If you’re looking for a satisfying, hassle-free dinner that’s both packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles is the perfect recipe. This dish combines tender chicken thighs, a savory-sweet sauce, and soft lo mein noodles in a single pot. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but requires very little effort on your part. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with minimal work.
Key Highlights:
- Effortless slow-cooker recipe that saves you time and cleanup
- Juicy, tender chicken drenched in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce
- Quick noodle dish that’s perfect for busy evenings
- Family-friendly meal with bold flavors that everyone will love
- Simple ingredients that create a rich, complex flavor
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
This recipe is all about convenience and flavor. With the power of your slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the chicken becomes tender and the sauce absorbs into every bite. The secret to this dish is its rich, sweet-savory sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a few extra ingredients that balance the sweetness with a bit of heat and depth. By the time the chicken is shredded, it’s packed with flavor and ready to mix with fresh, cooked lo mein noodles for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles is not just delicious, but also versatile—whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal will be a hit. Here’s everything you need to know about this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients: Everything You Need to Make This Flavorful Dish
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You won’t need any complicated ingredients, just a few pantry staples and fresh chicken.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 1/3 cup |
| Lower-sodium soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 6 medium |
| Dark soy sauce (or regular soy) | 2 tablespoons |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sriracha chile sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) | 1 tablespoon |
| Grated fresh ginger | 2 teaspoons |
| Toasted sesame oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Tap water | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh lo mein noodles | 16 ounces, cooked |
| Scallions, thinly sliced | 3 large, plus more for garnish |
| White sesame seeds | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Mince the garlic, slice the scallions, and grate the fresh ginger.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the honey, soy sauces, garlic, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, ginger, sesame oil, and kosher salt. Stir everything together until the sauce is well mixed. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer and make sure they are well-coated in the sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for about 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded when it’s done.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine tap water and cornstarch, stirring until smooth. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, and slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce. Stir for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cooked lo mein noodles and scallions. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the noodles in individual bowls, garnished with extra scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Why This Dish Works So Well
- Minimal prep: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, letting you focus on other tasks or relax while the chicken tenderizes and the sauce develops flavor.
- Balance of flavors: The sauce offers a harmonious blend of sweet honey, salty soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and a kick of spice from the Sriracha. The addition of oyster sauce and Shaoxing wine gives the sauce depth and complexity, making it a standout in this simple dish.
- Perfect texture: The combination of tender chicken, noodles, and the thickened sauce makes for a satisfying, comforting meal.
- Versatile: You can adjust the heat level with more or less Sriracha, and feel free to add in extra veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for a full meal.
Tips for Customizing Your Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
This dish is incredibly customizable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add vegetables: For extra color and nutrition, add veggies like carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking.
- Substitute with chicken breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, they will work as well—just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out more easily.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Sriracha or add a dash of chili flakes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles is a dish that works for every meal occasion. Whether it’s a quick family dinner, a casual get-together, or even a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress.
- Weeknight dinners: Ready in a few hours with little prep.
- Dinner parties: Serve in bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh scallions for an elegant touch.
- Meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for this meal per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380-420 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
FAQs About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
Q: Can I use another type of noodle?
A: Yes! While this recipe uses lo mein noodles, you can substitute with any kind of Asian-style noodles, such as udon, soba, or even rice noodles.
Q: Is it necessary to use Shaoxing wine?
A: Shaoxing wine adds a unique depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, dry sherry is a great substitute.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure your noodles are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes! This dish freezes well. Store the chicken and noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Final Thoughts: A Flavor-Packed Meal with Minimal Effort
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. This recipe is the perfect go-to when you need a comforting, hassle-free dinner that everyone will love. Just let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy the delicious outcome!