Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein. This recipe delivers a simple, satisfying, and intensely flavorful meal with minimal effort. Imagine tender chicken and crisp vegetables swimming in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce, all crafted conveniently in your slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy schedules, offering a delicious homemade alternative to takeout.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein for several fantastic reasons.
- It offers an effortless solution for busy weeknight dinners, letting your slow cooker do most of the work.
- The chicken cooks down to be incredibly tender and deeply flavored, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
Studies show that home cooking generally offers both cost savings and health benefits compared to restaurant takeout.
- This recipe provides a healthier, budget-friendly alternative to restaurant takeout.
- It introduces you to simple, satisfying Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for beginners in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Flavorful Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
Creating this delicious Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein starts with a blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The magic truly happens when these flavors meld together in your slow cooker, transforming simple components into a mouthwatering meal.
Sauce
- 1/3 cup light soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp sambal oelek (ground fresh chile paste)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- Drizzle of sriracha sauce
Lo Mein
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 5 oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 lb. dried lo mein noodles
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their moisture and flavor. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they might be slightly less tender and prone to drying out if overcooked.
- Noodles: While dried lo mein noodles are ideal, feel free to use fresh egg noodles. Spaghetti or ramen noodles can also work in a pinch for this amazing Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein.
- Vegetables: Get creative with your veggies! Consider adding sliced mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or sliced onions. Frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes are also a convenient option; add them frozen.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sambal oelek and sriracha to suit your family’s preference. Add less for mild, more for a spicy kick.
- Soy Sauce: For a lower sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce in your sauce mixture.
Essential Equipment for Slow Cooker Lo Mein
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker lo mein.
- A reliable slow cooker (crockpot) is essential for the slow cooking process.
- A large mixing bowl helps combine all the sauce ingredients easily.
- A whisk ensures your sauce is smooth and well-incorporated.
- A cutting board and sharp knife are necessary for preparing your chicken and vegetables.
- A large pot is needed for boiling the lo mein noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
Making this Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is incredibly simple, following these straightforward steps. The slow cooker handles most of the hard work, leaving you with a delicious meal.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Add the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
- Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sambal oelek, sesame oil, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
- Combine and cook chicken: Pour the whisked sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the flavorful juices and sauce.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets, snow peas, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and drained water chestnuts into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Cook noodles: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare your dried lo mein noodles. Boil and drain them according to the package directions.
- Final combine: Add the cooked lo mein noodles directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together gently until the noodles are fully coated in the delicious sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Serve your homemade Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein immediately. Garnish with fresh sesame seeds and plenty of sliced green onions, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- For the best Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein, remember these helpful tips. Using chicken thighs helps keep the meat incredibly moist and flavorful during the slow cooking process.
- For vegetables, aim for al dente; they should be tender but still have a slight crunch. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
- If your sauce seems too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt, a dash of soy sauce, or an extra squeeze of sriracha as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking chicken: While chicken thighs are forgiving, cooking too long on high can still lead to dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
- Adding vegetables too early: This causes them to become soft and mushy. Add them towards the end for a perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Not tasting and adjusting seasoning: The flavors can concentrate differently in a slow cooker. Always taste before serving and make any necessary adjustments.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but you can certainly elevate your dining experience. Serve it with a side of fluffy steamed rice or a fresh green salad for added freshness. For a more elaborate meal, consider pairing it with Asian-inspired appetizers like crispy spring rolls or potstickers.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, allow the Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein to cool completely after serving. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, simply warm portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until thoroughly heated through. You might add a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles if they seem dry.
Flavor & Ingredient Variations
- Alternative Proteins: Easily swap chicken with sliced pork loin, beef sirloin, or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh.
- Different Vegetable Combinations: Experiment with sliced cabbage, snap peas, mushrooms, or bamboo shoots.
- Extra Toppings: Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Omit the chicken. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth (if any is added). Ensure your dark soy sauce and oyster sauce are mushroom-based or vegan alternatives.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and standard serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and exact ingredient quantities used in your Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein. This recipe provides approximately 8 servings.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Protein | 35-40 g |
| Fat | 15-20 g |
| Carbs | 40-45 g |
| Fiber | 3-5 g |
| Sodium | 900-1100 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?
Lo Mein noodles are typically soft and tossed with sauce and ingredients, while Chow Mein noodles are often stir-fried to be crispier. For a deeper dive into the distinctions, you can find more information on the differences between Lo Mein and Chow Mein noodles. This Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein features soft, tender noodles.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite frozen stir-fry vegetables. Add them directly to the slow cooker, no need to thaw them first.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Is it possible to use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but be aware they may cook faster and become slightly drier than thighs. Monitor cooking times closely.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein recipe truly simplifies dinner while delivering maximum flavor. Its incredible ease, customizable ingredients, and authentic taste make it an instant family favorite. Skip the takeout and create this satisfying homemade version that’s perfect for any busy weeknight.
Give this recipe a try tonight, and let us know what you think in the comments below! Share your variations and don’t forget to rate this delicious dish!
Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
- In a large bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sambal oelek, sesame oil, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
- Add broccoli, snow peas, carrots, red bell pepper, and water chestnuts to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Meanwhile, boil the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
- Add cooked noodles to the slow cooker and toss to combine with chicken and vegetables.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions as desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Adjust sambal oelek and sriracha for spice.
- Frozen vegetables can be used as a substitute.
- Cornstarch slurry can be added to thicken the sauce if needed.
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