly, creating a base for that amazing crunch. We’ll also use a thin, eggy batter that helps the flour dredge cling on during frying. Skip the urge to pile on tons of batter, though! Extra layers can actually prevent a crispy crust. Finally, after breading the chicken, let it rest. This gives the gluten-free time to relax, leading to the perfect balance of crispy and tender.
9. Wendy’s Chili
Did you know Wendy’s was serving up this hearty dish all the way back in 1969? It was a genius way to use leftover hamburger meat, and it helped them stand out from the crowd.
Now you can be a mini chef and whip up your own Wendy’s-style chili at home! It’s perfect for a chilly day or a quick after-school snack. And if you feel extra hungry, try to top it up with some crispy fries with chili and shredded cheddar cheese for a delicious combo. This chili is also a slow cooker’s dream come true! After browning the meat and veggies, simply toss everything in and let it simmer on low for a worry-free meal.
8. Burger King Chicken Fries
Get ready to be a mini chef because you can make your own super awesome version of Burger Kings’ Chicken Fries at home! It’s easier than you think…we’re serious.
All you need is some boneless, skinless chicken breast. We’ll cut it up into thin strips, kind of like french fries, but made of chicken! To really crank up the flavor, we’ll dip those strips in a special spice mix. Then, it’s like magic – we coat them in crunchy breadcrumbs and fry them up until they’re golden brown and crispy. Now, that’s what we call a delicious homemade treat!
7. McDonald’s Hotcakes
Pancakes for breakfast? Now, you can make your own yummy hotcakes that taste just like McDonald’s. Here’s the surprising secret that you should know – a little lumpiness in the batter is actually a good thing, yep. Don’t stress about making everything perfectly smooth. Just mix everything together until most of the lumps are gone, then get ready to cook. Easy, right?
6. Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty
Wendy’s Frosty is a delicious combination of a milkshake and soft-serve ice cream. While achieving that perfect creamy texture at home can be tough without special equipment, your version may be a little thinner but still catches that satisfying fluffiness and mild chocolate flavor. Plus, you can still enjoy it with a spoon or use it as a dip for your fries.
To make your own frosty, start by pouring 1/3 cup of milk into an ice cube tray and freezing it until solid. Then, mix Cool Whip, the frozen milk cubes, another 1/3 cup of milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cocoa powder in a blender. Blend until smooth and thick, then pour into glasses and serve.
5. Panda Express Chow Mein
Chow mein is a tasty noodle dish with a captivating history! Historians believe it formed in northern China many years ago. Today, it’s a popular menu item at a restaurant known for its friendly panda logo. Now, you can become a mini cook and whip up your own delicious chow mein right in your own kitchen.
The key to a tasty stir fry is having all your ingredients prepared and ready to go, especially when working with a hot wok. Cabbage and celery are cooked just enough to have some crunchiness, adding texture to the dish. If you can’t find fresh yakisoba noodles, don’t worry! You can use any fresh or dried wheat noodles as a substitute, just make sure to cook them al dente.
4. In-N-Out Animal-Style Fries
Craving those iconic In-N-Out Animal Style Fries but nowhere near your location? It’s simple — crispy shoestring fries smothered in a rich cheese sauce (made with just two ingredients!), spicy sauce, and caramelized onions.
Get ready for a burst of textures and flavors—a mouthwatering fusion of burger extra and perfectly fried potatoes! For a slightly softer fry, bake according to package directions. Stick with yellow onions for an original In-N-Out experience.
3. Popeyes Biscuits
Are you obsessed with Popeyes chicken sandwiches and can’t get enough? Well, their biscuits are another reason people line up for ages! Known for their soft, fluffy interior and crispy golden-brown crust, these biscuits are also delightfully salty and buttery.
Achieving fluffy biscuits hinges on cold fat. This requires some kneading outside of the bowl to keep the dough as cold as possible. Before starting, chill your bowls, rolling pin, flour(s), bench scraper, and grater in the freezer for at least 15 minutes if space allows. Grate your frozen butter using the small holes, then opt for low-protein flour to keep your biscuits light and tender.
2. Crunchwrap Supreme
Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme is legendary for a reason. Filled with seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and a crunchy tostada shell, it’s a handheld delight that has it all. Cooking this Crunchwrap Supreme is simple – cook the beef individually, then make and griddle them in a skillet, similar to making grilled cheese. Use a large spatula and flip with care to avoid any mishaps.
1. Panda Express Orange Chicken
Ready in under an hour, it gives the same sweet and savory flavors you love, making weeknight dinners easy. Serve it over rice for a stay-at-home meal sure to impress any Panda lover. We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in our recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that dark meat takes a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Enjoy your homemade Orange Chicken feast!