Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a symphony of Asian-inspired flavors - all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker! This Slow Cooker Chicken Lo Mein is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for convenience, or someone craving authentic Chinese-inspired comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by slicing the chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Place the sliced chicken into the slow cooker and pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces, keeping carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the slow cooker, gently mixing them with the chicken and sauce to distribute evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Gently fold the cooked noodles into the slow cooker, allowing them to absorb the sauce and mix with the chicken and vegetables.
- Garnish with freshly sliced green onions just before serving for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve hot, ensuring each portion has a good mix of chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
Tips
- Slice Chicken Uniformly: Ensure all chicken strips are approximately 1/4 inch thick for even cooking and tender results.
- Marinade Magic: Let the chicken sit in the sauce for at least 15-20 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption.
- Vegetable Timing: If you prefer crisp vegetables, add them during the last 1-2 hours of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Noodle Know-How: Cook noodles separately and add them near the end to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water).
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or beef based on your preference.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate the final presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
