Craving the bold flavors of a classic chicken lo mein, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Enter the Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein – a dish that delivers all the delicious Asian-inspired tastes with minimal effort. This slow-cooked marvel combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce for a one-pot meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
In today’s busy world, convenience is key when it comes to meal preparation. That’s why the Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is a godsend. By harnessing the power of your trusty slow cooker, you can let the flavors meld together while you tackle other tasks or simply kick back and relax. The end result is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with nutrition and bursting with umami goodness.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
To create this Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snow peas)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 8 oz lo mein noodles, cooked
Preparing the Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
Get ready to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Here’s how to assemble your Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein:
Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces or leaving them whole, if preferred. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Add to the Crockpot
Place the prepared chicken and mixed stir-fry vegetables into your trusty crockpot.
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Add the Noodles
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the cooked lo mein noodles. This allows the noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Dish up the Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein directly from the crockpot and savor the flavors of this effortless Asian-inspired meal.
The Health Benefits of Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
Not only is Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein a flavor-packed dish, but it’s also packed with nutritional goodness. The chicken thighs provide a lean protein source, while the stir-fry vegetables deliver a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The soy sauce and hoisin sauce add depth of flavor without excessive sodium, and the ginger and sesame oil offer additional health benefits.
By opting for a crockpot recipe, you’re also ensuring that the nutrients are preserved during the slow cooking process, making this a well-rounded and nourishing meal.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is its versatility. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can easily make adjustments to the recipe:
Protein Alternatives
Swap out the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even beef for a different protein source.
Vegetable Swaps
Mix up the vegetable selection by using broccoli, bok choy, or a blend of your favorite stir-fry veggies.
Gluten-Free Noodles
For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or other gluten-free lo mein noodle alternatives.
Vegan Adaptation
To make a vegan version, simply omit the chicken and use tofu or extra vegetables. Adjust the sauce to suit your dietary needs.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I adjust the cooking time if I’m using frozen chicken in my Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein?
If you’re using frozen chicken for your Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein, it’s important to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Generally, if using frozen chicken, you should increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours. For low heat, aim for a total of 7 to 8 hours, and for high heat, aim for 4 to 5 hours. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Can I prepare Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein in advance and cook it later?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein in advance. To do this, chop your vegetables, cut the chicken, and mix the sauce. Store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, simply add all the ingredients to the crockpot and set it to your desired cooking time. This makes meal prep efficient and convenient, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without last-minute preparation.
What can I do if my Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein turns out too watery?
If your Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is too watery, there are a couple of ways to thicken it. One method is to remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stirring it into the dish. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to balance the flavor after thickening.
Is it possible to make Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein without soy sauce for a low-sodium option?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make a low-sodium version of Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein, you can substitute soy sauce with a low-sodium soy sauce or a soy sauce alternative like coconut aminos. You can also enhance the flavor with additional spices and herbs, such as garlic, ginger, or a splash of rice vinegar, to ensure the dish remains flavorful without the high sodium content. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Elevate Your Dinner with Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
Craving the bold flavors of an Asian-inspired meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? The Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is your solution. With its effortless preparation, delectable taste, and nutritional benefits, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the crockpot, and get ready to indulge in a restaurant-worthy meal without the fuss. Bon appétit!
For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Make the Best Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein for a Tasty Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is a flavorful and effortless Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce for a one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 cup mixed stir-fry vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snow peas)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 8 ounce lo mein noodles, cooked
Instructions
1. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces or leaving them whole, if preferred.
2. Place the prepared chicken and mixed stir-fry vegetables into your trusty crockpot.
3. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the cooked lo mein noodles. This allows the noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
6. Dish up the Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein directly from the crockpot and savor the flavors.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or other gluten-free lo mein noodle alternatives.
To make a vegan version, simply omit the chicken and use tofu or extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg