Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs 15 mins
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Total Time
3 hrs 35 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
158 kcal
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Cuisine
Chinese
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
Description
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein starts with chicken breast pieces lightly browned in a skillet to develop flavor, then cooked slowly with sliced carrots, green onions, celery, minced ginger, garlic, bean sprouts, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, water chestnuts, chicken stock, and sugar. The lengthy slow cook time tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with the seasoned sauce. Near the end, a cornstarch and water mixture is stirred in to thicken the sauce, which coats the ingredients nicely.
The finished dish has a balanced texture contrasting tender chicken and softened vegetables with crisp water chestnuts and bean sprouts. Serving the mixture tossed with noodles or rice turns it into a complete meal. Garnishing with extra scallions, red pepper flakes, or toasted sesame seeds adds freshness and a touch of heat.
This recipe fits well as a slow cooker main course for dinner when you want hands-off preparation without sacrificing flavor. The blend of Asian-inspired ingredients and slow cooking yields a rich, satisfying dish with practical appeal. Leftovers reheat well, making it useful for easy meals later in the week.
Prepping vegetables or chicken ahead can save time before cooking. Both the high and low slow cooker time options work, with the high setting producing more tender chicken. The recipe stores well in the refrigerator and can be frozen up to 2 months.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola, or olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- 1½ lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium carrot thinly sliced, or julienned
- 6 green onions aka scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts, plus extra for garnish
- 3 celery sliced, stalks
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced, fresh
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz. bean sprout
- ⅓ cup soy sauce low sodium works well
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes more for extra heat, omit for no heat at all
- 1 oz. can water chestnut drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup water cold
- Chow Mein noodles cooked, or rice, for serving.
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper all over and then add to skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Place cooked chicken into slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients, except cornstarch and water (don't include the noodles/rice); stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 10 hours.
- About 10 minutes before serving, mix together the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl or measuring cup. Add to the slow cooker and stir. Stir occasionally until thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package instructions and then mix them into the chicken mixture. Stir until fully mixed.
- Keep on warm until ready to serve, or, serve at once. Garnish with extra sliced scallions, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Vegetables and chicken can be prepared the night before to streamline cooking day.
- Cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours yields very tender chicken; low for 6 to 10 hours also works well.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator up to 5 days and reheat nicely on the stove or in the microwave.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 158 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 158kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 703mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 521mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 3969IU | 79% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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