Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

Easy Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe: Set It and Forget It

If there’s one thing that excites me as a busy food lover and chef, it’s discovering a recipe that delivers authentic, takeout-style flavor with minimal effort. And, friends, that’s exactly what this Easy Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe brings to the table. It's a dish that captures the soul of traditional Chinese chow mein while embracing the convenience of the crockpot. This recipe has been my go-to for family dinners, especially on busy days. The best part? You set it and forget it, allowing the crockpot to work its magic while you get on with your day.

Today, I’ll walk you through how to make this delightful dish with a step-by-step approach, some personal tips, and a few recommendations for tools and books that make the cooking experience even easier.

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Why This Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe Stands Out

One of the reasons I adore this Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe is that it delivers the comforting flavors of a Chinese classic in a healthy, customizable way. It’s packed with veggies like cabbage and bean sprouts, which add a satisfying crunch and authenticity to the dish. Plus, by using lean chicken and just the right blend of sauces, this recipe remains a nutritious choice for those seeking a balanced main dish.

Ingredients Needed

Before you get cooking, let's talk about the ingredients. The following items are all easily accessible and form the backbone of this hearty, flavorful meal:

Main Ingredients

Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Thighs tend to be more tender, but either works well.

Vegetables: Cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers add color, crunch, and nutrients.

Noodles: Chow mein noodles are classic, but you can substitute other noodle types if necessary. (Pro tip: Don’t add the noodles too early in the cooking process to avoid a mushy texture.)

Soy Sauce Mixture: A quick and easy soy sauce blend forms the flavor base. Mix in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil for depth.

Other Flavor Enhancers: Adding oyster sauce, hoisin, or even a dash of chili flakes gives the sauce extra layers of flavor that bring it closer to restaurant quality.

Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Step-by-Step

1. Preparation

Begin by chopping your vegetables. I like to slice the cabbage into thin strips, similar to what you’d see in a takeout chow mein. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, so they cook evenly.

2. Easy Soy Sauce Mixture

For the sauce, combine soy sauce, a bit of brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. I also like to add a splash of sesame oil, oyster sauce, and hoisin for richness. This combination creates a well-balanced sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami.

3. Layering Ingredients in the Crockpot

To achieve even cooking, layer the ingredients in your crockpot. Start with the chicken, followed by the harder vegetables (like carrots) and then softer ones (like bell peppers). Pour your soy sauce mixture over everything.

4. Cooking Time

Set your crockpot on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours, depending on how tender you like the vegetables. Just before serving, add the chow mein noodles and bean sprouts for a quick warm-through.

5. Finishing Touches

To serve, I like to garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Sometimes, I even add a dash of lime for a zesty finish.

Product Recommendation #1: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

When I first started using this Instant Pot Duo (available on Amazon), it changed my cooking game. While it’s primarily known for pressure cooking, it also has a slow cooker function, making it an excellent tool for recipes like this crockpot chow mein. Its versatility lets you experiment with different cooking methods all in one device!

👉 Check out the Instant Pot Duo on Amazon and elevate your home-cooking experience!

Serving Suggestions and Side Ideas

While this dish is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with sides like steamed rice can take it to another level. For added texture and variety, consider serving it alongside a crisp Asian salad or a side of vegetable spring rolls.

Optional Toppings

Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness.

Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds offers both texture and visual appeal.

Squeeze of Lime: This brightens up the dish and pairs well with the savory-sweet sauce.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein

After many attempts, here are some insider tips I’d love to share to make sure you get perfect results every time:

Choosing the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will yield a juicier result than breasts, but either works well.

Timing the Noodles: Noodles can quickly become too soft if left in the crockpot too long. I recommend adding them only in the last 10–15 minutes.

Making It Extra Healthy: For a lower sodium option, use a low-sodium soy sauce and add more vegetables. I’ve found that even small additions, like baby corn or snap peas, give this dish an extra nutritious boost without compromising flavor.

Product Recommendation #2: OXO Good Grips Julienne Peeler

This handy OXO Julienne Peeler (available on Amazon) has been my favorite for prepping veggies. It’s perfect for quickly slicing carrots and cabbage, making veggie prep for chow mein quick and easy. I can’t imagine cooking without it now!

👉 See the OXO Julienne Peeler on Amazon and make veggie prep a breeze!

Making Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Healthier

Cooking this recipe in a crockpot already brings a level of healthiness, as it allows you to control the ingredients and avoid extra oil. Here are a few ways to boost the nutritional value:

Use Whole-Grain Noodles: Swap out chow mein noodles for whole-grain noodles or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Add Extra Vegetables: Besides cabbage and bean sprouts, throw in some leafy greens or broccoli for an extra dose of fiber and vitamins.

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce reduces the sodium content without losing the essential savory flavor.

Book Recommendation: “The Chinese Takeout Cookbook” by Diana Kuan

If you’re as big a fan of Chinese takeout flavors as I am, this cookbook is a treasure. Diana Kuan’s “The Chinese Takeout Cookbook” delves into homemade versions of all your favorite takeout dishes, from chow mein to egg rolls. Her recipes are accessible, authentic, and provide valuable tips for home cooking.

👉 Get “The Chinese Takeout Cookbook” on Amazon and bring more Chinese-inspired dishes to your table!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid adding excess moisture to the crockpot.

Which Noodles Work Best in the Crockpot?

While traditional chow mein noodles are ideal, lo mein or even udon noodles work as a substitute. If using gluten-free noodles, cook them separately to avoid them breaking down.

Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

Certainly! Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or a dash of Chinese hot oil for a spicy twist.

This Easy Crockpot Chicken Chow Mein Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, thanks to its flavor, simplicity, and versatility. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Not only does it deliver the authentic flavors of Chinese takeout, but it also provides a healthier, homemade alternative packed with fresh ingredients like cabbage and bean sprouts.

Cooking with a crockpot has changed my approach to traditional dishes, giving me time to experiment without constant monitoring. I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your kitchen and makes weeknight dinners a little more delicious.

Happy cooking!