If you’ve ever wanted a dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a luscious honey garlic glaze and perfectly coated noodles, then you’re in for a treat with the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe. This recipe is pure comfort food magic, effortlessly melding sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors in one bowl. The slow cooker does all the work so you can come home to a warm, inviting meal that’s packed with flavor and textures that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special but is surprisingly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often create the most memorable meals, and this recipe is no exception. Each element plays a key role in building that rich, umami-packed sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly silky noodles that make this dish unforgettable.
- ⅓ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze that balances the savory components.
- ¼ cup lower-sodium soy sauce: Provides salty depth without overwhelming the palate.
- 6 medium garlic cloves, minced: Packs punchy aroma and flavor throughout the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce): Brings a robust, caramel-like depth and darker color.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Enhances the umami richness for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce: Adds the perfect mild heat and subtle zing.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Introduces a subtle fruity, fermented note that complements the other seasonings.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Lends a fresh, slightly spicy brightness that balances sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma and depth that elevates the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors naturally.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The star protein, tender and perfect for shredding.
- 2 tablespoons tap water: Used to create a smooth cornstarch slurry for thickening.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the honey garlic sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 16 ounces fresh lo mein noodles: Cooked just right for a chewy and satisfying base.
- 3 large scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- White sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds texture and a nutty finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by mixing together the honey, soy sauces, minced garlic, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and kosher salt in a 6-quart slow cooker. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish, beautifully balancing sweet, salty, spicy, and aromatic notes that will infuse the chicken during cooking.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Thighs
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer into the honey garlic mixture. This layering ensures every piece gets equally coated in the sauce, setting the stage for tender, flavor-packed chicken once cooked.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover your slow cooker and cook the chicken on HIGH for about 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours. Cooking low and slow guarantees the chicken will be so tender it practically falls apart, soaking up all the delicious sauce flavors thoughtfully.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly tender, transfer it to a cutting board and shred it with a fork. This step transforms whole pieces into bite-sized, noodle-friendly protein that’s easy to mix into the sauce and noodles.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the tap water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Return your slow cooker to HIGH and stir in this mixture. The sauce will thicken slightly, turning into a glossy, luscious coating that clings beautifully to the chicken and noodles. Then, turn off the slow cooker to let the sauce settle.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker along with the cooked lo mein noodles and thinly sliced scallions. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring each noodle strand and chicken shred is enveloped in that tantalizing honey garlic sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra scallions and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds on top right before serving gives the dish a fresh crunch and an appealing burst of color. These small touches elevate the overall experience and make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Because the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is already packed with flavor and protein, light side dishes work best. Think steamed or stir-fried veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli to add brightness and a bit of healthful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, consider serving this dish in individual shallow bowls topped with garnishes for a personal touch. Another fun idea is to add crunchy fried shallots or crushed peanuts for extra texture. You could even spoon it over steamed jasmine rice if noodles aren’t on hand, turning it into a whole new experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because the noodles and chicken have absorbed that fantastic sauce, you’ll find the flavors deepen overnight, making for equally delightful next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze portions by placing cooled chicken and noodles in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, but note that noodles might soften slightly upon thawing. To keep the best texture, consider freezing sauce and chicken separately from the noodles.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the noodles seem dry. Stir often to re-coat everything in sauce and to prevent clumping. This way, your dish tastes fresh and vibrant all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during slow cooking, producing a more tender, flavorful result. If you use breasts, keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out.
Do I have to use fresh lo mein noodles?
Fresh noodles really give the best texture for this recipe, but if you only have dried or frozen noodles, you can definitely use those too. Just cook them according to the package instructions and toss them in while still warm to absorb the sauce better.
Is the Sriracha necessary?
The Sriracha adds a gentle kick that balances the sweetness, but if you’re not a fan of heat, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether. The dish will still be deliciously flavorful without it.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can use the slow cooker function or pressure cook on high for about 12 minutes, then use the sauté function to thicken the sauce. Just be careful not to overcook the noodles since they cook quickly.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level due to the Sriracha, which complements the sweet and savory elements without overpowering them. You can adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe quickly becomes a family favorite with its effortless prep, comforting qualities, and vibrant flavors. It’s the perfect recipe to make on a busy day when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe offers a flavorful and convenient meal characterized by tender shredded chicken thighs simmered in a savory honey garlic sauce. Combined with fresh lo mein noodles and garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, it makes a comforting and effortless dinner for six.
Ingredients
Sauce and Chicken
- ⅓ 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
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Thickener
- 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
- Prepare the sauce base: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and kosher salt. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer over the honey garlic sauce mixture within the slow cooker.
- Cook chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours (or LOW for 5 hours) until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Transfer the chicken onto a cutting board and shred it thoroughly using a fork to create bite-sized pieces.
- Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tap water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Switch the slow cooker to HIGH, then stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Turn off the slow cooker once thickened.
- Combine and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cooked lo mein noodles and sliced scallions. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the sauce. Serve the noodles in bowls garnished with extra scallions and white sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Sriracha or add some chili flakes.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness; chicken breasts can also be used but may be less juicy.
- Ensure lo mein noodles are cooked just before combining to avoid over-softening during slow cooker mixing.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase cornstarch by an additional 0.5 tablespoon.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
