Name: Turkey Cabbage Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided; 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce (from above, divided); 1 tablespoon sesame oil (from above, divided); 2 cups fresh snow peas; 2 cups shredded carrots; 3 green onions, chopped; 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon canola oil

You know that feeling when you’re craving something bright, vibrant, and just a little bit unexpected? That’s exactly what you get with Chinese Chicken Spaghetti—a beloved dish that’s both homey and full of zing. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mingling with bouncy spaghetti, nestled among crisp-tender veggies and tossed in a positively addictive, savory sauce. This meal is as easy to make as it is fun to eat, and it brings the magic of your favorite Asian takeout right into your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, Chinese Chicken Spaghetti always hits the spot.

Turkey Cabbage Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything you need for Chinese Chicken Spaghetti couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient plays a special role in making this dish savory, satisfying, and visually gorgeous. Plus, you’ll find most of them are easy to pick up at any grocery store!

Spaghetti: The classic base that soaks up all the delicious sauce—swap with whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer!
Cornstarch: Helps the chicken stay juicy, while also thickening the sauce so it clings to every bite.
Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and a savory backbone—using a reduced-sodium version keeps things balanced.
Sesame oil: Brings a toasty, nutty aroma to both marinade and sauce—don’t skip this, it’s pure flavor magic!
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and quick-cooking—cutting them to bite-size means more surface for seasoning.
White vinegar: Brightens and balances the sauce with a gentle tang.
Sugar: Just a touch to round out the savory and tangy flavors and give the sauce a glossy finish.
Canola oil: High smoke point makes this perfect for stir-frying—it helps everything cook evenly.
Fresh snow peas: Add crunch and a gorgeous pop of green!
Shredded carrots: Bring sweetness and color, not to mention a tender bite.
Green onions: Their mild, fresh flavor perks up the whole dish when added at just the right moment.
Minced fresh gingerroot: For that unmistakable warming zing—fresh is best here, if you can.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a touch of heat; feel free to dial up or down according to preference.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Spaghetti

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first—let’s give our chicken a quick marinade so it stays beautifully moist and flavorful. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, one tablespoon of soy sauce, and one tablespoon of sesame oil until you have a smooth mixture. Pour this over your cut chicken pieces in a shallow dish, and turn them so every piece gets coated. This easy step tenderizes the chicken and helps it grab on to every bit of the sauce later. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prep the sauce and veggies.

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

While the chicken is working its magic, grab another bowl and whisk together the vinegar, sugar, the remaining three tablespoons of soy sauce, and the last tablespoon of sesame oil. This sauce is bright, savory, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for marrying the chicken, veggies, and spaghetti together.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want it just al dente so it will pick up all that saucy goodness without turning mushy. Drain and set aside when done, but keep it close—things move fast from here!

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Drop in your marinated chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. When it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.

Step 5: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, toss in the snow peas and shredded carrots. Give them a good stir-fry for about 5 minutes so they stay crisp and vibrant. Add the green onions, fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes, and keep stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this stage!

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and pour over your soy sauce mixture. Quickly add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together until the noodles are coated, and the veggies and chicken are well distributed. It’s time to plate up your Chinese Chicken Spaghetti—get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Spaghetti

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches—they’re what take this Chinese Chicken Spaghetti from good to show-stopping! Try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a handful of extra sliced green onions, or even a dash of chili oil if you like a little more fire. They each add their own spark of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

This Chinese Chicken Spaghetti loves company! Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or even some fluffy homemade egg rolls for a feast that’s both fresh and deeply satisfying. The key is to keep sides simple, letting the bold flavors of your main dish shine through.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra wow-factor, serve your Chinese Chicken Spaghetti right in the skillet or a big family-style platter at the table. For a playful twist, twirl the noodles into little nests and top each with a few pieces of chicken and veggies for individually plated elegance—perfect for dinner parties or impressing your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Chinese Chicken Spaghetti? Lucky you! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors only get deeper and more delicious as they mingle.

Freezing

Want to meal-prep or stash some away for a rainy day? Chinese Chicken Spaghetti actually freezes better than you might think. Pop cooled portions into resealable freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply warm Chinese Chicken Spaghetti in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. For a quick fix, the microwave works too—just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring often for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While spaghetti gives it that East-meets-West charm, Chinese egg noodles, linguine, or even rice noodles work beautifully in Chinese Chicken Spaghetti. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different noodles can vary.

Is this recipe spicy?

There’s a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes, but it’s subtle. If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for kids, feel free to halve or skip the pepper flakes—or kick things up a notch if you love extra heat!

Can I substitute the vegetables?

Of course! Chinese Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly flexible—try bell peppers, snap peas, baby corn, or whatever crisp veggies you have on hand. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Easy swap: use gluten-free spaghetti and double-check your soy sauce label (or use tamari, a gluten-free alternative). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Pressed tofu or seitan is fantastic in place of chicken. Just marinate and cook as directed, and enjoy a satisfying vegetarian twist on Chinese Chicken Spaghetti.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about Chinese Chicken Spaghetti—it’s colorful, crave-worthy comfort food that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share with guests. Give it a try the next time you’re after bold flavors and a little kitchen adventure. I can’t wait for you to taste just how delicious homemade Chinese Chicken Spaghetti can be!