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
Units
Scale
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
