Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein Delight
This Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein Delight brings together tender, juicy chicken with a medley of colorful vegetables, all infused with the rich flavors of soy sauce and ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish cooks slowly to meld flavors while you go about your day. Just toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it work its magic. Serve it over rice or Chinese noodles for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 - 2 (tablespoon)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 (lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Carrots
4 (medium, thinly sliced)
Green onions
6 - 8 (sliced, including greens)
Celery
1 1/2 (cups, sliced)
Low sodium chicken broth
1 (cup)
Granulated sugar
1 (tablespoon)
Light soy sauce
1/3 (cup)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 (teaspoon)
Ground ginger
1/4 (teaspoon)
Garlic
1 (medium clove, crushed)
Bean sprouts
1 (8-ounce can)
Water chestnuts
1 (8-ounce can, sliced)
Cornstarch
1/4 (cup)
Water
1/3 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and allow it to warm up.
2
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3
Transfer the browned chicken to a large crockpot.
4
Add the sliced carrots, green onions, and celery to the crockpot with the chicken.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, granulated sugar, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and crushed garlic.
6
Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
7
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
8
About 30 minutes before serving, turn the crockpot to high.
9
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot.
10
Leave the cover slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and let the mixture cook on high until the sauce has thickened, about 15 to 30 minutes.
11
Serve the Chicken Chow Mein Delight over rice or Chinese noodles and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
37g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein Delight?
It is a flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken cubes, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
How long does it take to cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
The chicken and vegetables should cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?
Yes, browning the chicken in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes helps lock in flavor and improves the texture before slow cooking.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted and often remain even juicier during long cooking times.
What vegetables are included in this Chow Mein?
This recipe includes carrots, green onions, celery, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 360 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of protein.
How do I thicken the Chow Mein sauce?
Whisk 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/3 cup of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking on high.
What should I serve with Chicken Chow Mein Delight?
It is best served over a bed of white rice or traditional Chinese noodles.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute fresh grated ginger for the 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for a brighter flavor.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe recommends using light soy sauce to control the saltiness and color of the dish.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be medium-sized and thinly sliced so they soften properly during the slow cooking process.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Do I need to add water to the crockpot?
Water is primarily used at the end to create the cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce.
What is the purpose of the granulated sugar in the recipe?
The sugar helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity of the other ingredients.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 6 to 8 green onions, sliced, including the green tops.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely; bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy would make excellent additions to this medley.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chicken Chow Mein Delight?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the vegetables may be softer upon reheating.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe is relatively low in fat, containing only 4 grams per serving.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for one medium clove of fresh garlic, crushed.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but it is best to add frozen vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Why do I leave the crockpot lid ajar at the end?
Leaving the lid slightly ajar allows steam to escape, which helps the cornstarch slurry thicken the sauce more effectively.
What kind of oil should I use for browning?
Vegetable oil is recommended, but any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed will work.
How much celery is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of sliced celery.
Can I skip the browning step?
While you can skip it if pressed for time, browning the chicken significantly improves the overall flavor of the dish.
Is this recipe high in carbohydrates?
It contains 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which comes from the vegetables, sugar, and cornstarch.
What size of bean sprouts should I buy?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of bean sprouts.