Tag: copycat

Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille

We both really enjoyed this copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille sandwich. I had plenty of smoked turkey on hand after smoking a few turkey breasts. The light smoke flavor of the very tender turkey, along with gooey cheese and the best part, a bit of smoky BBQ sauce, really made for a great sandwich. It’s like a grownup take on a grilled cheese.

Copycat Applebee's Clubhouse Grille Sandwich

BBQ Sauce On A Sandwich Is A Good Thing

Any ‘plain’ sandwich can have that little extra something just by adding a bit of BBQ sauce to it. Like this Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille. Not a lot, you’re not making a pulled pork sandwich. But just enough so you know it is there. You’ll remember it more than just a sandwich with just say, mayonnaise. Remember it the next time you make any sandwich.

I like to cook sandwiches like this one on my Cuisinart Griddler. It gives me the perfectly crispy bread and melted cheese!

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1
Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

Also try my copycat of Applebee’s classic patty melt.

Copycat Applebee's Clubhouse Grille Sandwich
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille

We both really enjoyed this copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille sandwich. I had plenty of smoked turkey on hand after smoking a few turkey breasts. The light smoke flavor of the very tender turkey, along with gooey cheese and the best part, a bit of smoky BBQ sauce, really made for a great sandwich. It’s like a grownup take on a grilled cheese.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 1002kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cincy Shopper

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 slices bread nice and thick
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • 2 teaspoon mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 3 slices ham
  • 3 slices turkey
  • 1 slice extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 slice Jack cheese
  • 2 slices bacon cooked
  • 2 slices tomato
  • iceberg lettuce
  • avocado sliced, optional

Instructions

  • Warm a skillet over medium-high heat or fire up a griddle on your grill.
  • Spread butter on one side of each slice of toast.
  • Place butter side down onto the skillet and cook until the butter is melted and the bread is golden brown.
  • Remove to a plate, butter sides down. Slather one bread slice’s un-buttered side with mayonnaise and the other slice’s with the BBQ sauce.
  • Add ham, turkey and cheeses to skillet all in a pile.
  • Heat until the cheeses start to melt.
  • Remove and place on top of a bread slice.
  • Top with bacon, tomato and lettuce and serve.
  • Optional: Add a few thin slices of avocado!

Notes

Texas toast holds up great to these loaded sandwiches!

Nutrition

Calories: 1002kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 71g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 2112mg | Potassium: 738mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1366IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 514mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Copycat Tony Roma’s Blue Ridge Smokies Sauce

This copycat Tony Roma’s Blue Ridge Smokies sauce is fantastic. It has some of your ‘standard’ BBQ sauce ingredients, such as ketchup and liquid smoke. That’s not what made it so special to me. It’s the red wine vinegar. The vinegar really adds a nice edge to the sauce. It’s like a nice combination of a KC BBQ sauce with a little North Carolina vinegar-based sauce. This is a great finger-licking sauce that screams ‘put me on a rack of smoked ribs’. So that’s what I did!

Copycat Tony Romas Blue Ridge Smokies Sauce

The Perfect Sauce For Ribs

My first experience at Tony Roma’s was in Salt Lake City, Utah, many, many years ago. I instantly fell in love with their ribs. Ribs, ribs, ribs. Tony Roma’s started my love of ribs and I now make them often at home on my own smoker. I rubbed a rack of ribs down with a copycat Famous Dave’s rib rub, let it get happy overnight, then tossed the ribs onto my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker for 6 hours. I then slathered on some copycat Tony Roma’s Blue Ridge Smokies sauce. The end result was tender, tasty, and finger-licking amazing.

Heavy-duty BBQ Basting Brush by HQY - Silicone Bristles with 12 Inch Stainless Steel Handle - Make Grilling Easy - 5 Year Guarantee
Heavy-duty BBQ Basting Brush by HQY – Silicone Bristles with 12 Inch Stainless Steel Handle – Make Grilling Easy – 5 Year Guarantee

If you don’t like liquid smoke, substitute smoked salt and leave out the Kosher salt instead.

Try my copycat Tony Roma’s ribs made on the Char-Broil Big Easy.

Copycat Tony Roma's Blue Ridge Smokies Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Copycat Tony Roma’s Blue Ridge Smokies Sauce

This copycat Tony Roma’s Blue Ridge Smokies sauce is fantastic.  It’s like a nice combination of a KC BBQ sauce with a little North Carolina vinegar-based sauce.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, copycat, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 491kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer, stirring often, for 30 minutes or until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Sauce gets better when refrigerated overnight. Warm slightly before using.

Notes

Stir before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 118g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1719mg | Potassium: 1125mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 111g | Vitamin A: 617IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Copycat Denny’s Club Sandwich

This is ALMOST a copycat version of Denny’s club sandwich. I had to add a slight twist. After enjoying a copycat of Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille sandwich, which has BBQ sauce slathered on the bread, I just had to do the same with this club sandwich. Otherwise, yeah, it’s a spot-on fantastic copycat of the classic.

I love the tang of the BBQ sauce. I used a hickory-smoked flavored sauce, which I think is the perfect sauce for this sandwich.

Copycat Denny's Club Sandwich

This Is The Perfect Club Sandwich

Now, if BBQ sauce isn’t your thing, substituting Sriracha instead would make for a totally different (and yummy spicy) copycat Denny’s Club sandwich. In fact, that’s a great idea. I am going to make my next club sandwich with Sriracha on it instead! I’m glad I thought of it!

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my deviled egg salad sandwich.

Copycat Denny's Club Sandwich
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Denny’s Club Sandwich

This is ALMOST a copycat version of Denny’s club sandwich. I had to add a slight twist.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, sandwich
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 743kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bread
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 4 ounces turkey breast thinly sliced sandwich meat
  • 4 ounces ham thinly sliced sandwich meat
  • ½ cup Iceberg lettuce shredded or leaves
  • 4 slices bacon cooked
  • 4 slices tomato

Instructions

  • Toast the bread as desired.
  • Slather one side of two of the slices of the bread with mayonnaise.
  • Top with some lettuce, a slice of tomato, a slice of bacon, and the turkey.
  • Top each sandwich stack with a piece of bread.
  • Add more lettuce, tomato, another slice of bacon, and the ham.
  • Slather one side of two other slices of the bread with BBQ sauce (optional).
  • Add to sandwich.
  • Secure with toothpicks or skewers and serve.

Notes

For a nice twist, use a spicy BBQ sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 743kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1790mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 618IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Copycat Applebee’s Sriracha Shrimp

We recently grabbed a quick lunch at the Applebee’s in Springfield, Ohio, meeting up with some old friends before heading over to one of our favorite places, the Heart of Ohio Antique Center. We knew we could rely on Applebee’s for good food and a nice environment to sit and chat for a bit. I decided to have an appetizer, so I ordered the Sriracha shrimp. As soon as I bit into one I knew I was going to make a copycat Applebee’s Sriracha shrimp when I got home.

Copycat Applebee's Sriracha Shrimp

Sorta Spicy, Definitely Great

Lightly battered shrimp, lightly fried, then tossed in a great Sriracha mayonnaise sauce. This is exactly as I remember except I left the Sriracha sauce on the side for dipping.

Sauce On The Side

The nice thing about keeping the sauce on the side is that these copycat Applebee’s Sriracha shrimp stay nice and lightly crunchy, instead of getting a bit soggy when covered in the sauce. You can serve it whichever way you like, of course. I also used larger shrimp because… I love shrimp.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Also try my copycats of Applebee’s fantastic Buffalo wings and peppercorn and garlic shrimp and (the new defunct) Joe’s Crab Shack popcorn shrimp.

Copycat Applebee's Sriracha Shrimp
Print Pin
4.50 from 4 votes

Copycat Applebee’s Sriracha Shrimp

Lightly battered shrimp, lightly fried, then tossed in a great Sriracha mayonnaise sauce. This is exactly as I remember except I left the Sriracha sauce on the side for dipping.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, shrimp, spicy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 222kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the Sriracha dipping sauce

Instructions

For the shrimp

  • Preheat 1/2″ of oil in a Dutch oven to 350 F.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne and garlic powder.
  • Whisk in the club soda until smooth.
  • Add the shrimp to the batter and coat well on all sides.
  • Shake off excess batter and add to hot oil.
  • Fry shrimp 3 minutes, then flip and fry another 2 minutes.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Serve with dipping sauce on the side.

For the Sriracha dipping sauce

  • Whisk together all ingredients.

Notes

The dipping sauce is also great for dipping chicken nuggets!

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 907mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Copycat Wendy’s Chili

My wife and I were on our way to Gatlinburg, TN, tootin’ along down the interstate, when lunch time crept up on us. A glance at the GPS showed that our choices were pretty much fast food or nothing. A hankerin’ for a Wendy’s burger came over me, so into Wendy’s we went. My wife got the chili. And it was good, which of course meant that I instantly started searching for a copycat version of Wendy’s chili. And here it is. A little thicker than the real deal served at Wendy’s, but definitely a great copycat of the fast food favorite.

Copycat Wendy's Chili

Easy And Delicious

This copycat Wendy’s chili is about as easy as you can get to make, yet it is quite tasty and has great texture. It’s not hot, but it can be by just adding cayenne or substituting hot chili powder for the mild. You can also substitute cubed chuck for the ground beef for a more traditional chili. Cincinnati chili lovers need only add a bit of cinnamon. And yes, if you like your chili with pasta, you can serve it over pasta.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this chili and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my copycat of Cin Chili, the best chili mix ever.

Copycat Wendy's Chili
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Wendy’s Chili

Here it is. A little thicker than the real deal served at Wendy’s, but definitely a great copycat of the fast food favorite.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, copycat
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 483kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Brown ground beef in a large pot. Drain.
  • Add the water. Bring to a boil, then drain completely to remove more fat.
  • Add remaining ingredients.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 3 hours, stirring often.

Notes

Top with a cooling dollop of sour cream!

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 1104mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1049IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Copycat Bull’s Eye Barbecue Sauce

I have to admit, I shy away from bottled BBQ sauces. I do make an exception and occasionally I’ll pick up a bottle or two at the store. But, if you like making your own sauces, a store-bought sauce can make a great starting point. Or you can do like I did and make a copycat version of a pre-made sauce, like this Bull’s Eye barbecue sauce.

Copycat Bulls Eye Barbecue Sauce

Perfect On Ribs

I smoked a few racks of St. Louis-style ribs that were rubbed down first overnight with a copycat of Famous Dave’s rib rub. With only 30 minutes left in the smoke session I slathered the ribs with this great sauce. That extra 30 minutes lets the sauce set up on the ribs.

Thick. Like You Want It.

This sauce is perfectly thick, great for ribs. It has a little sweetness, a little tang, just a hint of heat, and a little smokiness. Don’t like liquid smoke? Leave it out and still enjoy a great sauce that’ll keep in the fridge for weeks, if you have any left. Or substitute smoked salt (and leave out the kosher salt) and still enjoy that great smoky flavor.

I like to keep my leftover sauces in squeeze bottles. Thicker ones like this one do mean I have to cut a bit off the top of the nozzles so it squeezes out easily.

Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.
Kitchen Bottle Condiment Set 3 Hole Dispenser Lid Plastic Squeeze for Sauce Mustard Ketchup 12 oz. / 340 ML.

This sauce is also great on pulled pork or grilled chicken.

Also try my copycat of the great BBQ sauce from Sweet Baby Ray.

Copycat Bull's Eye Barbecue Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat Bull’s Eye Barbecue Sauce

This sauce is perfectly thick, great for ribs. It has a little sweetness, a little tang, just a hint of heat, and a little smokiness.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, copycat, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 623kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
  • Reduce to a simmer and simmer 30 minutes or until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Optional: Allow sauce to cool slightly then transfer to a blender and pulse a few times for a smoother sauce.

Notes

This sauce is even better the next day. Refrigerate it overnight and then warm slightly before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 2891mg | Potassium: 900mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 91g | Vitamin A: 1362IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Bubba Gump Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

We eat at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, whenever we can. Not only is the food and service great, they also have trivia contests where you have to answer questions about the movie, which we’ve seen a thousand times. Hey, it’s fun! What’s my favorite thing to eat at Bubba Gump’s? Shrimper’s Heaven. It’s not called that for no reason either!

Bubba Gump Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Perfect Every Time

When I get to hankerin’ for shrimp, I make up a basket of these shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy. They take absolutely no time at all to cook and they come out tender and tasty. You can eat them lots of ways, from chilled with shrimp cocktail sauce, to warm with various dipping sauces, to hot-off-the-grill on a po boy sandwich. Or cook unpeeled shrimp and peel-and-eat them all by themselves.

No Crowding

The picture above shows one pound of 21-24 count shrimp. That’s about all you can get in the standard basket with the bunk bed. You might could get 1 1/2 pounds, but you don’t want to crowd them or they won’t cook evenly. For more shrimp, you’ll need a skewer insert (you’ll have to peel the shrimp first of course) or the Wingin’ator 3000 modification.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Make yourself some quick cocktail sauce too!

Bubba Gump Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
3.50 from 2 votes

Bubba Gump Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy

When I get to hankerin’ for shrimp, I make up a basket of these shrimp. They take absolutely no time at all to cook and they come out tender and tasty.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, shrimp
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1699kcal
Author Based on a recipe from CopyKat

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place shrimp in a resealable container or bag.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Seal and shake to coat well.
  • Fire up your Big Easy. Spray the basket and bunk bed basket with non-stick spray. You can also skewer the shrimp using either of the Char-Broil skewer kits available for the Big Easy (see below).
  • Add shrimp. Lower into cooker, and cover with the lid.
  • Cook 5-6 minutes or until the shrimp have turned pink.

Notes

Fire up your Big Easy. Spray the basket and bunk bed basket (or Wingin’ator 3000) with non-stick spray. You can also skewer the shrimp using either of the Char-Broil skewer kits available for the Big Easy.

Nutrition

Calories: 1699kcal | Carbohydrates: 341g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 1064mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 449IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Copycat Famous Dave’s Rib Rub

I was hankerin’ for some tender, almost-fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs, and lo and behold, spareribs were on sale at our grocery store. So I grabbed a few racks, trimmed them up St. Louis-style and started contemplating how I was going to cook them. Normally, it means an overnight rub down with some Memphis rib rub, then onto my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker using the 3-2-1 cooking method. This time, I decided to try a copycat of Famous Dave’s rib rub (the one they use in the restaurants for making their totally outstanding ribs) and cook the ribs low-and-slow for 6 hours.

Copycat Famous Dave's Rib Rub

The Perfect Rib Rub

This copycat Famous Dave’s rib rub is outstanding. It has a little heat, a little sweet, and a little saltiness. And celery seeds, which I think are just about required in any rub. And just a hint of cloves, which I don’t think I’ve seen in a rub before. I ended up liking the flavor from them much more than I thought I would. It’s amazingly complex, and oh so good.

RoyalHouse 6 Pack 32 Oz Plastic Spice Jars with Red Cap, Clear and Safe Plastic Bottle Containers with Shaker Lids for Storing Spice, Herbs and Seasoning Powders, BPA Free, Made in USA
RoyalHouse 6 Pack 32 Oz Plastic Spice Jars with Red Cap, Clear and Safe Plastic Bottle Containers with Shaker Lids for Storing Spice, Herbs and Seasoning Powders, BPA Free, Made in USA

Although I sauced my ribs, I easily could’ve eaten them ‘dry’, without sauce. I cannot wait to use this same rub on a pork butt in the very near future. With just one cook it has become my go-to rub.

Also try some copycat Famous Dave’s Country-Roasted chicken.

Copycat Famous Dave's Rib Rub
Print Pin
4.10 from 11 votes

Copycat Famous Dave’s Rib Rub

This copycat Famous Dave’s rib rub is outstanding. It has a little heat, a little sweet, and a little saltiness. And celery seeds, which I think are just about required in any rub.
Course Spice Mixture
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, ribs, seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6 cups
Calories 482kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Note: The version of this rub stated above uses less salt than the version you’ll find on the internet. Add more (or use less) salt as you desire.
  • Combine all ingredients.
  • To use, spread liberally on ribs (or pork shoulder or butt), wrap in foil, and let refrigerate 12 hours before smoking or grilling.

Notes

Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 23719mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 97g | Vitamin A: 512IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Copycat Famous Dave’s Country-Roasted Chicken

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I’m a big fan of Famous Dave’s. I didn’t think I would be. I love my local BBQ joints, so I was skeptical of a big national chain, no matter how much I think Dave is a nice guy. Well, I’m not skeptical any more. Everything I’ve ever ordered there has been fantastic and the service has always been friendly. I highly recommend you stop in and get you some ribs (or pulled pork, or brisket, or country-roasted chicken) and don’t pass up on the wonderful sides. They have some of the best sides I’ve ever had at a BBQ joint. And, since I’m also a big fan of my Char-Broil Big Easy, I could not pass up making a copycat version of Famous Dave’s country-roasted chicken.

Copycat Famous Dave's Country-Roasted Chicken

It Couldn’t Get Any Easier

I took bone-in split chicken breasts, marinated them overnight and then tossed them into a lit Big Easy until done. The result was tender, juicy, and oh so very flavorful. And nothing could be easier to make than this copycat Famous Dave’s Country-Roasted chicken. I left the skin on the chicken. You can remove it before marinating and applying the rub if you wish.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

You can’t go wrong with poultry on the Big Easy. Also try my copycat of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s roasted chicken. And for an even easier, Famous Dave’s copycat, just grab some of the chain’s seasonings and make chicken in no time with no fuss!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Copycat Famous Dave's Country-Roasted Chicken
Print Pin
4.50 from 2 votes

Copycat Famous Dave’s Country-Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I took bone-in split chicken breasts, marinated them overnight and then tossed them into a lit Big Easy until done. The result was tender, juicy, and oh so very flavorful. And nothing could be easier to make. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken, roasted
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 399kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the overnight marinade

For the pre-cook marinade

For the spice rub

For the chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts large bone-in

Instructions

For the overnight marinade

  • Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Add the Italian dressing and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.

For the pre-cook marinade

  • Three hours before you are ready to cook, add the lemon juice to the marinating chicken and toss to coat.

For the spice rub

  • Combine the ingredients.

For the chicken

  • Fire up your Big Easy. You’ll need a Bunk Bed basket (see below) to keep from overcrowding the chicken.
  • Shake any excess marinade from the chicken.
  • Dust with the rub. Use a little or a lot.
  • Place chicken in the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook until done and golden brown, about 10 minutes per pound.
  • Remove and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can skip the overnight marinade and just combine the Italian dressing and lemon and marinate for 3 hours just before cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1988mg | Potassium: 910mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

“Cheater” Copycat KFC Twisters

I try to cook just about everything from scratch. But sometimes, that just doesn’t happen. But, even then I try to do something different. I could’ve just heated up some precooked frozen chicken strips, and had them with Ranch dressing and called it ‘good enough’. Or I could make these crazy good (no, really!) “cheater” copycat KFC Twisters. Heck, I’ve never had the real thing, but if they’re nearly as good as these homemade ones, I’d order some.

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters

Choose your chicken

I made two different versions of these “cheater” copycat KFC Twisters: one with crispy chicken strips, and one with Buffalo chicken strips (my favorite). You can make other variations by dunking the strips into your favorite sauces. BBQ, Nashville hot chicken, garlic Parmesan…. You name it. Any sauce you like for dunking chicken nuggets or slathered on BBQ will work here

Yummy sauce

There’s nothing fancy going on here, but these were tasty. The Twister sauce is pretty darned good, and would make a great sauce for sandwiches or burgers. And the sauce is also mighty easy to make.

Why is it cheating?

So why do I refer to these as ‘cheater’? Because I used precooked chicken. If I’d made the chicken from scratch, they’d be the real deal. Nothing wrong with the un-real deal, though, sometimes.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

If you prefer to skip the wrap and just make the chicken strips, you’ll want to serve them up with my copycat Chick-fil-A dipping sauce.

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Cheater Copycat KFC Twisters

Heck, I’ve never had the real thing, but if they’re nearly as good as these homemade ones, I’d order some.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken fingers, crispy, wraps
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 197kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the KFC Twisters

  • frozen chicken strips
  • 4 tortillas 10 inch
  • Twister sauce see below
  • green leaf lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato chopped

For the Twister Sauce

Instructions

For the KFC Twisters

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Place chicken on a baking sheet and cook 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, warm the tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Spread a 3″ wide strip of sauce across the middle of each tortilla, starting 1″ from the left edge and ending at the right edge.
  • Add the lettuce, tomato, and chicken over the center of the tortilla, over the sauce, still leaving the leftmost 1" edge empty.
  • Fold the left edge over and then roll up the tortilla. The right edge will remain open. Serve seam-side down so it doesn’t unrolled.

For the Twister Sauce

  • Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Save