Imagine this: a cozy evening, the enticing aroma of savory stir-fry wafting through the house, and a warm bowl of **One Pot Chicken Chow Mein** ready to enjoy. This dish is the ultimate quick fix for those busy nights, offering a delightful blend of chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly seasoned noodles—all cooked together in a single pot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Whip up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes from prep to table.
- Minimal Cleanup: Just one pot to wash means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit personal taste or dietary restrictions.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet flavor-packed ingredients is a breeze. Each one has been chosen to create layers of flavor, color, and texture that truly make this dish stand out.
- Canola oil: Provides a neutral base to fry the chicken and veggies quickly.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and meaty, they absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded cabbage: Adds a crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Red pepper & carrots: These vibrant veggies infuse the dish with color and natural sweetness.
- Snap peas: Offer a crisp, refreshing bite.
- Minced garlic & ginger: Essential for that authentic Asian flavor profile.
- Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor while cooking the pasta.
- Soy sauce & hoisin sauce: Bring salty and sweet umami notes to the noodles.
- Whole grain spaghettini: A healthy, hearty choice that holds up well in one-pot dishes.
- Corn starch & honey: Optional for adjusting thickness and sweetness balance.
Variations
Customizing your One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is as easy as it is fun. Feel free to tweak the recipe to cater to your palate or dietary restrictions.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with tofu or more veggies for a plant-based feast.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Chow Mein
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until they’re mostly white on the outside. This quick sauté seals in their juices and adds a nice texture.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Toss in the shredded cabbage, red pepper, carrots, and snap peas. Cook these for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, bringing out their vibrant colors and flavors.
Step 3: Infuse with Flavor
Introduce minced garlic and ginger, along with salt and red pepper flakes. Allow these to cook for about a minute, releasing their aromatic goodness.
Step 4: Simmer with Sauces
Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce to the pot and bring everything to a boil. Then, mix in the pasta and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook, stirring every few minutes to prevent clumping, until the pasta is al dente.
Step 5: Final Touches
Optionally, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the pasta for a thicker sauce. For a hint of sweetness, a little honey can be drizzled in. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Chow Mein
- Chicken Tenderness: Avoid overcooking the chicken in the first step to keep it juicy and tender.
- Veggie Selection: Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Sauce Balance: Taste the sauce before adding cornstarch or honey and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Noodle Cooking: Stir frequently while cooking to prevent the noodles from sticking and ensure even cooking.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Chow Mein
Garnishes
Top your One Pot Chicken Chow Mein with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add fresh notes and a bit of crunch. A squeeze of lime juice can also elevate the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a light cucumber salad or some steamed edamame for a refreshing complement. If you’re feeling indulgent, crispy spring rolls make a delicious treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chow mein family-style in a large bowl, or use individual serving dishes for a more elegant presentation. Add vibrant, colorful vegetables to make the plate pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows you to enjoy a quick and easy meal later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to two months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chow mein in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce if needed. Stir gently until heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute spaghettini with any pasta of your choice, though cooking times might vary.
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What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can replace hoisin with a mixture of equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar to mimic its sweet and salty flavor.
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Is it possible to make this dish completely vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables or add tofu for protein.
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How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha or your preferred hot sauce for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This **One Pot Chicken Chow Mein** recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience full of flavor, convenience, and versatility. Whether you stick to the original or add your spin, this is sure to become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and fall in love just like I have.
Print
One Pot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, American
Description
This One Pot Chicken Chow Mein is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and hearty whole grain pasta in a savory sauce. Made in a single pot for easy cleanup, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that satisfies craving for Chinese takeout without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 red pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded or matchstick carrots
- 1 cup stringless snap peas
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauces and Broth
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
Pasta and Optional Thickeners
- 340 grams whole grain spaghettini pasta (or fresh chow mein noodles)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional)
- 1 tablespoon corn starch (optional)
- Honey for sweetening (optional)
Instructions
- Add oil and cook chicken: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add canola oil, and cook the cubed chicken until it turns mostly white on the outside, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add vegetables: Add shredded cabbage, sliced red pepper, shredded carrots, and stringless snap peas to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened, stirring frequently.
- Flavor the mixture: Stir in minced garlic, minced ginger, salt, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute to release their aroma.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then add the pasta.
- Cook the pasta: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, depending on pasta type.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If desired, mix corn starch with water to create a slurry and stir into the pot to thicken the sauce. Add honey to taste for sweetness if needed. Stir well and cook for another minute until thickened.
- Serve: Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, serve hot directly from the pot garnished as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for the spaghettini to make it gluten-free or healthier.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables.
- For extra flavor, top with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
