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If you have been searching for a dish that truly hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, silky, and comfortingly hearty—then you are in for a treat with this **Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe**. It melds tender, flavorful chicken soaked in a luscious honey garlic sauce, perfectly paired with fresh lo mein noodles, creating a meal that’s easy to prepare yet incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering, this recipe delivers satisfying layers of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each one plays a key role in building the rich, layered taste and texture of this dish. From the sweet honey balancing the savory depth of soy and oyster sauces to the fresh zing from ginger and garlic, every component ensures your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe becomes a standout meal.
- Honey (â…“ cup): Adds natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory and spicy notes of the sauce.
- Lower-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides a salty umami base without overwhelming the flavors or sodium content.
- Garlic cloves, minced (6 medium): Brings a pungent, aromatic kick essential for that classic honey garlic profile.
- Dark soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Deepens color and adds a slightly richer umami taste to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives a luscious, savory thickness and subtle seafood undertone that enhances overall flavor.
- Sriracha chili sauce (1 tablespoon): Introduces a gentle heat and brightness to keep the dish vibrant and exciting.
- Shaoxing wine (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a touch of complexity—dry sherry is a great substitute if unavailable.
- Fresh ginger, grated (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, slightly spicy freshness that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Toasted sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Offers a rich, nutty aroma that finalizes the sauce with authentic Asian flair.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): Choose thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs the sauce wonderfully.
- Tap water (2 tablespoons): Used to create a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce perfectly.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Essential for giving the sauce a silky, clingy texture.
- Fresh lo mein noodles (16 ounces): Cooked according to package directions, these noodles soak up all the delicious sauce and provide the perfect base.
- Scallions, thinly sliced (3 large plus more for garnish): Adds a fresh crunch and mild oniony brightness when mixed in and sprinkled on top.
- White sesame seeds (for garnish): A final touch that brings a nutty crunch and visual appeal to this comforting dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Start by stirring together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, ginger, sesame oil, and salt directly in your 6-quart slow cooker. This blend creates a harmonious sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and aromatic flavors that your chicken will absorb beautifully.
Step 2: Add Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer right into the sauce mixture. This positioning allows each piece of chicken to soak up maximum flavor as it cooks, ensuring tenderness without drying out.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process turns the chicken wonderfully tender and infuses all those fragrant sauce flavors deep into the meat, making every bite delightful.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred it easily using two forks. The slow cooking makes shredding effortless and the meat juicy and soft, perfect for mixing with noodles.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk together 2 tablespoons of tap water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step gives the sauce a silky texture that clings beautifully to the chicken and noodles.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cooked lo mein noodles and sliced scallions. Toss everything gently so that every noodle and shred of chicken is coated in that luscious honey garlic sauce. It’s the moment where all the ingredients unify into one memorable dish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra sliced scallions and a handful of white sesame seeds over each serving for a fresh crunch and eye-catching presentation. These garnishes add texture and a burst of color that make this home-cooked meal feel a little more special.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or snap peas, which add a crisp freshness and contrast to the tender, richly sauced noodles. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to brighten the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a fried egg or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. You can also wrap the noodles and chicken in lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held option that’s perfect for casual lunches or entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making it a great choice for easy next-day meals. Just be sure to keep the noodles and sauce together to maintain their combined deliciousness.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the noodles and chicken on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to preserve the perfect silky consistency of the honey garlic sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are highly recommended for this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe because they stay juicier and more tender after slow cooking. Breasts may become a bit dry or tough without careful timing.
Do I have to use fresh lo mein noodles?
Fresh lo mein noodles are ideal for their texture and ability to absorb the sauce well. However, dried noodles or even cooked spaghetti can work in a pinch; just be sure not to overcook them so they don’t become mushy when combined.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt the recipe by cooking the chicken and sauce in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven on low heat, simmering gently until the chicken is tender. Be sure to cover and check frequently to avoid burning or drying the meat.
Is the dish spicy because of the Sriracha?
The Sriracha adds a mild heat that balances the sweetness of the honey but does not overpower the dish. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a completely mild dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and replace oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce. The noodles and sauce will still be packed with flavor, making it just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a big warm hug on a plate—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and universally loved. I truly hope you embrace this recipe in your kitchen and enjoy the simplicity and comfort it brings to your table. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your favorite go-to dinners for busy days and special nights alike.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 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 effortless dinner option that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs with a savory honey garlic sauce, served over fresh lo mein noodles. The dish is enhanced with layers of Asian-inspired sauces, ginger, and a hint of spice from Sriracha, making it a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons tap water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 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, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer over the honey garlic sauce mixture in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours, or until the chicken thighs are tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tap water and cornstarch to create a slurry. With the slow cooker set to HIGH, stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce inside the slow cooker and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Turn off the slow cooker afterward.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the cooked lo mein noodles and thinly sliced scallions. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and chicken evenly with the thickened sauce. Serve in bowls garnished with additional scallions and white sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and crunch.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions before adding to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the level of Sriracha to your preferred spiciness.
- If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, substitute with dry sherry or omit for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The sauce can be thickened more or less depending on personal preference by adjusting the cornstarch amount.
