Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles Recipe

Cook Time: 185 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was originally crafted to serve six. Ingredient quantities will automatically adjust for different yields, but cooking times and steps remain the same. Please note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 (12 ounce) jar Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 (16 ounce) package fresh lo mein noodles
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced, for garnish

Directions

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the Asian Zing sauce over them. Cover with the lid and cook on Low until the chicken is extremely tender, about 3 hours.
2. Once cooked, shred the chicken into large pieces using two forks.
3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles until tender but still firm to the bite, following package instructions (typically 40 seconds to 3 minutes). Drain thoroughly.
4. Add the drained noodles to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with sauce.
5. Serve the lo mein hot, garnished with freshly sliced green onions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 314
• Total Fat: 12g (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (16% DV)
• Cholesterol: 140mg (47% DV)
• Sodium: 816mg (35% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 21g (8% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (9% DV)
• Total Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 32g (64% DV)
• Vitamin C: 5mg (6% DV)
• Calcium: 53mg (4% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (14% DV)
• Potassium: 629mg (13% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data and may not be complete. Consult your healthcare provider for medically restrictive diets.

The Story Behind Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles

Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles are a modern twist on traditional Asian-inspired comfort food, combining the convenience of slow cooking with the bold flavors of sweet, spicy, and tangy sauces. While lo mein and chicken dishes have long been staples in Chinese cuisine, the integration of American-style Asian Zing sauce reflects a fusion trend that became popular in the early 2000s. This particular recipe gained attention for bringing the fiery, sweet sauce typically found at casual American restaurants into a home kitchen setting, making it accessible for everyday cooking.

Regional Characteristics

Although the dish draws inspiration from Chinese cuisine, it has been adapted to suit American palates. The use of Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce is particularly indicative of Midwestern and Southern American regions, where bold, tangy, and spicy sauces are popular. Unlike traditional Chinese lo mein, which may feature a variety of vegetables and lighter soy-based sauces, this version emphasizes a rich, sticky glaze over tender chicken and quick-cooking noodles. It is most commonly enjoyed in households across the United States as a hearty weeknight dinner.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

At first glance, Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles may seem similar to traditional lo mein or General Tsos chicken, but several key differences stand out. Unlike typical lo mein, which is stir-fried in a wok and often includes a mix of vegetables and proteins, this recipe relies on slow-cooking the chicken to achieve maximum tenderness before combining it with noodles. The sauce is distinctly sweet, tangy, and spicy, setting it apart from the usually savory and mild soy-based sauces found in classic Chinese-American dishes.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is most commonly served at home as a comforting weeknight meal, though it is also popular at casual gatherings and potlucks due to its easy preparation and large yield. It can be found at some American-Asian fusion restaurants, especially those that emphasize spicy or bold flavors. Garnished simply with sliced green onions, it is designed to be a convenient yet flavorful dish that satisfies both spice lovers and noodle enthusiasts.

Interesting Facts

• Despite its Asian label, the recipe is a product of fusion cuisine, blending American flavor preferences with traditional Asian noodle dishes.
• Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb the sauce deeply, creating a texture that is difficult to achieve with conventional stir-frying.
• The recipe demonstrates the versatility of store-bought sauces like Asian Zing, which have become a staple in American households seeking quick flavor solutions.
• It is often recommended to adjust the sauce intensity with honey or lime, highlighting how home cooks customize the dish to their personal spice tolerance.
• Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles exemplify the modern trend of combining convenience with bold, globally inspired flavors, bridging the gap between fast food tastes and homemade meals.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Asian Zing Chicken Noodles Recipe

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