15 Healthy ‘Takeout Fakeout’ Dinners

Craving your favorite takeout but want a healthier version? You can recreate those restaurant-style dishes at home with a few simple swaps, making them lighter and more nutritious while still keeping the flavor you love.

Healthy ‘Takeout Fakeout’ dinners are a great way to enjoy comforting meals like pizza, stir-fries, and noodles without the guilt.

By using whole ingredients, lean proteins, and less oil or sugar, you can enjoy the takeout experience right in your kitchen.

Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or even sweet, these 15 healthy takeout fakeout dinners will satisfy your cravings and keep you on track with your health goals!

1. Healthy General Tso’s Chicken

This healthier version of General Tso’s Chicken uses lean chicken breast, a lighter sauce, and less oil to create a flavorful dish without the excess calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken cubes in cornstarch to coat.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
5. Serve with steamed vegetables or brown rice.

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2. Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets

These crispy baked chicken nuggets are a healthier take on the fast-food classic, made with whole-grain breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken chunks into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like a yogurt-based ranch.

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3. Healthy Veggie Stir-Fry

This veggie stir-fry is loaded with colorful vegetables and tossed in a light soy sauce and sesame dressing, making it a quick and nutritious dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 carrot (sliced)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli until tender.
2. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and sesame oil.
3. Add the sauce to the pan and toss the vegetables to coat.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Serve with brown rice or quinoa.

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4. Healthy Cauliflower Fried Rice

This cauliflower fried rice is a low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice, packed with vegetables and flavored with a savory sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower (riced)
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup carrots (diced)
• 2 eggs (scrambled)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor to create rice-sized pieces.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté peas, carrots, and cauliflower rice for 5-7 minutes.
3. Push the mixture to one side and scramble eggs on the other side of the pan.
4. Stir in soy sauce and cooked eggs, then garnish with green onions.
5. Serve as a side or main dish.

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5. Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken

This homemade sweet and sour chicken recipe uses baked chicken for a healthier option and a reduced-sugar sauce for a lighter twist on the classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup bell pepper (diced)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Coat chicken cubes in cornstarch and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
3. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, ketchup, honey, and pineapple chunks, and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Toss the baked chicken in the sweet and sour sauce and mix in diced bell peppers.
5. Serve with a side of brown rice or steamed vegetables.

6. Healthy Baked Chicken Wings

These healthier baked chicken wings are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub and baked to crispy perfection, offering all the taste of your favorite takeout wings without the extra calories.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken wings
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
3. Place wings on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Serve with a side of light ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

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7. Healthy Pad Thai

This healthier version of Pad Thai uses spiralized zucchini in place of noodles, and a light sauce to keep the flavor without the calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis (spiralized into noodles)
• 1/2 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 1 egg (scrambled)
• 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp fish sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan and cook shrimp until pink. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, scramble the egg and then remove.
3. Add spiralized zucchini noodles, shrimp, egg, tamari, peanut butter, lime juice, and fish sauce to the pan.
4. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes, then top with chopped peanuts.
5. Serve with extra lime wedges for added flavor.

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8. Healthy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic beef and broccoli stir-fry uses lean beef and a light sauce to create a flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean beef (sliced thinly)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan, add beef slices, and cook until browned.
2. Remove beef and add broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce and honey, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Return beef to the pan, toss everything together, and serve.

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9. Healthy General Tso’s Tofu

This healthy General Tso’s tofu uses baked tofu for a crispy texture and a lighter sauce, making it a perfect vegetarian takeout fakeout.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
2. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, then toss in baked tofu and coat with sauce.
4. Serve over brown rice or steamed vegetables.

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10. Healthy Veggie Burrito Bowl

This veggie burrito bowl is loaded with beans, vegetables, and a light cilantro-lime rice for a healthier version of the classic Mexican takeout.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice (cooked)
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook brown rice and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
2. In a bowl, layer rice, black beans, bell pepper, corn, and avocado.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or salsa.

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11. Healthy Chicken Fried Rice

This healthier version of chicken fried rice uses cauliflower rice to reduce the carb content while still keeping the savory flavors intact.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup peas
• 2 eggs (scrambled)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan, cook chicken until browned, then remove.
2. In the same pan, cook cauliflower rice, peas, and scrambled eggs for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce and cooked chicken, then cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Garnish with green onions and serve.

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12. Healthy Chicken Marsala

This lighter version of chicken Marsala uses a reduced-sugar sauce with mushrooms and a touch of wine for flavor, served with baked chicken.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp flour (for coating)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and flour, then pan-fry in olive oil until golden brown.
2. Remove chicken and sauté mushrooms in the same pan until soft.
3. Add Marsala wine and chicken broth, simmering for 5-7 minutes.
4. Return chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

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13. Healthy Veggie Pizza

This healthy veggie pizza uses a cauliflower crust, topped with tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of cheese for a guilt-free pizza night.

Ingredients:

• 1 cauliflower (riced and pressed)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (low-sugar)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced)
• 1/4 cup olives (sliced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (sliced)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine cauliflower rice, egg, and cheese, then shape into a crust.
2. Bake for 15 minutes, then add marinara sauce, vegetables, and additional cheese.
3. Bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Slice and serve.

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14. Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

This healthy Kung Pao chicken is made with lean chicken breast, a lighter sauce, and plenty of veggies, offering all the flavor without the extra calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced)
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté chicken in sesame oil until browned.
2. Add bell peppers and peanuts, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes.
4. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then serve over brown rice.

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15. Healthy Veggie Lo Mein

This healthier veggie lo mein uses whole-wheat noodles and loads of vegetables, tossed in a light soy-based sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole wheat noodles
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Sauté garlic and vegetables in sesame oil for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce, tossing everything together.
4. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.

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