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.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting board and knife
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Serving platter or bowls
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
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.