Jollibee Copycat Recipe: Make Chickenjoy & Jolly Spaghetti at Home Easily

Nothing beats the comforting taste of your favorite fast-food classics, and Jollibee has a way of making those moments extra special. Whether it’s the crispy Chickenjoy or the sweet and savory Jolly Spaghetti, craving these treats can strike any time.

I wanted to bring a piece of Jollibee’s magic into my own kitchen, so I set out to create a copycat recipe that captures the essence of their beloved dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the flavors that make Jollibee a favorite around the world.

Perfect for family gatherings or a delicious weeknight meal, this Jollibee copycat recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

For Chickenjoy

• Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Breading:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Frying:
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

For Jolly Spaghetti

• Pasta:
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup banana ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Toppings:
• 1/2 cup sliced hotdogs
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped

Additional Components

• Steamed Rice:
• 4 cups jasmine rice
• 8 cups water
• Vegetable Side:
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, corn)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Tools and Equipment

To master my Jollibee copycat recipes, I rely on the following tools and equipment:

• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot

Essential for achieving the crispy perfection of Chickenjoy. A deep fryer offers precise temperature control, but a heavy-bottomed pot works wonderfully if you don’t have one.

• Cooking Thermometer

This ensures your oil stays at the optimal frying temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.

• Mixing Bowls

Multiple bowls are handy for marinating the chicken and preparing the seasoned breading simultaneously.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in both the Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti recipes.

• Whisk

A whisk helps create a smooth marinade and evenly mixes the breading ingredients for a consistent coating.

• Wire Rack

Placing fried chicken on a wire rack allows excess oil to drain, maintaining that desirable crispiness.

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife

These are essential for prepping the chicken and slicing the hotdogs for the spaghetti topping.

• Large Skillet or Saucepan

Perfect for simmering the savory Jolly Spaghetti sauce to perfection.

• Colander

Useful for draining spaghetti pasta, ensuring it’s cooked just right without excess water.

Having these tools on hand makes recreating Jollibee’s beloved dishes at home a breeze, allowing me to focus on perfecting each step for that authentic taste.

Instructions

Recreating Jollibee’s beloved dishes at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve that authentic taste.

Prep

1. Marinate the Chickenjoy:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Add 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is fully submerged in the marinade.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.

1. Prepare the Breading Mixture:

• In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• Stir until well combined and set aside.

1. Gather Cooking Tools:

• Ensure you have a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, a cooking thermometer, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, a wire rack, a cutting board, a sharp knife, a large skillet or saucepan, and a colander ready for use.

Cook

1. Bread the Chickenjoy:

• Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
• Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat evenly.
• Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes to set the coating.

1. Deep Fry the Chickenjoy:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C) using a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
• Carefully lower the breaded chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Fry each piece for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, maintaining the oil temperature as needed.
• Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

1. Prepare the Jolly Spaghetti Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add 1 pound of ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
• Stir in 2 cups of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of banana ketchup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 1 pound of spaghetti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta using a colander and return it to the pot.
• Pour the prepared sauce over the spaghetti and toss to coat evenly.

Assemble

1. Plate the Chickenjoy and Spaghetti:

• Serve a generous portion of Jolly Spaghetti on each plate.
• Add 2 pieces of crispy Chickenjoy beside the spaghetti.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Top the spaghetti with sliced hotdogs and a sprinkling of grated cheddar cheese.
• Optionally, add a side of steamed jasmine rice and a vegetable mix to complete the meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Jollibee copycat meal ahead of time can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s how I like to organize the process to ensure everything comes together perfectly when you’re ready to serve.

Chickenjoy Preparation

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk with your chosen seasonings.
• Add the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

1. Prepare the Breading Mixture:

• In a separate bowl, mix the seasoned flour with your preferred spices.
• Store the breading mixture in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.

Jolly Spaghetti Sauce

1. Cook the Sauce:

• In a large skillet, sauté the ground pork until browned.
• Add tomato sauce, banana ketchup, and seasonings, then let it simmer until thickened.
• Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

1. Prepare Toppings:

• Slice the hotdogs and grate the cheddar cheese in advance.
• Store these toppings in separate containers in the refrigerator.

Pasta and Sides

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Boil the spaghetti pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
• Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

1. Prepare Rice:

• Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
• Allow the rice to cool, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming or microwaving before serving.

1. Vegetable Side:

• Steam your mixed vegetables until tender.
• Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Assembling on the Day of Serving

1. Frying the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• Heat your oil to the correct temperature and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.

1. Reheating the Spaghetti:

• Warm the prepared sauce in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and stir to combine.
• Top with sliced hotdogs and grated cheddar cheese just before serving.

1. Reheating Sides:

• Reheat the jasmine rice and mixed vegetables while the chicken is frying.
• Ensure everything is heated through and ready to plate together.

By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience and have all the components of your Jollibee copycat meal ready to come together seamlessly. This approach not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your homemade meal truly delightful.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures that your homemade Jollibee Copycat dishes stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how I keep everything in top shape:

Chickenjoy

1. Cooling: Let the fried chicken cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
2. Packaging: Place the cooled Chickenjoy in an airtight container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
3. Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the Chickenjoy in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
5. Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Air Fryer: Set to 350°F for 10 minutes.

Jolly Spaghetti

1. Cooling: Allow the spaghetti sauce to cool to room temperature.
2. Storing Sauce: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
3. Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
5. Reheating:

• Stovetop: Gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between.

Jasmine Rice

1. Cooling: Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
2. Packaging: Store in an airtight container or freezer bags.
3. Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4. Freezing: Freeze rice in portions for up to 6 months.
5. Reheating:

• Microwave: Add a splash of water and cover. Heat until steaming hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot with a little water, stirring until warm.

Mixed Vegetables

1. Cooling: Let the vegetables cool completely before storing.
2. Storing: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
3. Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
4. Freezing: Freeze in portioned bags for up to 2 months.
5. Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan until warmed through.

Storage Duration Overview

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your favorite Jollibee-inspired meals anytime without compromising on taste or quality.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving our homemade Jollibee favorites, presentation and complementary dishes can elevate the meal to a whole new level. Here are some of my top suggestions to make your dining experience memorable:

Pair with Classic Sides

To recreate the authentic Jollibee experience, serve the Chickenjoy alongside steamed jasmine rice. The fluffy rice perfectly absorbs the savory juices from the fried chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Additionally, include a side of mixed vegetables sautéed with garlic and a touch of soy sauce for a nutritious and colorful addition to your plate.

Enhance with Fresh Salads

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich and crispy Chickenjoy. Consider tossing together fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and shredded carrots. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Complement with Beverages

Pair your meal with your favorite beverages to complete the dining experience. I love serving iced tea or a cold soft drink to balance the savory flavors of the Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti. For a more festive touch, try offering a fruity mocktail or a sparkling water infused with citrus slices.

Garnish for Visual Appeal

Garnishing not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds subtle flavors to your dishes. Sprinkle finely chopped green onions or parsley over the Jolly Spaghetti to add a pop of color and freshness. A side of lemon wedges can also be a great addition, allowing guests to add a zesty kick to their chicken.

Create a Family-Style Setting

For a cozy and engaging meal, consider arranging the dishes family-style. Place the Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, rice, and vegetables in the center of the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves. This setup encourages sharing and creates a warm, communal dining atmosphere perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Add a Sweet Ending

No meal is complete without a sweet treat. Pair your Jollibee-inspired dishes with a simple dessert like fresh fruit slices, a scoop of ice cream, or a slice of homemade cake. This adds a delightful conclusion to your savory feast and satisfies those sweet cravings.

Table Setting Tips

To enhance the overall dining experience, pay attention to your table setting. Use vibrant tableware that reflects the joyful spirit of Jollibee. Incorporate fun elements like quirky napkin rings or themed table decorations to make the meal feel special and inviting.

By thoughtfully pairing your Jollibee copycat dishes with these serving suggestions, you’ll create a balanced and enjoyable meal that captures the essence of your favorite fast-food favorites while adding your personal culinary touch.

Conclusion

Trying out these copycat recipes has been a rewarding experience for me Bringing the beloved flavors of Jollibee right into my kitchen made our family meals extra special Watching everyone enjoy the Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti was truly satisfying I’m excited to keep experimenting and sharing more delicious recipes With these dishes, you can create joyful moments and tasty memories at your own table Give them a try and bring a little bit of Jollibee magic home