These 25 Chinese Recipes Are the Only Ones My Kids Always Finish
Some families have a short list of meals that never fail, and for us, it just happens to be 25 Chinese dishes. They’ve been tested in every mood, from picky to “I’ll eat anything,” and still pull through. It’s the kind of collection that takes the stress out of answering “what’s for dinner.” The kids eat without negotiating, which feels like a win worth celebrating.

General Tso’s Chicken

Something about bold flavors draws everyone to General Tso’s Chicken almost instantly. Its sweet and slightly tangy coating makes it a great choice that blends perfectly with the tender bites. The spicy undertone adds a fun kick that doesn’t overpower everything else. Kids especially love how well it pairs with a side of plain rice.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken
Vegetable Stir Fry

Bright mixes of veggies always seem to win over plates, especially in Vegetable Stir Fry. The slight crunch of the vegetables alongside their lightly sweet and salty glaze often makes it a hit. It’s also a good option for incorporating more greens onto the table without fuss. Even picky eaters will find it hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Fried Banana

Sometimes, after hearty meals, a warm dessert like Fried Banana does the trick. Its soft center with a light, crispy coating creates such a fun break in texture. Kids love how subtly sweet and filling it feels without being too overwhelming. Whether served standalone or with a side, this treat disappears in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Egg Rolls

There’s just something about crispy bites that win hearts, especially in Egg Rolls. With a crunchy outside and a flavorful interior, it becomes a fun handheld snack or accompaniment. Rolling up different goodness all in one bite keeps things interesting. They’re great for sharing or even as an appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls
Shrimp Fried Rice

Quick meals that still feel filling seem to gain fans fast, and Shrimp Fried Rice is no exception. The shrimp adds a light but rich flavor to the fluffy rice mixture. Plus, its balance of flavors makes it an easy go-to when everyone craves something familiar but special. It’s also a meal that can be enjoyed repeatedly without boredom.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Family favorites often involve pairing tender chicken with something fresh like Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. The balance of protein and greens is one reason it ends up being chosen often. Its lightly savory and sweet sauce complements everything beautifully on the plate. Overall, it’s a dish people go back to without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Shrimp Toast

Snacks can be made into stars when they hit like Shrimp Toast. Its crispy, golden texture on the outside blends nicely with a smooth topping layered with shrimp. These little squares feel fancy without being complicated and are easy to handle. Whether as a small meal or bite-sized indulgence, they leave no crumbs behind.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast
Easy Chow Mein

Meals that involve noodles tend to win because of how fun they are, and Easy Chow Mein is that choice. Its simple mix of chewy noodles alongside flavorful additions gives it a timeless appeal. Perfect for a busy evening, this plate feels both satisfying and comforting. Kids love enjoying it in seconds or having it re-served later.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Sesame Chicken

Sticky, slightly sweet collections like Sesame Chicken have a certain charm that makes them disappear quickly. The balance of light sweetness and savory flavors keeps every bite interesting. With its glossy finish and slight crunch, it’s impossible to refuse. Whether eaten freshly served or reheated, it always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken
Tanghulu

Nothing attracts attention quicker than pops of glazed sweetness, like with Tanghulu. The hard shell brings a fun snap, while the fruity center offers a burst of flavor. Kids often see it as both a treat and an experience thanks to its texture and shine. Even adults can’t resist sneaking in one or two from a shared plate.
Get the Recipe: Tanghulu
Kung Pao Chicken

Fun dishes that stand out often blend spice and crunch, much like Kung Pao Chicken. Between the blend of soft chicken pieces and bold, crunchy elements, its texture creates a dynamic bite. The unexpected burst of spice keeps things more exciting than expected. It’s a go-to for lively dinners meant to shake up familiar routines.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Hot and Sour Soup

Cozy bowls often win during dinnertime, and Hot and Sour Soup does just that. Its gentle heat and tangy notes make it different from the usual options. As a warm, light starter, it’s perfect for whetting the appetite or enjoying on its own. It’s refreshing, yet hearty enough for all ages to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup
Spicy Cucumber Salad

In need of something cool but unique, Spicy Cucumber Salad often takes people by surprise. Its perfect balance of cold, crunchy pieces paired with a mild kick of spice wakes up the palate. This dish feels like a refreshing addition alongside heavier meals. It guarantees easy preparation while delivering something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad
Orange Chicken

Kids and adults alike gravitate toward sweeter options, which explains the love for Orange Chicken. The light citrus-flavored glaze keeps every bite interesting without being too heavy. It’s a dish that works well as an entree or takeout-style treat. Even after a long day, it’s a comforting choice to have on the table.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
Sweet and Sour Sauce

What everyone often looks for is balance, and Sweet and Sour Sauce delivers perfectly. It pairs excellently with finger foods or another main dish to add a twist. A drizzle of this sauce brings excitement to anything it touches. It’s a safe bet for anyone who loves flavors coming together in harmony.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce
Chicken Fried Rice

Ready-to-go meals like Chicken Fried Rice always seem to save the day. The chicken adds a wholesome flavor to the already delicious rice mix, making each bite more filling than the last. It’s an option that works as both a solo dish or alongside something else. No leftovers live long once this is served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup can be a game changer for quick meals. The velvety texture combined with hearty flavors makes each spoonful enjoyable. A filling soup without going overboard, it’s ideal for satisfying hunger on the spot. The kids, almost every time, come back around for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
Sweet and Sour Chicken

Classic choices like Sweet and Sour Chicken rarely fail to impress anyone. The mix of tender bites covered in a versatile sauce makes it a favorite. It’s perfect when cravings for something balanced but slightly indulgent hit. A shared family meal rarely feels complete without it making an appearance.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Tofu Fried Rice

Switching things up doesn’t have to feel forced with Tofu Fried Rice. Its mix of soft textures and flavorful seasonings keeps the table happy without missing meat. This dish provides variety without feeling complicated or too different. Everyone gets a chance to try something lighter yet just as enjoyable as the classics.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Meals from famous names often inspire love at home too, like this Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Its glossy finish and grilled surface mimic what families remember loving from restaurants. As each piece soaks in its own distinct flavor, it stands great alone or paired. Both kids and adults alike appreciate its simplicity at heart.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Sweet and Sour Pork

Amazingly versatile meals like Sweet and Sour Pork deserve the compliments they get. Balancing between tender protein and a shining glaze keeps the dish flavorful and dinner complete. These combinations rarely go untouched, becoming favorites every time they’re made. It’s often remembered as a meal that sets the mood right.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork
Chicken Chow Mein

Noodle-based choices always feel like fun meals, and Chicken Chow Mein leads here. It’s packed just right to make every mouthful blend textures that are chewy but balanced. Convenient for any busy day but still flavorful, this dish gets kids clearing plates without question. Every time reheated, it holds great results.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

Tech-savvy kitchen lovers swear by gadgets, especially when Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp come together easily. Sweet bites matched by a soft crunch on the outside make this unique at first taste. Convenient cooking paired with high-quality results turns it into a winner every time. This easy adaptability guarantees its place in the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp
Cashew Chicken

Many go-to recipes mix tender proteins and enjoyable crunch, like Cashew Chicken. The roasted nutty flavor blends perfectly with its other ingredients, making it a top pick. It’s fresh, flavorful, and never unnecessary add-ons feel present here. This dependable dinner gets even picky eaters munching along happily.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Bang Bang Shrimp

Sharing-friendly meals often make their rounds faster, none more so than Bang Bang Shrimp. Its bold coating packs just enough flavor into each bite for repeat enjoyment. Everyone at the table appreciates its welcoming approach to a seafood dish. Even non-seafood fans find themselves enjoying this option served lightly crisp.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
