Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

There’s no reason to go through the trouble of making homemade chicken nuggets and then serving them with a boring sauce. Heck, there’s no reason to heat up pre-made nuggets (or homemade) and dip them in a lame sauce either. Indeed, this copycat Popeye’s blackened ranch dipping sauce isn’t boring or lame. It’s nothing but creamy spicy yumminess. You won’t be able to dunk your chicken bites quick enough. Or deep enough.

Copycat Popeye's Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

You don’t just need to make this copycat Popeye’s blackened ranch dipping sauce for dipping nuggets. It’s great on a po boy sandwich. It’s fantastic on a crispy fried fish sandwich. Or use it for dipping fries. Or veggies. It’s a great all-around sauce, but it’s perfect for nuggets or chicken tenders too! Consequently, if you like your sauce a little thinner, add a bit more buttermilk. Thicker? Yep, you guessed it. Add less. Just make the decision for less sooner rather than later!

By and large, I like to use these little dipping sauce cups for serving. They’re the perfect size for dipping nuggets or tenders. And they help keep me from over-serving myself, which can be a problem with a sauce as good as this one!

Also try a copycat Popeye’s Delta dipping sauce.

Copycat Popeye's Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce
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4 from 1 vote

Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Ranch Dipping Sauce

There’s no reason to go through the trouble of making homemade chicken nuggets and then serving them with a boring sauce. Heck, there’s no reason to heat up pre-made nuggets and dip them in a lame sauce either. 
Course Dipping Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, dipping sauce, Popeye’s
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 811kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • cup fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons onion lightly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic lightly chopped
  • 4 teaspoon blackened seasoning
  • pinch paprika or more, for color

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a food processor. Puree until just smooth.

Nutrition

Calories: 811kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1846mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1015IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Poor Man’s Copycat McDonald’s Lobster Roll

Our McDonald’s doesn’t have lobster rolls on their menu. Heck, I didn’t know that any McDonald’s did. Apparently they are (or at least were) a thing far up the east coast, which makes sense when you think about it. So I had to make one at home. For me, that usually means a ‘poor man’s’ version, which uses imitation lobster instead of the real (expensive) stuff. Sure, I’d love to use real lobster, and I’ve had my share of real lobster rolls, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. So, here it is, my delicious poor man’s copycat of McDonald’s lobster roll.

Poor Man's Copycat McDonald's Lobster Roll

This is not my first time making a poor man’s lobster roll. Heck, I’ve had a standard go-to recipe for one for years and I enjoy it on occasion. The McDonald’s version is a tad different in that there’s no butter to be found, anywhere. It’s a very ‘clean’ tasting roll, and I rather enjoyed it. Fake lobster or not, I’d order it if our McDonald’s sold them!

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Poor Man's Copycat McDonald's Lobster Roll
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5 from 1 vote

Poor Man’s Copycat McDonald’s Lobster Roll

Here it is, my delicious poor man's copycat of McDonald's lobster roll.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, immitation lobster, McDonald’s
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 140kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup imitation lobster lump-style, broken into pieces
  • ½ tablespoon mayonnaise
  • pinch kosher salt
  • 1 lettuce leaf
  • dog bun split-top if available

Instructions

  • If desired, lightly toast or warm to the bun before starting.
  • Gently combine the imitation lobster, mayonnaise and salt.
  • Carefully open the bun as wide as you can. Add the lettuce leaf and top with the lobster mixture.
  • Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 557mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1782IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Perhaps the last thing I needed was an even better-tasting Ranch dressing. This copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing is fantastic. I know I used too much on my salad. Yes, I added more after this picture, I didn’t want to have photographic proof of my obsession but I just couldn’t stop.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

I definitely recommend making at least a double batch when you make this copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing. It’s crazy good and won’t last at all. Do not skimp on the fridge time. The dressing needs it to set up and let the flavors come together. And don’t be surprised if it’s a little thick after resting. Right then it’s perfect for dipping. Perfect for wings, vegetables, chips, whatever. For salads, you might want it a little thinner so just whisk in a bit (like a tablespoon at a time) of buttermilk and see how you like it.

In my opinion, the brand of mayonnaise you use in a dish is just as important, if not more so, than the quality of the rest of the ingredients. That’s why I use Blue Plate. Always.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Perhaps the last thing I needed was an even better-tasting Ranch dressing. This copycat of the Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing is fantastic.
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Outback Steakhouse, Ranch
Prep Time 5 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 210kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Cover bowl and chill dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • If dressing is too thick add a bit of buttermilk (a little at a time) and whisk.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Goodness gracious me. I don’t know why but I wasn’t expecting much from this copycat of the blue cheese salad dressing from Outback Steakhouse. Maybe I was afraid that it’d be too funky from the blue cheese. Whatever it was, I was wrong because this instantly became my favorite salad dressing. And my favorite wing dipping sauce. Oh, and it’s great for dipping bacon-wrapped shrimp too. I know this for a fact.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing

You really need to let this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing ‘get happy’ in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. I actually prefer to let it sit overnight. The flavors get blended as you wait, and the wait is worth it. If you taste the dressing just moments after you make it you might disappointed as it won’t have much flavor. That flavor comes later, so be patient!

More and more, I’ve been serving my salad dressings in the same little sauce cups I use for serving dipping sauces. I like them for wings and nuggets, and even chicken tenders. They have the added bonus of helping me control my serving size, something I need help with with this dressing for sure!

Also try my copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch dressing.

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

You really need to let this copycat Outback Steakhouse blue cheese salad dressing 'get happy' in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. I actually prefer to let it sit overnight.
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, homemade salad dressing, Outback Steakhouse
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1569kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Refrigerate for 1-4 hours before serving

Nutrition

Calories: 1569kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 171g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 1552mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

It was fish-and-chips week here. I’m a big fan of fish-and-chips, and I find myself ordering it regularly when we eat out. Usually I just like mine hit with a few good shakes of malt vinegar and maybe a squeeze or two of lemon. This time I decided to make a copycat Red Lobster tartar sauce. And all I can say is… Wow! Now this is a great tartar sauce. I thought my beer-battered fish would be the winner-winner, but the tartar sauce really came through!

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

The perfect thickness for dipping fish or spreading onto a fish sandwich and packed with flavor, this copycat Red Lobster tartar sauce is really fantastic. I find myself looking forward to my next fish-and-chips lunch more and more now. Will it replace malt vinegar as my favorite? Yeah, it might actually. It’s just that good.

I have to admit that my usual order at Red Lobster is the shrimp. I’m a shrimp-aholic. I love fried shrimp. Walt’s fried shrimp is probably my favorite. And even though cocktail sauce is my go-to dipping sauce, I’ve found that I like dipping my shrimp in tartar sauce more and more!

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my copycat of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits. Love tartar sauce as much as I do? Try my spicy Old Bay version too!

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce
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4.50 from 2 votes

Copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

I’m a big fan of fish-and-chips, and I find myself ordering it regularly when we eat out. Usually I just like mine hit with a few good shakes of malt vinegar and maybe a squeeze or two of lemon.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Red Lobster, tartar sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 203kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or container.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 373IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

I don’t know how much chicken you get when you order the crispy honey chicken at PF Chang’s. After taking a bite of this copycat PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken I knew how much I was going to get when I made it at home: a lot. The coating was perfectly crunchy. The chicken was moist, tender, with a hint of soy sauce. And the sauce, oh yes, the sauce, was a wonderful combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Copycat PF Chang's Crispy Honey Chicken

The next time I make this copycat PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken I might add just a bit of heat to the chicken seasoning. Not much, but I prefer a little kick with my sweet. Some red pepper flake will take it up a notch.

Depending on how many people I’m serving, I’ll either break out my big deep fryer or, if it’s just us two, I’ll use my lil ole Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size of just a few people. It only uses a few cups of oil, so I save big time on oil. And it’s super easy to clean up.

I served the chicken over my super-easy slow cooker rice.

Also try my copycat Panda Express SweetFire chicken.

Copycat PF Chang's Crispy Honey Chicken
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4 from 2 votes

Copycat PF Chang’s Crispy Honey Chicken

The coating was perfectly crunchy. The chicken was moist, tender, with a hint of soy sauce. And the sauce, oh yes, the sauce, was a wonderful combination of Asian-inspired flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Asian, chicken, crispy
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 532kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into chunks
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • rice cooked and warmed, for serving

For the batter

For the chicken seasoning

For the sauce

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Place chicken into a resealable. container.
  • Combine the chicken seasoning ingredients and sprinkle over the chicken.
  • Seal and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Whisk together the batter ingredients and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Heat 3″ of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking together all but the cornstarch and water in a medium saucepan.
  • Bring to a simmer. Whisk together the cornstarch and water and slowly whisk into the sauce.
  • Let simmer until thickened then reduce heat.
  • Keep warm until ready to use.
  • Add chicken to batter and, working in batches, fry until done, about 5 minutes per piece. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain.
  • Serve chicken over rice with plenty of sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

I am always looking for new salad dressing recipes for when we have salad week. We usually have salad week if we have over-indulged the week before or if we have eaten out too many meals while traveling. This copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin orange sesame dressing is so good! I like that it has chopped Mandarin oranges for texture. I also added Mandarin oranges to the salad to tie it all together. The orange marmalade and the honey balance out the sesame oil. Sesame oil is such a strong flavor so you can use a little less if preferred, but I love the taste of it.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have made! This dressing would be good as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets. It would also be great as a sauce for crudités.

I find myself using these little cups more and more for my salad dressings. Normally I use them for dipping my chicken nuggets, wings, or chicken tenders. But they’re also great for salad dressings. As a bonus, they help me control my serving amount, which is needed around salad dressings like this one.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat TGI Friday’s Mandarin Orange Sesame Dressing

This copycat TGI Fridays Mandarin orange sesame dressing is one of the best homemade dressings that we have ever made!
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, salad dressing, TGI Friday
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 1036kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place everything except for the mandarin into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  • Transfer to a resealable container. Add the oranges, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 1036kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 62g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Sodium: 1038mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Oh I’ve made fru-fru mac-and-cheese before. Heck, I’ve made the stuff out of the box before. But ya know, this copycat KFC macaroni and cheese puts them all to shame. It’s crazy easy to make, like most stove-top versions. And it’s soooo creamy. And yummy. You can make an absolutely huge batch of this in no time and feed a crowd. Or you can keep it for yourself. It’s your call.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Ok, the recipe for copycat KFC macaroni and cheese does not call for a light dusting of paprika before serving. That was my idea. You don’t have to do it. Or you can use cayenne for a little kick. I’m quite sure the original version from Kentucky Fried Chicken had neither paprika or cayenne!

Also try my copycat KFC bean salad.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Oh I’ve made fru-fru mac-and-cheese before. Heck, I’ve made the stuff out of the box before. But ya know, this copycat KFC macaroni and cheese puts them all to shame. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC, mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 446kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan.
  • Add pasta, stir, and cook 10-12 minutes until tender, stirring often.
  • Meanwhile, add remaining ingredients to a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
  • When the macaroni is cooked, pour into a strainer and rinse with cold water. Drain well then return it to the pasta pot. Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in the cheese sauce and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 943mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 394mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Chili’s Chicken Crispers

I don’t get my deep fryer out from the back of the pantry often, but when I do I make sure it’s for something good. I’m not getting it out to make salad. I want something breaded, something crunchy. This copycat of Chili’s chicken crispers hit the spot. Great breading that sticks. None of this take-a-bit-all-the-breading-falls-off stuff. A bit crunchy, with tender juicy chicken inside. And a crazy-good honey mustard dipping sauce that I’ll be making for other things too (like nuggets).

Copycat Chili's Chicken Crispers

I had a few of these copycat Chili’s chicken crispers leftover. I reheated them for lunch the next day. Much to my happiness, they stayed a bit crispy crunchy. That’s a major plus for me because as much as I love deep-fried food, I can’t eat 4 servings at once so there’s gonna be leftovers!

As much as I love the honey mustard dipping sauce, my malt vinegar aioli is also excellent for dipping these crispers.

Try my copycat of PF Chang’s crispy honey chicken too. Not eat-with-your-hands kinda food, but might darn tasty too!

Copycat Chili's Chicken Crispers
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4 from 4 votes

Copycat Chili’s Chicken Crispers

The honey mustard dipping sauce is also great for dipping chicken nuggets.
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken fingers, Chili’s, copycat
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 666kcal

Ingredients

For the honey mustard dipping sauce

For the chicken crispers

Instructions

For the honey mustard dipping sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the chicken crispers

  • Whisk the egg, milk, broth, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Whisk in the self-rising flour and let rest 5 minutes.
  • Heat the oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350 F.
  • Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl or pie plate.
  • Working in batches, roll each tenderloin in the all-purpose flour. Shake off any excess then transfer to the batter. Coat well, shake off any excess, then fry 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Serve with the honey mustard dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 666kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 1599mg | Potassium: 616mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 172IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat KFC Chicken Nuggets

I admit, I’ve never had the chicken nuggets from Kentucky Fried Chicken. I’ve always been more of a give-me-a-bucket-of-crispy-fried-chicken kind of guy. I have been missing out all of these years if this copycat KFC chicken nuggets is even remotely the same as the original. I mean seriously, they’re great. Which begs the question: how many nuggets could you order in the drive-thru before they started to look at you in a strange way?

Copycat KFC Chicken Nuggets

I guess if you were making copycat KFC chicken nuggets for kids you might leave out the cayenne. I could barely detect it. It was there, enough to add flavor and maybe a hint of spiciness, but certainly not enough to burn or make my eyes water. Heck, for my tastes I’ll probably add more next time!

Also try my KFC bean salad.

Copycat KFC Chicken Nuggets
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3.20 from 5 votes

Copycat KFC Chicken Nuggets

These nuggets are seriously great. Which begs the question: how many nuggets could you order in the drive-thru before they started to look at you in a strange way?
Course Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken nuggets, copycat, KFC
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 321kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oil to 350 F.
  • In a small bowl or pie plate, whisk together the flours, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and baking powder.
  • In another small bowl or pie plate, whisk together the egg, milk and hot sauce.
  • Working in batches, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, and back into the egg mixture and again the flour mixture. Double dipping will get you that fantastic crunchy coating.
  • Fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack-lined baking sheet to drain and cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 1319mg | Potassium: 587mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 527IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.