Slow cooker chicken mein has become my go-to for busy weeknights, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember those evenings when dinner felt like a mountain to climb, but then I discovered the magic of tossing everything into the crock pot. This dish is pure comfort – tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies swimming in a rich, savory sauce that tastes just like your favorite slow cooker chicken lo mein takeout style. Forget the delivery apps; you can create this amazing meal with minimal effort. It fills the house with an incredible aroma that makes everyone gather in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Mein
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The savory-sweet sauce coats everything perfectly, creating a restaurant-quality taste right at home.
- Minimal Effort: It truly is an easy slow cooker chicken mein, with most of the work done by your crock pot.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal option.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients, this dish is much more affordable than takeout.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the tender chicken, soft noodles, and delicious sauce.
- Quick Prep: You can have dinner ready to go in about 15 minutes of active prep time.
- Versatile: Easily customize the vegetables or protein to suit your family’s preferences.
- This easy slow cooker chicken mein makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Mein
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing chicken mein with vegetables slow cooker dish:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – I prefer thighs because they stay extra juicy, but breasts work great too!
- 8 oz cooked lo mein noodles – Make sure these are cooked according to package directions before adding them to the slow cooker.
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers – Any color works, but a mix adds visual appeal.
- 1 cup sliced carrots – Slice them thinly so they soften nicely.
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets – Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce – The base of our savory sauce.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce – This adds a wonderful depth of umami flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes a huge difference!
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated – Adds that signature zing.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar – Just a touch to balance the saltiness.
- 1 tsp sesame oil – For that authentic, nutty aroma and taste.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water – Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.

How to Make This Crock Pot Chicken Mein Recipe
Get ready for a dinner that practically cooks itself! This crock pot chicken mein recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
- Step 1: Grab a small bowl and whisk together the 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and well combined. This is where all that delicious flavor starts!
- Step 2: Place your 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the 1 cup chopped bell peppers, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 1.5 cups broccoli florets on top of the chicken. Pour that amazing sauce you just made evenly over everything. Seriously, just pour it right over the chicken and veggies.
- Step 3: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours. This is the magic part of how to make slow cooker chicken mein – your appliance does all the hard work! You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is super tender and falls apart easily when you poke it with a fork. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible.
- Step 4: About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add your 8 oz cooked lo mein noodles directly into the slow cooker. Gently toss everything together. This quick addition lets the noodles soak up all that savory sauce without getting soggy.
- Step 5: Now, shred the chicken right there in the slow cooker using two forks. Give everything another good stir to combine the shredded chicken with the noodles and veggies. Taste it and add a splash more soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil if you think it needs it. Serve your delicious slow cooker chicken mein hot, maybe with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds.
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Noodles
Making this dish is already super easy, but I’ve picked up a few tricks over time that really elevate it. Follow these tips for the most delicious results!
- Add Noodles Last: I can’t stress this enough – add your cooked lo mein noodles only in the final 20-30 minutes of cooking. This prevents them from getting mushy and absorbing too much liquid.
- Fresh is Best for Aromatics: While you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, fresh minced garlic and grated ginger provide a brighter, more robust flavor that truly makes a difference in this slow cooker chicken lo mein recipe.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t packed too tightly. This allows heat to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking for both the chicken and vegetables.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving. You might want a bit more soy sauce for saltiness, a touch more brown sugar for sweetness, or an extra drizzle of sesame oil for that nutty finish.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Lo Mein?
The secret to the best slow cooker chicken mein is building layers of flavor. Whisking the sauce ingredients together first and letting the chicken and veggies slow cook in it allows everything to meld beautifully, creating that deep, savory taste.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Mein ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and chop all your veggies the night before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. In the morning, just combine everything in the slow cooker and start it on low. It makes for an even quicker assembly! For more information on food safety and storage, you can check out the privacy policy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Lo Mein Slow Cooking?
The biggest pitfall is adding the noodles too early, leading to mush. Another common mistake is overcooking the chicken breasts, which can dry them out. Using thighs or adding breasts towards the end helps prevent this.
Best Ways to Serve Your Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Mein
Once your slow cooker chicken mein is ready, serving it is a breeze! I love to serve it piping hot right out of the slow cooker. For an extra touch, I always garnish it with some toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. They add a lovely crunch and a fresh, sharp bite that perfectly complements the rich sauce.
If you’re looking for sides, this dish is quite complete on its own, but a simple side of steamed edamame or a light, crisp cucumber salad can be a fantastic addition. This makes for a truly satisfying meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Asian restaurant, but with so much less effort! For more recipe ideas, explore our latest recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Chicken Lo Mein
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious dish:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more details on how we handle data, please see our terms of use.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Mein
One of the best things about this recipe is how well leftover slow cooker chicken mein keeps! Once the dish has cooled slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for packing lunches or having a quick dinner ready to go.
If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. The slow cooker chicken mein can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the microwave, gently reheat on medium power, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can learn more about proper food handling from resources like the FDA’s food safety basics.
Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, again adding a little liquid to loosen the sauce. This method often helps to revive the flavors and textures beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken Mein Recipe Slow Cooker
What is slow cooker chicken mein?
What is slow cooker chicken mein? It’s a fantastic dish where tender chicken and fresh vegetables are slow-cooked in a savory sauce, then mixed with noodles right at the end. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal, perfect for busy days when you crave a flavorful, comforting dinner without all the fuss of traditional stovetop cooking. The slow cooker does all the work!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! I actually prefer chicken thighs for this chicken mein recipe slow cooker because they tend to stay incredibly moist and tender, even with the longer cooking time. Breasts work just fine too, but be mindful not to overcook them to avoid drying them out. Thighs are a bit more forgiving.
What kind of noodles are best for slow cooker chicken lo mein?
Lo mein noodles are traditional and work perfectly. You’ll want to cook them separately according to package directions and add them to the slow cooker only during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. This ensures they absorb the sauce without becoming mushy or clumpy. Other Asian egg noodles can also work well. For more information on noodle types, you can check out our about page.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, you can easily adjust the spice level! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before cooking. You could also stir in some sriracha or chili garlic sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side. Enjoy your custom slow cooker chicken mein!
Variations of Slow Cooker Chicken Mein You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ways to switch up your slow cooker chicken mein:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the chicken for extra firm tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. Use a vegan oyster sauce and vegetable broth to make it entirely plant-based.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture. You can also serve with chili oil on the side.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles. This makes a delicious healthy slow cooker chicken mein accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Different Veggies: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Snow peas, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bok choy are all wonderful additions to this chicken mein recipe slow cooker.
Delectable Slow Cooker Chicken Mein
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Whip up a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Lo Mein with Veggies for a meal that’s as effortless as it is bursting with flavor. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all simmered together in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz cooked lo mein noodles
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth in a bowl until well combined. This sauce will infuse the chicken and veggies with a savory-sweet flavor as they cook.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli on top. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over all the ingredients, ensuring everything is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. The slow cooker allows flavors to mingle and veggies to soften while still maintaining some bite.
- About 20 minutes before serving, add cooked lo mein noodles to the slow cooker and gently toss to combine. This short cooking time allows the noodles to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, stir everything together again, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with extra soy sauce or sesame oil if desired, then serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop.
Notes
- Chop vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Add noodles last to keep a tender but not mushy texture.
- Fresh garlic and ginger provide brighter flavors than powders.
- Thighs are juicier and forgiving if overcooked; breasts work too.
- Thicken with a cornstarch slurry and cooking on high for 10 minutes if needed.
- Use frozen vegetables as a time saver; adjust cooking time to prevent over-softening.
- Pre-cook noodles fully before adding to avoid mushiness or clumping.
- For leftovers, refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently adding water or broth to loosen sauce and prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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