Chicken Chow Mein

My boyfriend and I recently invested in a slow cooker crock pot. I must say we absolutely love it. It has really opened up brand new cooking opportunities. If you don't have one, they don't cost too much and I would suggest that you consider adding a crock pot to your kitchen appliance inventory. I was really excited and opened my Betty Crocker Cook book and found the following recipe. It is delicious and is basically chopping and throwing things together. Best thing, it's safe for someone with interstitial cystitis. Enjoy!

Chicken Chow Mein
Serves 4-6

8 Boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 medium carrots, sliced diagonally
2 medium stalks of celery, coarsely chopped
2 cups leeks, chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1 can water chestnuts
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp Bragg's liquid aminos
1/2 tsp ginger root
2 Tbsp cornstarch
3 Tbsp cold water
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup snow pea pods
Chow mein noodles

• Remove fat from chicken and cut chicken into 1-inch pieces.
• In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil about 5 minutes, turning once, until brown.
• In 3 1/2 to 6 quart slow cooker, place carrots, celery, onion, garlic and water chestnuts then add chicken.
• In small bowl, mix broth, soy sauce and ginger root; pour over chicken.
• In small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into chicken mixture.
• Stir in mushrooms an pea pods.
• Increase heat setting to High.
• Cover and cook 15 minutes and then serve over noodles.