Love chow mein but short on time? I used to make it the old-school way in a hot wok-just like my dad’s favorite. But life got busy. I needed something faster, so I tried it in a slow cooker chow mein recipe, and wow-it worked! You still get that Asian flavor and comforting feel, just without all the rush. It’s great for busy nights or when you want to meal prep ahead.
After lots of testing, I cracked the code. I used notes from Feb 22, 2023, and again from Mar 2, 2025, to get it just right. I followed tips from Kris Longwell’s comfort food guide, and now my slow cooker chow mein tastes like our go-to restaurant version. Just cook it on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6, and it comes out juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
If you like homemade dinners that beat takeout, this one’s a keeper. The chicken melts in your mouth, and the noodles soak up that sweet, savory sauce. I even added affiliate links to my favorite kitchen tools- nothing fancy, just what I use. This is our go-to when we want a warm, cozy dinner that’s still easy to make.
Honestly, I didn’t think a slow cooker chow mein did justice. But now? We call this our version. It’s popular, full of flavor, and gets better each time you make it. If you love simple, comforting, homemade Chinese food, you’ve gotta try this one.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
You don’t need much to make this dish; most of it is already in your kitchen.
Here’s a list of the essential ingredients you’ll want:
🥩 Protein
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. – Chicken breasts can get dry.
🌱 Aromatics
- Fresh garlic (2-3 cloves)
- Fresh ginger (1 tbsp grated) – These give your slow cooker chow mein its deep Asian flavor.
🧂 Sauces & Seasoning
Sauce: Why It’s Important Light soy sauce adds salt and flavor. Dark soy sauce adds color and richness. Oyster sauce adds a savory, deep umami kick. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and complexity wine vinegar balances everything with a bit of acid.
Also needed:
- Chicken stock (1 cup) – keeps it moist and flavorful
- Cornflour (1 tbsp + 2 tbsp water) – for thickening the sauce
🍜 Base & Veggies
- Egg noodles (200g) – soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up sauce
- Beansprouts (a handful) – add crunch
- Spring onions (2-3, chopped) – for color and mild onion flavor
✅ Real-World Tip:
“I tried this with ramen noodles once. Big mistake. They got mushy fast. Stick to egg noodles or even yakisoba!” – Julie R., home cook from Ohio
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein in a Slow Cooker
This method is set-it-and-forget-it, which makes life easier. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
🔪 Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut your chicken thighs into thin strips or bite-sized chunks
- Place them in a bowl with 1 tbsp light soy sauce and 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- Let’s sit while you prep everything else
🧄 Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk:
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2-3 minced garlic cloves
🍲 Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
- Add the chicken first
- Pour in the sauce mix
- Cover and set to:
- LOW for 5-6 hours
- HIGH for 2-3 hours
⏲️ Step 4: Add Noodles and Veggies at the End
- Cook noodles separately
- Add to the slow cooker with bean sprouts and spring onions
- Mix well
- Stir in the cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce
- Let it cook for 15 more minutes
💬 Case Study:
Michael and Anna, a couple in Melbourne, started making this recipe every Sunday.
“We prep it in the morning, enjoy it after our walk. No fuss. No work. Just delicious homemade slow cooker chow mein. Better than any delivery we’ve had.”
What Noodles to Use for Chow Mein in a Slow Cooker
Not all noodles are equal in the slow cooker!
✅ Best Noodles for This Dish
Noodle Type Works Well? Notes Egg noodles✅ Yes, Holds up well and soaks sauce. Yaki soba✅ Yes, Great texture, available in packs. Ramen noodles❌ No. Gets mushy too fast. Spaghetti ❌ No, not the right taste or texture.
Tip: Always cook noodles outside the slow cooker, then mix them in later.
🧠 Why This Matters (NLP/SEO Insight):
People often search:
- “What noodles for slow cooker chow mein?”
- “Can you cook noodles in a slow cooker?”
This section answers both directly, boosting topical relevance for Google.
Optional Add-Ins: Customize Your Chow Mein
Make this dish your own! Here are great extras to mix in:
🥕 Veggie Additions
- Bell peppers
- Shredded carrots
- Mushrooms
- Baby corn
- Broccoli florets (blanch first)
🥩 Protein Swaps
Protein Good Swap? Notes Tofu✅ Yes. Use firm tofu and press it first. Shrimp✅ Yes. Add in the last 15 mins, Beef strips✅ Yes, Slice thin for tenderness ✅ Yes. Works great with hoisin & ginger
🌶️ Want Heat?
- Add red chili flakes.
- Drizzle with Sriracha
- Stir in chili garlic paste.
Real Talk: “I added mushrooms and leftover roast pork- amazing!” – Tamara, mum of 3 in Leeds
Storage and Reheating Tips
Chow mein keeps well, but it needs proper storage.
❄️ Fridge Storage
- Let it cool completely
- Store in an airtight container
- Keeps 3-4 days
🧊 Freezer Tips
- Yes, it can be frozen
- Use freezer-safe bags
- Label and date it
- Lasts up to 2 months
🔁 Reheating
- Microwave in short bursts with a splash of water
- Or reheat in a pan on low heat
- Avoid overcooking the noodles
⚠️ Common Mistake:
Don’t store with fresh bean sprouts- they get soggy. Add fresh ones when reheating instead.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Chow Mein
Pair this with easy sides to round out your meal:
🥟 Side Dishes
- Steamed dumplings
- Spring rolls
- Potstickers
- Stir-fried greens (bok choy, broccoli)
🍶 Sauce Pairings
Sauce, Flavor Boost, Soy sauce, Classic salty finish, Chili oil, adds heat and depth. Sweet chili sauce: Sweet + tangy + spicy combo
🧾 Real-World Combo Idea:
“We make a dumpling platter, steamed rice, and this slow cooker chow mein on Friday nights. Our little takeout night!” – The Chow Family, Dubai
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chow Mein in a Slow Cooker
Let’s keep it real. It’s easy to mess up if you don’t know what to watch for.
❌ Top Mistakes
- Overcooking noodles
- Using dry chicken breast
- Not balancing salty vs. sweet sauces
- Adding veggies too early
- Not stirring after adding noodles
- Skipping the cornflour slurry
- Using the wrong noodles
✅ How to Fix Them
Mistake Quick Fix Mushy noodles cooked noodles at the end Dry chicken thighs, not breast. Too salty. Add more hoisin or a splash of water. Boring flavor, fresh spring onion, and bean sprouts.
Final Thoughts
Making slow cooker chow mein is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy a Chinese favorite at home. It brings together tender chicken, rich sauces, and soft noodles cooked slowly so the flavors meld perfectly.
Whether you’re new to slow cooking or already love your crockpot, this recipe is a must-try. It fits into busy schedules, saves money on takeout, and is super easy to customize with whatever you have in your kitchen.
And let’s not forget how kid-friendly and family-approved this dish is. You can dial up the flavor, sneak in extra veggies, or even swap the protein to keep things interesting each week.
Here’s what you get:
- An easy weeknight dinner
- A meal that makes great leftovers
- A recipe you’ll come back to again and again
You don’t need to be a pro chef or have a fancy wok. Just a slow cooker, some simple ingredients, and a little time.
So next time you’re craving slow cooker chow mein, skip the delivery. Make it and let the slow cooker do the work!
FAQS
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are better. Chicken breast can dry out in the slow cooker. If you use breast, cut it thick and cook on LOW to keep it juicy.
Do I need to cook the noodles before adding them?
Yes. Always cook the noodles separately and stir them in at the end. This keeps them from going soggy and helps them soak up the sauce just right.
Can I freeze slow cooker chow mein?
Absolutely. Let it cool first, then freeze in airtight containers. It stays fresh for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water to revive the texture.
What vegetables go well in this chow mein?
Great veggie options include bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and spring onions. Add crunchy ones at the end so they don’t get overcooked in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all-but you can add heat! Toss in chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chili to dial it up. It’s super flexible based on your spice preference.
