If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and comforting, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe. It’s an effortlessly delightful dish where tender chicken thighs slowly soak up a rich honey garlic sauce, then get lovingly tossed with fresh lo mein noodles. Every bite bursts with deep flavor, balanced by just the right hint of heat from Sriracha and the aromatic punch of ginger and sesame oil. It’s a hands-off recipe that doesn’t just satisfy your hunger but warms you from the inside out—perfect for cozy dinners any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe requires a handful of simple, purposeful ingredients, each chosen to create that harmonious mix of tastes and textures that makes this dish so special. From the natural sweetness of honey to the zest of fresh ginger, every component plays a crucial role.
- â…“ cup honey: Adds a luscious natural sweetness that balances the savory soy flavors.
- ¼ cup lower-sodium soy sauce: Provides a mellow salty depth without overpowering the dish.
- 6 medium garlic cloves, minced: Brings a bold, aromatic punch essential to the honey garlic profile.
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce): Adds color and a richer umami flavor to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Gives the sauce a silky texture and layers of seafood-inspired savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce: Introduces a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Enhances depth with a subtle fruity note from this classic Chinese cooking wine.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Adds bright, spicy freshness that perfectly complements the garlic.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Imparts a warm, nutty aroma that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and amplifies the combined tastes.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Yield tender, juicy meat that absorbs the sauce beautifully during slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons tap water: Used to create a cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce for a luscious coating on the noodles and chicken.
- 16 ounces fresh lo mein noodles, cooked: The perfect tender yet springy noodles for soaking up every bit of the sauce.
- 3 large scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish: Adds a crisp, mild onion flavor and freshness.
- White sesame seeds, for garnish: Provides a subtle crunch and a lovely visual finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Begin by mixing together all the sauce components—honey, soy sauces, garlic, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, ginger, sesame oil, and salt—in your slow cooker. Stirring them together upfront ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken can soak up the perfect balance of sweet and savory during cooking.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Thighs
Next, arrange the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer over the sauce mixture. This even layering helps the chicken cook thoroughly and absorb those mouthwatering flavors evenly throughout.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. The patience here rewards you with chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth, infused with that unforgettable honey garlic flavor.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken thighs to a cutting board and shred them with forks. The shredded texture allows the chicken to cling effortlessly to the noodles and sauce, ensuring every bite has flavor.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry, then stir this into the slow cooker with the heat on HIGH. This will thicken the sauce slightly, giving it a glossy, clingy consistency that is just what your noodles and chicken need.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cooked lo mein noodles and sliced scallions. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each noodle strand and piece of chicken is coated with that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, divide the mixture into bowls and sprinkle with additional scallions and a scattering of white sesame seeds. This adds not just flavor but a bright, inviting pop of color and texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallions and white sesame seeds are a classic finishing touch, bringing brightness and a delicate crunch. For extra flair, a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving can elevate the aroma to another level. You might also like adding thinly sliced red chili or fresh cilantro for a hint of freshness and heat.
Side Dishes
Since this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is rich and filling, pairing it with light sides works beautifully. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add vibrant color and crispness. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast and balances the dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the slow cooker on the table; it’s perfect for casual gatherings and lets everyone help themselves to their favorite portions. Alternatively, twirl the noodles elegantly onto plates and arrange shredded chicken on top, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation that impresses without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more sauce over time, so tossing with a bit of water or broth before reheating can help revive their texture and loosen the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the shredded chicken and sauce mixture (without the noodles) for up to 2 months. Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—then add freshly cooked noodles to keep the texture perfect.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Adding fresh scallions after reheating will brighten the flavors anew.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but keep in mind they may be less juicy than thighs after slow cooking. To prevent dryness, avoid cooking on HIGH for too long and check for doneness regularly.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce and chicken in a covered pot on low heat on the stove for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Just be sure to check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What are the best noodles to use?
Fresh lo mein noodles are ideal because they have the right texture to absorb sauce without getting mushy. If not available, you can substitute with fresh egg noodles or even dried spaghetti cooked al dente.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The Sriracha adds a mild kick but it’s easy to adjust. Use less or omit it for a milder dish. For more heat, feel free to add extra Sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to cook, just add the chicken and follow the slow cooker steps. This can enhance the flavor even more as the ingredients have time to meld.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and wonderfully versatile. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe offers a flavorful and easy one-pot meal. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce enriched with soy, oyster sauce, and a touch of spice from Sriracha, then combined with fresh lo mein noodles and scallions for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- â…“ cup honey
- ¼ cup lower-sodium soy sauce
- 6 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Chicken and Thickening
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons tap water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Noodles and Garnish
- 16 ounces fresh lo mein noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 3 large scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- White sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, stir together honey, soy sauce, garlic, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer over the honey garlic sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tap water and cornstarch until smooth. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, stir in the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then turn off the slow cooker.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the cooked lo mein noodles and sliced scallions. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Serve in bowls garnished with additional scallions and white sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use fresh lo mein noodles for the best texture; cook according to package instructions before adding to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a good substitute.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
