Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that practically makes itself, then you’ve landed in the right place with this Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also allows for customization based on your taste preferences. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this chow mein is a delightful twist on a classic that can easily be made in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions, this dish will have your family begging for seconds!
The Upside of Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
There’s something magical about the slow cooker. It transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Here are a few reasons to love this Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein:
- Convenience: Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
- Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and savory dish.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat, swap out veggies, or add extra proteins to cater to your family’s tastes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean chicken, this chow mein is a wholesome choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredient Breakdown
To make this delicious Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola, or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts 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
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ 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
- ¼ cup cold water
- Chow mein noodles cooked, or rice, for serving
Must-Have Equipment
Before you dive into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Slow Cooker: The star of the show, allowing for easy, hands-off cooking.
- Cutting Board: For prepping all your fresh veggies and chicken.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping a breeze.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Serving Spoon: To dish out your delicious chow mein.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein Made Stepwise
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning helps to flavor the chicken right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté (Optional)
In a skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the chicken pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds great depth to the flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, layer the sautéed (or raw) chicken, sliced carrots, green onions, celery, minced ginger, and garlic. Add the bean sprouts and water chestnuts on top.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, chicken stock, granulated sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and continue cooking.
Step 7: Serve
Once the chow mein is ready, serve it over cooked chow mein noodles or rice. Garnish with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy your homemade chow mein!
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, here are some easy swaps:
- Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
- Rice Noodles: Use rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Vegetable Broth: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
Author’s Commentary
As someone who loves experimenting with flavors, this Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein has become a staple in my kitchen. The best part? You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences. I often throw in a handful of snap peas or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you can carry on with your day. Trust me; the smell of this chow mein wafting through your home is worth it!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is perfect for meal prep! Here are some tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chow mein for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it may require additional cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What vegetables can I add to chow mein?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy. Just remember that softer vegetables might cook down more quickly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.
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Wrap-Up
With its ease of preparation and mouthwatering flavors, Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is a dish that deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just for yourself, this comforting bowl of goodness will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling nourished. Give it a try, and I promise it won’t disappoint!
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning helps to flavor the chicken right from the start.
- Step 2: Sauté (Optional) - In a skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the chicken pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step is optional but adds great depth to the flavor.
- Step 3: Layer the Ingredients - In your slow cooker, layer the sautéed (or raw) chicken, sliced carrots, green onions, celery, minced ginger, and garlic. Add the bean sprouts and water chestnuts on top.
- Step 4: Mix the Sauce - In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, chicken stock, granulated sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Cook - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 6: Thicken the Sauce - About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and continue cooking.
- Step 7: Serve - Once the chow mein is ready, serve it over cooked chow mein noodles or rice. Garnish with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy your homemade chow mein!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze the chow mein for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
