Did you know that over 1/3 of Americans eat Chinese food at least once a month?

When ordering takeout, Chinese is one of my favorite types of dinners. But let’s be honest, it’s not the most economical choice. 

That’s why I want to share my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort and cost.

Read on for a delicious chicken chow mein recipe that doesn’t require a wedge or a wok!

Ingredients

Chow mein is usually cooked fast in a hot wok. However, for this recipe, we’ll be preparing the protein and vegetables in a slow cooker. This saucy chow mein mix is perfect for adding to rice or noodles when you need easy meal ideas.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs
• Carrots
• Sugar snap peas
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Water chestnuts
• Onion
• Chow mein sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh green onion  

Feel free to customize the recipe. Add your favorite vegetables or Chinese spices like crushed red pepper flakes or Szechuan peppercorns for extra heat and flavor.

Making Chow Mein Sauce

If you want to make your own chow mein sauce, follow this simple recipe:

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the mixture. 

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein

Once you’ve made the sauce, put it in the fridge and plug in your slow cooker. Here’s a step-by-step guide:  

Slow Cooker Preparation

Add a little oil to your slow cooker. Line the bottom of the pan with the sliced onions. Then, place the chicken thighs, carrots, sugar snap peas, broccoli, bell peppers, and water chestnuts in the slow cooker.  

Mix and Season

Pour the chow mein sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently toss the ingredients to evenly coat them with the sauce-season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for chicken and vegetable tenderness at the 4-hour mark.

Serve

When the chicken and vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to serve. Spoon the saucy chicken chow mein over cooked rice or noodles of your choice.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh green onions over the top for added flavor and a touch of freshness.

Chicken Dinner Ideas Made Simple

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is a game-changer for busy days when you crave a delicious, fuss-free meal. It’s like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl; I can’t get enough of it.

So go ahead, make it your own with your favorite veggies and spices, and let your slow cooker do the work while you indulge in this delightful Asian-inspired dish. 

If you want more tasty, high-protein dinner ideas, check out our chicken recipes today. Enjoy every bite!