The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is how easily it brings the rich, savory flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish right into your kitchen—with none of the fuss. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned sauce, this dish simmers low and slow, soaking in flavor and creating mouthwatering depth. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. Once cooked, simply toss in your favorite lo mein or spaghetti noodles and garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. You’ll have a better-than-takeout meal in no time—and your house will smell amazing all day long.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
-
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 cup matchstick carrots
-
1/2 cup sliced green onions
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
-
2 tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
-
1 tbsp brown sugar
-
1/2 tsp ground ginger
-
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)
-
Sesame seeds and more green onions for garnish
Directions:
-
Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker and top with sliced bell peppers, carrots, green onions, and garlic.
-
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
-
Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker.
-
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and add them to the slow cooker. Toss everything together to coat.
-
Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined for the Slow Cooker
Chicken Lo Mein is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its tender noodles, savory sauce, and combination of meat and vegetables. Traditionally made quickly over high heat in a wok, this version takes a modern, hands-off approach by using a crockpot or slow cooker. This allows all the bold, umami flavors to meld beautifully over hours of gentle cooking, resulting in an ultra-tender, flavorful dish that’s even better than takeout. What makes this recipe special is its ability to deliver authentic taste with the convenience of a dump-and-go meal—ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving cozy, satisfying comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is the ease of preparation. Everything except the noodles goes straight into the crockpot. You don’t need to stand over a hot stove, worry about burning garlic, or stress about getting the timing just right. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, tenderizing the chicken and infusing the sauce into the vegetables while you’re free to go about your day.
In addition, the ingredients are accessible and customizable. You can adjust the spice level, substitute different veggies, or even swap in beef, pork, tofu, or shrimp depending on your dietary needs or what’s in your fridge. The final dish is not only nutritious and balanced, but it also appeals to kids and adults alike.
Healthier Than Takeout
While takeout Lo Mein is undeniably delicious, it often comes with a hefty dose of sodium, oil, and MSG. Making this dish at home gives you full control over every ingredient. By using low-sodium soy sauce and incorporating plenty of vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, this version delivers a meal that’s lighter, fresher, and more nourishing than what you’d get from a restaurant.
You can even upgrade the noodles—use whole wheat spaghetti for more fiber, or swap in soba or rice noodles for a gluten-free alternative. There’s no greasy aftertaste, just a clean, satisfying bowl of noodle goodness.
Perfect for Busy Lifestyles
Crockpot meals are designed for people on the go. Whether you’re working, parenting, or just don’t feel like cooking after a long day, this recipe is your best friend. The preparation takes less than 15 minutes. Once everything is in the pot, you’re free for the next few hours while dinner practically cooks itself. When you’re ready to eat, just boil the noodles, mix them in, and serve.
You can also prep this entire dish in advance—chop the vegetables and mix the sauce the night before, store everything in the fridge, and dump it into the crockpot in the morning.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
This dish is an excellent way to get kids to eat their veggies. The sweetness of the bell peppers and carrots complements the savory sauce, making it easy to sneak in some nutrition without complaints. The tender, shredded chicken is mild and satisfying, and the noodles—well, who doesn’t love slurping noodles?
Even picky eaters tend to warm up to the familiar flavors of this dish. You can serve it with a side of steamed edamame or a few potstickers to round out a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Budget-Friendly and Meal Prep Approved
This Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is also easy on your wallet. Chicken breasts or thighs are often on sale, and pantry staples like soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil stretch a long way. Fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers are affordable and easy to find year-round.
This dish also makes generous portions, meaning you’ll have plenty for leftovers. In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors continue to soak into the noodles. It’s perfect for lunchboxes or freezing for future dinners.
Easy to Customize and Make Your Own
One of the most delightful aspects of this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to tweak it:
- Spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of Sriracha, or some chili oil.
- Sweet: Stir in a bit of honey or pineapple chunks for a hint of sweetness.
- Protein Swap: Try it with thinly sliced beef, pork, or tofu.
- Veggie Boost: Add snow peas, mushrooms, baby corn, cabbage, or broccoli for more color and crunch.
- Low Carb: Skip the noodles and serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
There’s no wrong way to make it your own. The key is the sauce—it binds the whole dish together with savory-sweet notes that balance beautifully across any variation.
A Crowd-Pleasing Party Dish
If you’re entertaining or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is a great way to feed a crowd without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. Serve it buffet-style with chopsticks, sprinkle on sesame seeds, and let your guests enjoy a DIY Asian-inspired feast.
Pair it with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a crisp Asian slaw, and you’ve got a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both casual and special.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This dish stores very well. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will last in the refrigerator for 4–5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave in short bursts with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the noodles. You can also reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them until just al dente, especially if they’ll be sitting for a while before serving.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Frozen veggies work in a pinch, but fresh gives a better texture and more vibrant flavor.
- Watch the Sauce: If it thickens too much in the slow cooker, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before adding noodles.
- Garnish Smart: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add texture and brightness—don’t skip them!
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein is the perfect balance of ease, flavor, and nutrition. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, delicious meal that works for weeknights, lunch prep, or casual get-togethers. It’s endlessly customizable, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or just craving a cozy bowl of noodles for yourself, this recipe has you covered. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to takeout.