Here’s a deliciously bold and comforting take on Thai-inspired noodles — Crispy Crock Pot Drunken Noodles. While “drunken noodles” (Pad Kee Mao) are usually stir-fried, this version is adapted for the slow cooker, where the flavors deepen over time — and finished off for that crispy edge everyone loves.
🍜 Crispy Crock Pot Drunken Noodles
🍽️ Serves: 4–6 | ⏱️ Prep: 20 min | Cook: 3–4 hrs (low) + 5 min crisping
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Slow Cooker:
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450 g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breast, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1–2 Thai chilies (or red pepper flakes, to taste)
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⅓ cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp fish sauce (optional but authentic)
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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¼ cup water or chicken broth
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
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Fresh Thai basil (or sweet basil), a handful
Add Later:
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8 oz (225 g) wide rice noodles (pad Thai-style), soaked per package
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1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil
For Crisping (Optional):
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1–2 tbsp oil for pan-frying noodles or broiling
🔥 Instructions:
1. Prep & Slow Cook:
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Add chicken, veggies, garlic, chilies, and all sauces (soy, oyster, fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, water) to your Crock Pot.
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Stir to coat. Cook on low for 3–4 hours or until chicken is tender and flavors are rich.
2. Soak & Add Noodles:
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Soak rice noodles in warm water until softened but still firm.
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Stir drained noodles into the Crock Pot with sesame oil. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes, or until noodles are tender and have absorbed flavor.
3. Make Them Crispy:
Option A: Skillet-Crisp
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Heat a bit of oil in a non-stick or cast iron pan.
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Pan-fry the noodle mixture in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until edges are golden and crispy.
Option B: Broiler Finish
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Spread noodles on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle lightly with oil, and broil for 2–4 minutes until the top crisps up slightly.
4. Finish with Freshness:
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Stir in torn Thai basil just before serving. Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.
📝 Tips:
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Prefer beef or tofu? Swap easily — tofu should be added toward the end to avoid breaking apart.
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No rice noodles? Use fettuccine or linguine as a backup.
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Want it saucier? Add an extra splash of broth when adding noodles.
Would you like a vegetarian version, extra-spicy twist, or a printable recipe card?