Life with family is wonderfully chaotic, and finding time to prepare a healthy and delicious dinner can often feel like a Herculean task. If you’re constantly searching for Easy Dinner Ideas For Family that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition, look no further! This one-pot chicken chow mein recipe is a game-changer. Ready in about 30 minutes and packed with juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables, it’s a meal that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces around the dinner table.
overhead image of chicken chow mein in large white skillet
Why One-Pot Chicken Chow Mein is Perfect for Family Dinners
Weeknights are often a whirlwind of activities, from school pickups to homework and everything in between. That’s why easy dinner ideas are essential for busy families. This one-pot chicken chow mein recipe is designed with simplicity and speed in mind. Everything cooks together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about creating a meal that’s both healthy and appealing to all ages. Forget about complicated recipes and mountains of dishes – this recipe streamlines dinner time, giving you more quality time with your family.
What Makes This Chicken Chow Mein Recipe So Easy?
While this isn’t a traditional, authentic chow mein, it’s inspired by those classic flavors and simplified for the modern family kitchen. Traditional chow mein often involves multiple steps and separate cooking of noodles and stir-fry. This one-pot version simplifies the process by cooking the noodles directly in the sauce with all the other ingredients. This method infuses the noodles with flavor and reduces both cooking time and cleanup. The result is a delicious, family-friendly meal that captures the essence of chow mein without the fuss. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine on a busy weeknight without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Your Easy Family Dinner
Let’s explore the ingredients that make this one-pot chicken chow mein a family favorite. Each component is chosen for its flavor, nutritional value, and ease of use. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef – these are all readily available ingredients that come together effortlessly.
- Chicken: Lean protein is essential for a balanced family meal. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect, offering a mild flavor that kids love and cooking quickly in a stir-fry. Chicken thighs are also a great alternative for a richer flavor.
- Vibrant Vegetables: A colorful mix of vegetables not only adds visual appeal but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and snap peas create a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the savory sauce. Feel free to adapt this mix to your family’s preferences – broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms would also be fantastic additions.
- Flavorful Sauces: The combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce is the heart of the chow mein flavor. Soy sauce provides a salty umami base, while hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Hoisin sauce is a key ingredient that elevates this dish from simple to sensational, so it’s worth keeping in your pantry.
- Noodles: Whole grain spaghettini pasta is used in this recipe for its convenience and family-friendly appeal. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. If you prefer a more traditional chow mein noodle, you can use dried ramen or chow mein noodles, adjusting cooking time as needed.
ingredients needed for chicken chow mein
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Pot Chicken Chow Mein
Preparing this easy dinner for your family is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until mostly browned. This step sears the chicken, locking in juices and adding flavor.
- Add the Vegetables: Introduce your colorful vegetables – bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, and snap peas – to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until they soften slightly but still retain a bit of crispness.
- Infuse Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about a minute until fragrant. These aromatics are essential for building layers of flavor in your chow mein.
- Combine Liquids and Noodles: Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then gently add the pasta. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Then, cover the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. The pasta will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your one-pot chicken chow mein is ready! Serve it hot and watch your family devour this flavorful and easy dinner. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can optionally thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) at the end.
Cook chicken briefly 
spaghettini noodles added to sauce in skillet for chicken chow meinAdd dry pasta
Tips and Variations for Family-Friendly Chow Mein
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. It’s easy to adapt to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to customize your one-pot chicken chow mein:
- Protein Swaps: Not a chicken fan? Try using cubed pork, shrimp, or tofu instead. Ground beef also works well for a heartier version.
- Vegetable Medley: Get creative with your vegetables! Onions, broccoli florets, cauliflower, snow peas, or even canned water chestnuts can be added. Use what your family loves and what you have on hand.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, omit them entirely. For spice lovers, add a dash of sriracha or chili oil.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Family Meal
While this one-pot chicken chow mein is a complete meal on its own, you can easily round it out with a simple side dish or two for a more substantial family dinner.
- Steamed Edamame: A healthy and fun side dish that kids often enjoy. Sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor.
- Spring Rolls: Pair your chow mein with some crispy spring rolls for a takeout-style meal experience.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chow mein.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers of this one-pot chicken chow mein are perfect for lunch the next day. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Microwave Reheating: For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions in a shallow dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through.
Enjoy making this easy and delicious one-pot chicken chow mein for your family! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that simplifies dinner time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
