Imagine coming home to a mouthwatering Chinese-inspired meal that practically cooks itself, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and promising a delicious, hassle-free dinner. This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Lo Mein is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal without the takeout price tag or complicated cooking techniques. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, you'll create a hearty, flavor-packed dish that will have your family asking for seconds before the first bite is even finished!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat from the thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch chunks.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together to create a uniform marinade.
- Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them, ensuring all chicken is evenly coated.
- Add julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, and broccoli florets on top of the chicken, distributing them evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for
- 5 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and vegetables to soften.
- About 30 minutes before serving, prepare lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender, gently stir the contents of the slow cooker to distribute the sauce.
- Add prepared lo mein noodles to the slow cooker, tossing everything together to ensure noodles are well-coated with sauce and mixed with chicken and vegetables.
- Let the noodles sit in the slow cooker for an additional 10-15 minutes on warm setting to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for additional flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they remain tender and juicy during the long cooking process.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk your marinade thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined, creating a more even flavor distribution.
- Vegetable Placement: Layer vegetables on top of the chicken to prevent them from becoming too mushy during cooking.
- Noodle Timing: Add lo mein noodles only in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly soft or soggy.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be easily doubled and freezes well for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
