Chicken chow mein is a beloved dish with roots in Chinese cuisine, known for its delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and satisfying noodles all enveloped in a savory sauce. This slow cooker version brings the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking to your kitchen, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this dish offers a comforting, homemade alternative to takeout.

This slow cooker chicken chow mein pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors. For a more traditional touch, consider serving it with a pot of hot green tea or a refreshing glass of iced jasmine tea.

Servings: 4

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
8 ounces chow mein noodles
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Place the sliced chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Add the bell peppers, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions and drain.

Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.

Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and toss to combine with the chicken and vegetables.

Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also add other vegetables like snow peas or broccoli for more variety. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of chili paste or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles in place of chow mein noodles.

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