Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein

Nothing warms the soul quite like a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and the thought of returning home to a warm, savory meal made my heart lift. There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and flavorful sauces gently mingling together in the slow cooker. This recipe not only fills your kitchen with delightful scents but also brings everyone to the table, eager to enjoy a hearty meal. Cooking in a slow cooker has a way of making everything easier, especially after a long day. Imagine curling up on the sofa with your loved ones, sharing stories over a delicious meal that practically prepared itself. It truly is one of those meals that brings comfort and joy, reminding me that good food can create lasting memories.

What to Gather for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein

Gathering ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is a joyful part of the cooking process. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a deliciously balanced dish. You’ll find that the fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch while the chicken becomes tender and succulent after hours of slow cooking. It’s this perfect combination of textures and flavors that makes this dish so beloved.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola, or olive oil): A key ingredient for sautéing the chicken to perfection.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1½ lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces): The star of the dish, tender and juicy.
• 3 medium carrots (thinly sliced, or julienned): They add a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 6 green onions (aka scallions, thinly sliced): They contribute a mild onion flavor that’s essential in chow mein.
• 3 celery stalks (sliced): Offers a crunchy texture that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced): Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the chicken with its irresistible aroma.
• 8 oz. bean sprouts: They bring a refreshing crunch that’s signature to chow mein.
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium works well): A salty, flavorful base for the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more for extra heat, omit for no heat at all): Gives a touch of spice to the dish.
• 1 8 oz. can water chestnuts (drained and chopped): Adds a unique crunch and texture.
• 1 cup chicken stock: This keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
• ¼ cup cornstarch: This thickens the sauce for a perfect consistency.
• ½ cup cold water: Used to mix with cornstarch before adding to the slow cooker.
• Chow mein noodles (cooked, or rice, for serving): The perfect base for this heavenly dish.

Directions for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein. It’s a simple yet rewarding journey that leads to a delicious meal. Grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!

1. First, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It should shimmer just a bit, indicating it’s hot and ready for action.
2. Next, season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and pepper all over. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the flavor. Once seasoned, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly browned, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You want the outside to have a nice golden color while keeping it juicy inside.
3. Once browned, carefully place the cooked chicken into your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins!
4. Now, add the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker, except for the cornstarch and water. This includes the carrots, green onions, celery, ginger, garlic, bean sprouts, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, water chestnuts, chicken stock, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined. The aromas will be fantastic!
5. Cover the slow cooker and set it on HIGH to cook for 3 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 10 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender your chicken will become.
6. About 10 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture will help thicken your sauce.
7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and gently stir it in. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. This step gives it that perfect saucy consistency.
8. Meanwhile, cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
9. Finally, mix the cooked noodles into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture, ensuring everything is coated in that delicious sauce. Keep on warm until ready to serve.
10. When serving, garnish with extra sliced scallions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or toasted sesame seeds for that extra touch!

Tips and Variations

When it comes to Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein, there are numerous tips and variations to enhance your cooking experience.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for an extra veggie boost.
• Spicy kick: Add some chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.
• Meat variations: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein option.
• Veggie overload: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy to bulk the dish up.

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein can be as delightful as making it. This dish is versatile and works beautifully in various settings.

• Family dinners: Make it a centerpiece for family gatherings. Its vibrant colors and appealing aroma will draw everyone to the table.
• Lunch leftovers: Package it up for a satisfying lunch the next day. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave, making your lunch break feel gourmet.
• Casual gatherings: Serve it at your next potluck or casual get-together. Guests will appreciate the deliciousness and you’ll be happy to share something you love.
• Garnish for flair: Always garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
• Seasonal sides: Pair it with seasonal sides like a fresh salad in the summer or cozy mashed potatoes in the winter.
• Flavor boosters: Drizzle some extra soy sauce or a dash of hot sauce on individual servings for those who like it spicy.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is a comforting and flavorful dish that truly stands out with every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with family or indulging in leftovers, it’s a meal that will leave you satisfied. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the warmth and joy it brings to your dinner table. You won’t be disappointed!

Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce simmered to perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings and impress your family. Make it tonight and enjoy the flavors!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 medium carrots thinly sliced or julienned
• 6 green onions aka scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts, plus extra for garnish
• 3 celery stalks sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 8 oz. bean sprouts
• ⅓ cup soy sauce low sodium works well
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes more for extra heat, omit for no heat at all
• 1 8 oz. can water chestnuts drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup cold water
• Chow mein noodles cooked, or rice, for serving

Equipment

• 6-quart slow-cooker

Method

 

1. First, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It should shimmer just a bit, indicating it’s hot and ready for action.
2. Next, season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and pepper all over. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the flavor. Once seasoned, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly browned, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You want the outside to have a nice golden color while keeping it juicy inside.
3. Once browned, carefully place the cooked chicken into your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins!
4. Now, add the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker, except for the cornstarch and water. This includes the carrots, green onions, celery, ginger, garlic, bean sprouts, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, water chestnuts, chicken stock, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined. The aromas will be fantastic!
5. Cover the slow cooker and set it on HIGH to cook for 3 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 10 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender your chicken will become.
6. About 10 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture will help thicken your sauce.
7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and gently stir it in. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. This step gives it that perfect saucy consistency.
8. Meanwhile, cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
9. Finally, mix the cooked noodles into the slow cooker with the chicken mixture, ensuring everything is coated in that delicious sauce. Keep on warm until ready to serve.
10. When serving, garnish with extra sliced scallions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or toasted sesame seeds for that extra touch!

Notes

• Tip 1: The veggies can be prepped the night before.
• Tip 2: The chicken can also be cooked the night before.
• Tip 3: We've tested both the LOW and HIGH time settings, and both are equally delicious. The chicken gets almost fall-apart tender on the HIGH setting, but either way is great.
• Tip 4: Go with the timing (3 to 4 vs. 6 to 10 hours) that best fits your schedule.
• Tip 5: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be reheated on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
• Tip 6: The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.