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Chinese food is a favorite for potlucks because it’s flavorful, versatile, and easy to make in big batches. From noodle dishes and dumplings to stir-fries and fried rice, these recipes are simple to prepare, travel well, and bring bold flavors to the table.
They also offer something for everyone—meat lovers, vegetarians, and even guests who like a little heat. Whether you’re organizing a casual office potluck, a family gathering, or a festive party, these easy Chinese food recipes will keep everyone reaching for seconds.
Here are 17 delicious ideas to make your next potluck unforgettable.
1. Fried Rice
A classic Chinese dish made with rice stir-fried with eggs, peas, carrots, and soy sauce. It’s quick to prepare, easy to scale up, and reheats well, making it a reliable choice for potlucks.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
2. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce with bell peppers and pineapple. This dish is colorful, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd at any potluck.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe.
3. Vegetable Lo Mein
Noodles stir-fried with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and soy-based sauce. It’s a vegetarian-friendly option that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to pack in large containers for sharing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 54g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Vegetable Lo Mein recipe.
4. Pork Dumplings
Savory dumplings filled with ground pork, garlic, ginger, and cabbage, steamed or pan-fried. They’re bite-sized, fun to eat, and can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Pork Dumplings recipe.
5. General Tso’s Chicken
Crispy chicken tossed in a slightly spicy, sweet glaze. This dish is bold, comforting, and guaranteed to be one of the first entrées finished at the potluck table.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the General Tso’s Chicken recipe.
6. Kung Pao Chicken
A stir-fry made with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in a spicy, savory sauce. It’s flavorful, a little nutty, and has just the right amount of heat to excite the crowd.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Kung Pao Chicken recipe.
7. Egg Rolls
Crispy wrappers filled with cabbage, carrots, and pork or shrimp, fried until golden. They’re portable, easy to share, and stay crunchy even when made in bulk. Serve with soy or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
8. Mongolian Beef
Thin slices of beef stir-fried with green onions in a sweet soy-based sauce. It’s tender, savory, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice, making it a great entrée for potlucks.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Mongolian Beef recipe.
9. Hot and Sour Soup
A tangy, slightly spicy soup with tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and egg ribbons. It’s warming, comforting, and a lighter option to balance out heavier dishes.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the hot and sour soup recipe.
10. Orange Chicken
Crispy chicken coated in a sweet, citrusy glaze. It’s one of the most popular Chinese dishes and always a crowd favorite at potlucks.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Orange Chicken recipe.
11. Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Tender pork marinated in a sweet, savory glaze and roasted until caramelized. Slice it thin for sandwiches, wraps, or to serve with rice—it’s versatile and full of flavor.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
Get the Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) recipe.
12. Sesame Chicken
Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet sesame sauce and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. It’s crunchy, sticky, and just the right balance of savory and sweet.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Sesame Chicken recipe.
13. Chinese Cabbage Stir-Fry
A simple vegetarian dish with Napa cabbage stir-fried in garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. It’s light, flavorful, and quick to make, perfect for balancing heavier entrées.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Chinese Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe.
14. Shrimp Fried Rice
Rice stir-fried with shrimp, peas, carrots, eggs, and soy sauce. It’s light, filling, and easy to prepare in big portions for sharing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Shrimp Fried Rice recipe.
15. Beef and Broccoli
Tender beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets in a savory brown sauce. It’s simple, healthy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Beef and Broccoli recipe.
16. Scallion Pancakes
Flaky, savory Chinese flatbreads made with flour, scallions, and oil, pan-fried until golden. They’re crisp, chewy, and make a fun finger food to share.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Scallion Pancakes recipe.
17. Sweet Sesame Noodles
Noodles tossed in a sesame-soy sauce with a touch of garlic and ginger. They’re slightly nutty, slightly sweet, and can be served cold or warm, making them flexible for any potluck setting.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
