If you are a fan of Chinese food, you probably love chicken lo mein as well. It’s a classic dish that is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its combination of savory flavors and satisfying textures. However, making chicken lo mein at home can be a hassle without the right equipment or experience. If you’re feeling intimidated by the thought of cooking this dish from scratch, don’t worry. Our slow cooker chicken lo mein recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort. You don’t have to be an expert cook to prepare a delicious meal for yourself or your family. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience while the slow cooker does all the work.
This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a healthier and cheaper alternative to ordering takeout or going to a restaurant. With our recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without leaving the comfort of your home. So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!Another advantage of using a slow cooker is that it’s a hands-off cooking method. Once you’ve browned the chicken and sautéed the vegetables, you can simply toss them into the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients and let it cook for a few hours. This means you can go about your day without having to worry about keeping an eye on the stove. The slow cooker will do all the work for you, infusing the dish with rich and complex flavors. So, why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious homemade chicken lo mein can be?
Ingredients and Preparation
To ensure that the noodles don’t overcook, it’s recommended to cook them separately according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Then, toss the noodles into the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time, in the last 30 minutes or so.Once you’ve added the noodles to the slow cooker, give everything a good stir and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes until the noodles are heated through. You can adjust the seasoning or add more sauce if needed. Keep in mind that the longer the noodles sit in the sauce, the more they will absorb the flavors. So, be careful not to overcook the noodles or they may become mushy.
For the sauce, you will need soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk together all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until fully combined. The chicken broth can be substituted with water or vegetable broth if preferred. Make sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the mix. Once your sauce is ready, set it aside.To make the perfect slow cooker chicken lo mein, it’s important to properly season and brown the chicken. This gives it a nice crispy texture and prevents it from becoming rubbery. To do this, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for a few minutes until browned on all sides, then transfer it to the slow cooker. This step not only adds flavor but also helps to lock in moisture while the chicken slow cooks, creating a tender and juicy end result.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Lo Mein
One of the keys to making the perfect chicken lo mein in the slow cooker is to time the cooking of the vegetables just right. You want them to be cooked but still slightly crisp, to give your dish some texture and color. Overcooking the vegetables can cause them to be mushy and unappetizing. The trick is to add the veggies a bit later in the cooking process, so they have just the right amount of time to cook and absorb all the flavors from the sauce. A good rule of thumb is to add them halfway through cooking, which for this recipe would be after about two hours on low.
Another tip to keep in mind is to not overcrowd the slow cooker. It may be tempting to toss in all the ingredients at once and let them cook together, but this can result in uneven cooking and mushy noodles. Instead, make sure to leave enough space for the ingredients to move around and cook evenly. If you need to make a larger batch, use multiple slow cookers or cook in batches. This will ensure that each bite is perfectly cooked and delicious.Continuing from the previous paragraph, if you do end up with leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a microwave-safe container and heat it up for a minute or two, depending on your preferred temperature. You can sprinkle some chopped scallions or sesame seeds on top to freshen it up. This chicken lo mein is great for meal prep, as it can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a slow cooker chicken lo mein that’s just as good as your favorite takeout!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
One creative variation of this recipe is to add soft boiled eggs on top of the dish. The creamy yolk pairs perfectly with the saucy noodles and adds an extra layer of richness. Another great option is to serve the chicken lo mein with a side of stir-fried bok choy or pak choi. The crunchiness and umami taste of the greens complement the dish very well. Lastly, for a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce ingredients. This will elevate the flavors of the chicken and make it more exciting.
When it comes to serving, you can also get creative by plating the chicken lo mein in bowls with chopsticks for a fun and authentic touch. You can also sprinkle some chopped cilantro or Thai basil on top for a burst of freshness. Another serving idea is to make lettuce wraps by spooning the chicken lo mein into iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves and topping it with some more crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or bean sprouts. The lettuce provides a nice crunch and a refreshing balance to the dish. No matter how you choose to serve it, this slow cooker chicken lo mein is a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Conclusion
An interesting twist to this recipe is to add some fruit to the sauce ingredients like pineapple or mandarin oranges. This will create a sweet and sour flavor profile that pairs well with the savory chicken and vegetables. Another option is to turn this chicken lo mein into a cold salad. Simply skip the slow cooking process and toss the cooked noodles with the chicken and vegetables in a soy-ginger dressing. Add some slivered almonds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch, and voila! You have a flavorful and refreshing salad that’s perfect for picnics or lunch. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this versatile recipe, so have fun experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap the spaghetti noodles with zucchini noodles or “zoodles”. Simply use a spiralizer to turn the zucchinis into long and curly noodles, and cook them in a pan with a little bit of oil until tender. Then, combine them with the chicken and vegetables and toss them with the soy sauce and sesame oil. This low-carb and gluten-free version of chicken lo mein is just as delicious and satisfying as the original, but with fewer calories and more vitamins. You can also try adding other spiralized vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots for more color and texture.
