Looking for an easy and delicious Chinese recipe? Look no further! Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is the perfect solution for a hassle-free, tasty family meal. This homemade dish brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table without the need for extensive cooking time or complicated techniques. With the help of a slow cooker, this recipe allows you to achieve perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables with minimal effort.
Key Takeaways:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
- It combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the flavors of Chinese cuisine.
- Prep the ingredients in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
- Cook the chicken separately for a flavorful result.
- Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired texture.
- Leftovers can be heated up and often taste even better the next day.
- Try this recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein, you will need the following ingredients:
- Oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper
- Boneless chicken (thighs or breasts)
- Carrots (julienned or cut into medallions)
- Green onions (sliced)
- Celery (sliced)
- Ginger (minced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Bean sprouts
- Soy sauce
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Water chestnuts (chopped)
- Chicken broth
- Sugar
- Cornstarch (mixed with water)
- Chow mein noodles
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
These ingredients can be easily found at your local market.
How To Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
Looking for a delicious and flavorful chicken recipe that requires minimal effort and one pot cooking? Try this easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein recipe! With the convenience of a crockpot, you can enjoy a delectable homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create a satisfying dish that will delight your taste buds.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
To begin, heat a skillet and lightly brown the chicken. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish. Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add onions, celery, ginger, garlic, bean sprouts, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, water chestnuts, chicken broth, and sugar. These ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavors that infuse the chicken and vegetables. Set your crockpot to high heat for 3 to 4 hours or low heat for 6 to 10 hours, depending on your preference.
Thickening the Sauce
In the final 10 to 15 minutes of cooking, prepare a cornstarch mixture by mixing cornstarch with water. This mixture will help thicken the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the chicken and vegetables. Gently stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and allow it to simmer until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Adding the Chow Mein Noodles
While the sauce thickens, cook the chow mein noodles separately according to the package instructions. This step ensures that the noodles maintain their ideal texture. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the slow cooker. Gently mix the noodles with the chicken and vegetable mixture, allowing the flavors to blend together harmoniously.
Finally, serve your Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein garnished with sliced green onions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Tips for Perfect Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
For an effortless and delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein, follow these helpful tips:
- Prep the ingredients in advance: Save time on the day of cooking by chopping the vegetables, mincing the garlic and ginger, and having all the necessary ingredients measured and ready to go.
- Cook the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker: Searing the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker adds extra flavor and helps to lock in juices.
- Choose the cooking time setting that best fits your schedule: If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will yield tender chicken and crisp vegetables. For a longer, slow-cooked flavor, opt for low heat for 6 to 10 hours.
- Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry: To achieve the desired thick and luscious consistency, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry before adding it to the slow cooker in the final stages of cooking.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day: Store any remaining Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for a delicious meal the following day.
Preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is a breeze when you keep these tips in mind. Enjoy the convenience of a crockpot while indulging in the flavorful goodness of this classic Chinese-inspired dish.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is the perfect dish to add to your repertoire of flavorful chicken recipes. This homemade chow mein brings the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your dinner table. The best part? You can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is sure to impress. The tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce make for a satisfying and mouthwatering combination. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a homemade chow mein that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout.
Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. The simplicity of using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a dish that is bursting with taste. Make your next meal a memorable one with Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein – a delectable choice for any occasion.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts as a substitute for chicken thighs in this recipe. However, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender when slow-cooked.
Can I add other vegetables to Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas to the dish for added flavor and texture.
How long can I keep the leftovers of Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein?
Leftovers of Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein for later?
Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. After browning the chicken, sauté the vegetables and then add the remaining ingredients, simmering until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.