Spicy Chicken Chow Mein(Crock-Pot Recipe)
A flavorful spicy chicken chow mein cooked in a slow cooker, featuring tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory, slightly spicy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 4 large carrots
- 4 green onions ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 C chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 C soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 8 oz can bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1 8 oz can sliced water chestnuts
- 1/4 C cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Drain and transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add sliced carrots, sliced green onions, sliced celery, chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Before serving, stir in bean sprouts and sliced water chestnuts.
- Mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add to the slow cooker.
- Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result. If you prefer less heat, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to taste or omit them entirely. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can also be added for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Chicken Chow Mein over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Chinese recipes that feature bold flavors, such as Chicken Breasts Teriyaki.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens upon cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Chow Mein(Crock-Pot Recipe) contains roughly 725 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (114% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2131mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy sauce alternative, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium choice. Both will provide a similar umami flavor to the dish.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they remain crisp and vibrant.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).