Easy Take out Fake out Recipes on a Budget

Takeout food is so tempting because it’s fast, easy, and usually very satisfying (the most comforting of all comfort food). But it can also be a budget killer. So, when you’re tempted to dial for takeout, or you find yourself browsing those delivery apps, consider making one of these easy takeout fake out recipes so you can stay in control of your budget. These are the recipes I reach for when I’m craving takeout but want to stay home, save money, and still eat really well!

Takeout-Style Chicken Dinners

These easy chicken recipes are simple, totally delish, and similar in style to the takeout classics we’ve all grown to love. I just LOVE them, and they help hit that takeout craving using simple ingredients I always have in my kitchen.

1. Easy Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Chicken

This easy Orange Chicken recipe doesn't require deep frying and has the same tangy, sweet, and salty flavor as your favorite Chinese take-out!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

4.60 from 66 votes

$7.88 recipe / $1.97 serving Get the Recipe

I’ve been making this orange chicken for years, and it’s still one of my favorites. The chicken stays juicy and lightly crisp, and the homemade orange sauce has so much real flavor without being overly sweet. Not to mention, it all comes together in one skillet. Easy peasy.

2. Homemade Sesame Chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is faster and tastier than takeout. Tender chicken coated in a homemade sweet, savory, and tangy sauce.

4.56 from 467 votes

$6.78 recipe / $1.70 serving Get the Recipe

There’s no need to consider takeout when you can make this easy sesame chicken at home. I use a simple combo of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and fresh aromatics to make a sesame sauce that coats the tender chicken perfectly.

3. Firecracker Chicken

Firecracker Chicken

This easy Firecracker Chicken recipe is sweet, spicy, and pan-fried to crispy perfection in one skillet. Just like takeout, but cheaper and faster!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

5 from 16 votes

$6.25 recipe / $1.56 serving Get the Recipe

This easy firecracker chicken is a one-skillet dinner with crispy pan-fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and gently spicy sauce that tastes just like takeout. It’s fast, affordable, and packed with big flavor using simple pantry ingredients.

4. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

This easy Kung Pao Chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's FULL of flavor, with crisp veggies and a bold sauce, and is even better than takeout.

5 from 6 votes

$7.77 recipe / $1.30 serving Get the Recipe

This king pao chicken is one of my favorite ways to clear out the fridge and still end up with a super satisfying, budget-friendly dinner! I love that I can toss in whatever veggies I need to use up, and it still turns out full of flavor.

5. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice

Make delicious, ultra-flavorful chicken fried rice that tastes even better than takeout– and costs less too.

4.15 from 7 votes

$4.74 recipe / $1.19 serving Get the Recipe

This chicken fried rice is one of the easiest ways to make a low-cost dinner that still feels hearty and comforting. It’s fast to cook, easy to customize, and perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies.

Easy Noodle Recipes

Stir fry noodle recipes are no doubt the easiest and fastest dinner recipes out there, and there are an endless number of vegetable-protein-sauce combinations to choose from. Here are some of my favorites!

6. Vegetable Lo Mein

Easy Lo Mein

This incredibly fast and easy Lo Mein Recipe only takes about 15 minutes and is packed with tender noodles, colorful vegetables, and flavor!

4.67 from 24 votes

$6.33 recipe / $3.17 serving Get the Recipe

Noodles are the ultimate comfort food, and when they’re drenched in a rich, salty sauce and delivered straight to your door, they’re almost impossible to resist. BUT you can make them just as easily at home, and then you can bulk them up with as many veggies as you want.