If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dinner that practically makes itself, this crockpot chicken lo mein recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles, it’s a comforting meal you can set and forget.
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this crockpot chicken lo mein while still enjoying the fresh, vibrant flavors of a takeout favorite made right at home. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking with the slow cooker does all the work.
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables for great flavor.
- Tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in one dish.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spice levels.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious crockpot chicken lo mein that serves 4 to 6 people.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces lo mein or egg noodles
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
- Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
How to Make Delicious Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe You’ll Love
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, then add carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Remove chicken from crockpot and shred with two forks, then return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with veggies and sauce.
- Add the cooked noodles to the crockpot and gently toss everything together to coat noodles in sauce and mix with chicken and vegetables.
- Let it cook uncovered for another 10 minutes on low to allow flavors to meld and noodles to absorb the sauce.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; add them near the end to avoid mushiness.
- Customize veggies based on what you have—broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn work great.
- For a bit of heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha before serving.
- If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer taste.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making for a delicious next-day meal.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. If the noodles have absorbed too much sauce and dried out, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this crockpot recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen may increase the cook time and could result in unevenly cooked meat.
What noodles work best for chicken lo mein?
Traditional egg noodles or lo mein noodles are ideal, but you can substitute with spaghetti or linguine in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them separately and add near the end to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra vegetables, and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative to keep the rich umami flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or serving with chili sauce on the side.
