Olivia Carter
If you love Chinese food but don’t have time to stand over a stove, then this recipe is for you!
This slow cooker chicken chow mein is easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful the chicken turns out, thanks to the slow cooking process. Plus, the convenience of using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, leaving you with more time for other things.
Chow mein is a classic Chinese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat. In this recipe, we’ll be using chicken as the protein, along with a mix of colorful veggies to add texture and flavor.
The slow cooker allows all the ingredients to cook together, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. The result is a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy any Chinese food cravings.
So, if you’re ready to experience the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish in the comfort of your own home, grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
Preparing Chicken for Slow Cooker
Before you begin cooking your chicken chow mein in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken. Follow these simple steps to ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful:
1. Start by selecting high-quality chicken. Look for fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs at your local grocery store or butcher.
2. Rinse the chicken under cold water to remove any excess fluids. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly in the slow cooker.
4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs you prefer. This will add flavor to the dish.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or olive oil.
6. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is browned and slightly crispy. This will help seal in the juices and add extra flavor to the chicken.
7. Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Be sure to scrape any remaining drippings or bits from the skillet into the slow cooker as well, as this will add extra flavor to the dish.
Now that your chicken is properly prepared, you can continue with the recipe for chicken chow mein in the slow cooker. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
When it comes to cooking chicken chow mein in a slow cooker, choosing the right chicken cuts is essential. Different cuts of chicken have different textures and flavors, so it’s important to select the one that will work best for your dish.
1. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: This is one of the most popular and widely available cuts of chicken. It is lean, tender, and versatile, making it a great choice for chicken chow mein. It cooks quickly and evenly, and its mild flavor allows it to absorb the flavors of the dish.
2. Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are known for their rich flavor and moistness. They have a higher fat content compared to chicken breasts, which adds extra flavor and juiciness to the chow mein. Chicken thighs are also more forgiving when it comes to cooking times, making them a great option for slow cooking.
3. Chicken Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are another option for slow cooking. They have a similar flavor profile to chicken thighs and are less expensive. Although they may take longer to cook thoroughly, they are worth considering if you prefer dark meat with a little bit of chewiness.
4. Chicken Wings: While chicken wings are often associated with appetizers and finger foods, they can also be used in slow-cooked dishes like chow mein. They have a higher bone-to-meat ratio and a unique flavor that adds a delicious twist to the dish. However, they may require more preparation and trimming.
5. Whole Chicken: If you prefer the idea of using a whole chicken, you can opt for a small-sized one. This allows you to use different parts of the chicken and experiment with different flavors and textures. However, cooking a whole chicken in a slow cooker may take longer and may require additional preparation, such as removing the skin and bones.
Ultimately, the choice of chicken cuts depends on personal preference and what you want to achieve in terms of flavor and texture. Experiment with different cuts to find the one that suits your taste and satisfies your cravings for chicken chow mein cooked in a slow cooker.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an essential step in cooking chicken chow mein. It helps to infuse the meat with delicious flavors and also ensures that the chicken stays tender and moist during the slow cooking process. Here is how you can marinate the chicken:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips | 1. Place the chicken strips in a bowl. |
| 2 tablespoons soy sauce | 2. Add the soy sauce to the bowl. |
| 1 tablespoon oyster sauce | 3. Add the oyster sauce to the bowl. |
| 1 tablespoon sesame oil | 4. Add the sesame oil to the bowl. |
| 1 teaspoon minced garlic | 5. Add the minced garlic to the bowl. |
| 1 teaspoon minced ginger | 6. Add the minced ginger to the bowl. |
| 1 teaspoon cornstarch | 7. Add the cornstarch to the bowl. |
| 1/2 teaspoon black pepper | 8. Add the black pepper to the bowl. |
| 1/2 teaspoon sugar | 9. Add the sugar to the bowl. |
| 10. Mix all the ingredients together until the chicken is well coated. | |
| 11. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results. |
Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances its taste. It also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it more succulent and juicy when cooked. So don’t skip this step when preparing chicken chow mein in your slow cooker!
Slow Cooking Chicken Chow Mein
If you want to enjoy a delicious and flavorful chicken chow mein without spending hours in the kitchen, using a slow cooker is the perfect solution. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
Here is a simple and easy recipe for slow cooking chicken chow mein:
- Start by preparing the vegetables. Chop bell peppers, carrots, and onions into thin strips. Slice mushrooms and mince garlic.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and stir-fry the onions, carrots, bell peppers, and garlic until they are slightly softened. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and sesame oil to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sliced mushrooms and bean sprouts to the slow cooker. Stir gently to incorporate the new ingredients.
- Once the cooking time is up, check the chicken for tenderness. If it’s cooked through and the vegetables are tender, then it’s ready to serve.
- Serve the chicken chow mein over cooked noodles or steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying chicken chow mein ready to serve. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to sit back and relax while it cooks. Enjoy!
Preparing the Vegetables
The key to a great chicken chow mein is fresh and crisp vegetables. Here’s how you can prepare the vegetables for your slow cooker chicken chow mein:
- Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into thin strips or julienne them.
- Peel the onions and slice them thinly.
- Wash the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Slice them into thin strips.
- Wash and slice the mushrooms.
- Wash and trim the snow peas.
- Peel the ginger and mince it finely.
- Peel the garlic cloves and chop them finely.
- Wash the bean sprouts and drain them.
Once you have prepared all the vegetables, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking the chicken chow mein in your slow cooker. Remember, fresh and crisp vegetables are the key to a delicious and healthy meal, so take the time to prepare them properly.
Cooking the Chicken Chow Mein
Once your vegetables and chicken are prepped, it’s time to start cooking the chicken chow mein. Follow these steps to make a delicious and flavorful dish:
1. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken to the hot oil and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to evenly cook the chicken.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep it warm while you cook the vegetables.
4. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat.
5. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the hot oil. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened.
6. Add the sliced carrots and mushrooms to the skillet and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Pour this sauce mixture over the vegetables in the skillet.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until the sauce is well combined and thickened.
9. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken chow mein simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve the chicken chow mein hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Now you can enjoy a homemade chicken chow mein that is packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a delicious sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be easily made in your slow cooker.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your slow cooker chicken chow mein is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your meal:
Serving Suggestions:
1. Serve your chicken chow mein hot over a bed of steamed white rice or noodles. The flavors in the dish will complement the neutral taste of rice or add a comforting element to the noodles.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and a flavorful crunch.
3. Pair your chicken chow mein with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad to round out your meal and add some extra vitamins and nutrients.
Enjoyment Tips:
1. Take your time: Slow-cooked meals like this one are meant to be savored. Take the time to enjoy each bite and appreciate the flavors that have been developing over several hours of cooking.
2. Leftovers taste even better: Chicken chow mein often tastes even more delicious the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. Pack the leftovers for lunch or enjoy them as a quick and easy dinner option.
3. Customize to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your personal preferences. If you like it spicy, add some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce. If you prefer more veggies, throw in some additional bell peppers or snap peas.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to serve and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying slow cooker chicken chow mein dish that will please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Questions and answers
What is Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles, chicken, vegetables, and sauce. It is a delicious and flavorful meal that can be easily prepared at home.
Can I cook Chicken Chow Mein in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook Chicken Chow Mein in a slow cooker. It is a convenient method that allows the flavors to develop slowly over time, resulting in tender chicken and flavorful noodles.
