Introduction
The delightful aroma of Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Chow Mein fills your kitchen and invites everyone to gather around the table. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all enhanced by a rich and savory sauce. The combination of flavors from the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil provides a comforting experience, while the fresh ginger and garlic add depth and warmth.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this chow mein recipe is not only easy to make but also provides a comforting meal with Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a casual family meal, or simply looking to indulge in an array of textures and flavors, this dish certainly delivers. The use of a slow cooker ensures that every ingredient melds beautifully, allowing the chicken to become succulent and the vegetables to maintain a tender yet crisp bite.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: Approximately 6 hours
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high
– Yield/Servings: 4-6 servings
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
Ingredients
Protein
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup julienned carrots
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 4 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
Aromatics
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauces and Seasoning
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Thickeners
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
Noodles
– 8 oz chow mein noodles (or any stir-fry noodles)
Garnishes
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
2. Load the Crockpot: Transfer the marinated chicken into the crockpot. Layer the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced bell peppers over the top. Sprinkle half of the chopped green onions over the vegetables to enhance the flavors.
3. Add Liquids: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth with the cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Pour this smooth mixture over the ingredients already in the crockpot, ensuring even coverage.
4. Cook Time: Securely cover the crockpot and cook the contents on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. If possible, give it a gentle stir every so often to help blend the spices and flavors.
5. Prepare the Noodles: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve the chow mein, cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the water and set the noodles aside.
6. Combine Everything: When the chicken and vegetables are fully cooked, add the prepared chow mein noodles to the crockpot. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the noodles are well integrated with the chicken and vegetables. Allow it to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
7. Serve: Spoon the delicious chicken chow mein into bowls, and garnish with the remaining chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your flavorful homemade Chicken Chow Mein!
Preparation Steps
Step-by-Step Preparation
To begin making Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Chow Mein, start by gathering all the ingredients listed above. Having everything within reach ensures a smooth cooking process and makes for easier preparation.
Once all ingredients are ready, move on to marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. It is crucial to toss everything together thoroughly until the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade. This step is essential as it allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors, making it incredibly tasty when cooked.
Marinating the Chicken
After you have mixed the chicken with the marinade, it’s advisable to let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. This waiting period helps the chicken to soak in the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more robust taste and succulent texture. While this may seem like an optional step, it’s vital for achieving depth in your chow mein, so don’t skip it!
Cooking Process
Loading the Crockpot
With the marinated chicken ready, the next step is to load the crockpot. Start by transferring the chicken mixture into the pot. On top of the chicken, layer shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced bell peppers. Each vegetable contributes its fresh texture and flavor, enhancing the overall dish. To round out the layering, sprinkle half of the chopped green onions over the vegetables. This not only adds flavor but also an additional pop of color.
The vegetables should be packed loosely, allowing steam to circulate during cooking, which will keep them tender yet crisp. Once this is done, the next step is to prepare the liquid that will carry the flavor and moisture throughout your chow mein.
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth. Pour this over the ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring it covers the chicken and vegetables thoroughly. This addition not only helps to thicken the sauce but also adds a depth of flavor as everything cooks together, creating a wonderful harmony of tastes in the final dish.
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Transfer the Marinated Chicken Mixture to the Crockpot
To begin the cooking process, carefully transfer the marinated chicken mixture from the mixing bowl to your crockpot. By ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed at the bottom, you will allow it to sear slightly against the surface of the crockpot, promoting better flavor development.
Layer the Vegetables: Shredded Cabbage, Julienned Carrots, and Sliced Bell Peppers
Next, it’s time to layer in the vegetables. Start with the shredded cabbage as your base layer; its high moisture content allows it to wilt beautifully as it cooks, adding a slight sweetness to the dish. Follow with the julienned carrots, which will contribute a subtle crunch, and finally, the sliced bell peppers, which should be spread evenly on top. By layering these ingredients, you’re building depth of flavor and different textures, which will enhance the overall dish’s appeal.
Adding Liquids
Whisk Together Chicken Broth and Cornstarch Until Smooth
In a separate bowl, take the chicken broth and sprinkle in the cornstarch. Using a whisk, blend these ingredients until the cornstarch is dissolved completely. This step is essential as it will help in thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to your chicken and vegetables without creating a soupy texture.
Pour the Mixture Over the Chicken and Vegetables in the Crockpot for Thorough Coverage
Once your broth mixture is smooth, pour it gently over the layered chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. The goal is to achieve an even coating across all ingredients, which not only promotes even cooking but also infuses every layer with flavor.
Cooking Time and Techniques
You can opt to cook the chow mein on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your available time and preference. During cooking, if possible, open the lid and give everything a gentle stir every hour or so. This will help to incorporate the flavors and ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the crockpot, creating a delicious, cohesive dish.
Preparing the Noodles
Cooking Chow Mein Noodles
As the chicken and vegetables are cooking slowly, you can continue your preparation by cooking the chow mein noodles. Follow the package instructions, which commonly require boiling water and cooking the noodles for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are just al dente. Once cooked, drain the water, and let the noodles cool slightly before setting them aside. This step is crucial because it prevents them from becoming mushy when mixed with the hot ingredients later.
Final Steps
Combining All Ingredients
Once the chicken and vegetables have reached the desired level of tenderness, it’s time to add the noodles to the crockpot. Gently fold the cooked noodles into the mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed and coated with the flavorful juices and sauce from the chicken and vegetables. This careful mixing helps ensure that each bite delivers a perfect balance of ingredients.
Heating Through
Allow the combined mixture to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps the noodles absorb some of the flavors from the sauce and ensures everything is heated evenly, creating a homogenous dish with a delightful texture.
Serving Suggestions
Plating the Dish
For a beautiful presentation, spoon generous portions of the chicken chow mein into individual bowls. The contrast of colors from the vegetables will enhance the dish’s visual appeal, inviting everyone to dig in.
Garnishing Ideas
Enhance your chow mein with garnishes such as the reserved green onions for freshness, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch, and optional fresh cilantro, which adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness. These finishing touches not only make the dish more appetizing but also provide additional layers of flavor.
Storage Recommendations
Storing Leftovers
Should you have any leftovers, transfer the chicken chow mein to an airtight container. This ensures the dish remains fresh and allows it to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Suggestions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out while heating.
Variations and Customizations
Protein Alternatives
While this recipe prominently features chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or beef depending on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Each protein will impart a unique flavor profile and can be adapted based on your family’s preferences.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to swap in or add seasonal vegetables like snow peas, bok choy, or bean sprouts for added nutritional benefits and varied textures. Customizing with different vegetables can keep the dish exciting and ensure you utilize what’s available in your kitchen.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrients
Each serving of savory slow-cooked chicken chow mein is approximately 400 calories. It typically contains about 40 grams of carbohydrates, 30 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat, depending on ingredient brands. Key vitamins and minerals from the vegetables add health benefits, including vitamin A from carrots, vitamin C from bell peppers, and essential nutrients from green onions.
Conclusion
Savory Slow-Cooked Chicken Chow Mein delivers a delightful medley of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles enveloped in a rich sauce. The slow cooking method ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it an ideal option for easy weeknight meals. With a total cooking time of around 6 hours, this dish is both satisfying and allows for a hands-off approach, perfect for busy schedules.
