Description
This Slow-Cooker Chicken Chow Mein is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked chow mein noodles in a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. The slow cooker effortlessly tenderizes the chicken and melds the flavors over several hours, making it a perfect hands-off weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Meat
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrot sticks
- 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
Noodles
- 12 oz chow mein noodles, cooked and drained
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare noodles: Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package directions until tender, drain well, and set aside.
- Sear chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken thighs and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side to sear the meat, but do not fully cook. Remove from heat.
- Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, oyster sauce, low sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, ground ginger, and ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Assemble in slow cooker: Place seared chicken, carrot sticks, sliced cabbage, and the prepared sauce mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, then continue cooking on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add noodles: Add the cooked chow mein noodles into the slow cooker and gently toss to combine and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your flavorful slow-cooked Chicken Chow Mein!
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they remain tender and juicy during slow cooking.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles initially to prevent them from becoming mushy when combined in the slow cooker.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days with the noodles added just before serving.
- Adjust the honey or soy sauce levels to taste depending on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.
