In the ever-evolving dance of flavors defining the culinary landscape, we embark on a journey where tradition meets rebellion through the Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein—a dish paying homage to classics yet flipping the script in audacious deliciousness.
Imagine this: lovingly sear thinly sliced chicken breasts to a golden hue in a hot skillet—an introduction promising a symphony of textures and tastes. Embrace the slow; let the chicken soak up the moment’s intensity before it takes the stage in the slow cooker.
This kitchen contraption, my trusted partner, transforms the mundane into a gastronomic spectacle. Over four unhurried hours, the chicken becomes a maestro, conducting an ensemble of veggies—carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, and shredded cabbage. They sizzle and mingle, soaking up savory vibes, getting ready for their moment in the spotlight.
And oh, the sauce! A riot of flavors—soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and ginger—creates a liquid elixir bathing chicken and veggies in a symphony of umami. Cornstarch steps in, ensuring the ensemble achieves a perfect crescendo, a harmonious blend of silkiness and depth.
As the aroma crescendos, chow mein noodles boil to perfection, becoming the canvas for this culinary artwork. The slow cooker’s swan song leaves us with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and noodles—a perfect, harmonious blend.
A moment of reflection, a brief pause before the grand finale—green onions, the encore adding a final, sublime touch. Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein invites you to the path less traveled, where the most delicious destinations await those who defy the ordinary. Savor this dish that demands attention.
Chicken Chow Mein
Bring the allure of a Chinese takeaway into your own kitchen with this slow cooker masterpiece. In our unconventional twist, we diverge from the typical stir-fry routine. Instead, we let the chicken take center stage, cooking it to perfection before the grand finale—a harmonious union with veggies and noodles. It's a departure from tradition, a culinary escapade that transforms a classic into something uniquely satisfying. Because, in the world of flavor, sometimes the path less traveled leads to the most delicious destinations.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Resting Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 500 kcal
Slow Cooker
Cutting board and knife
Large skillet
Tongs
Serving platter or bowls
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers a mix of colors
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup snap peas trimmed
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 4 green onions sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sear the sliced chicken until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, and shredded cabbage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Transfer the veggies to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, grated ginger, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
While the slow cooker is doing its magic, cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once the slow cooker cycle is complete, give the mixture a gentle stir. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to intensify.
Serve the slow-cooked chicken and vegetable mixture over the prepared chow mein noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions.
1. Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences.
2. Adjust the soy sauce and other seasonings to taste.
3. For added freshness, squeeze a bit of lime juice over the finished dish before serving.
4. This recipe is great for leftovers; the flavors often intensify the next day.
Keyword Chicken Chow Mein, Fusion, Noodles, Slow Cooker, Veggies