If you’re searching for a dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delights your taste buds in every bite, then the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. This cozy, flavorful dinner brings together tender chicken simmered in a luscious honey garlic sauce layered with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, all tossed with fresh lo mein noodles. It’s comfort food elevated, made effortlessly in your slow cooker so you can come home to a meal that’s been cooking to perfection all day. Seriously, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a staple in your weeknight dinner repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential in building that signature Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe flavor. Each component plays a critical role—whether it’s the sweet richness from honey, the umami depth from oyster sauce, or the gentle heat from Sriracha—that creates a harmonious dish bursting with taste and texture.
- ⅓ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce to a beautiful glaze.
- ¼ cup lower-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory umami without overwhelming saltiness.
- 6 medium garlic cloves, minced: Provides a bold, aromatic foundation that defines the dish.
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or regular soy sauce): Deepens the color and adds extra richness.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Enhances flavor with a subtle briny sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha chili sauce: Delivers a gentle kick of heat with sweetness and tang.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Introduces a mild fruity note to balance the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Lifts the sauce with sharp, zesty freshness.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty, fragrant aroma that makes the dish irresistibly inviting.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The best choice for juicy, tender chicken that soaks up all the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tap water: Used to make a cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy coating over the chicken and noodles.
- 16 ounces fresh lo mein noodles, cooked according to package directions: Soft, chewy noodles that carry the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- 3 large scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish: Adds brightness and a fresh crunch to finish the dish.
- White sesame seeds, for garnish: Toasted seeds lend a nutty texture and charming visual appeal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by combining all the flavorful liquids and aromatics in your slow cooker. Stir together the honey, soy sauces, garlic, oyster sauce, Sriracha, Shaoxing wine, fresh ginger, sesame oil, and salt until well blended. This mixture will be the heart of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe, carrying a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that will seep into every bite of chicken and noodles.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs in a single layer right on top of that beautiful sauce mixture. Using boneless, skinless thighs is key for ensuring juicy meat that shreds easily after slow cooking, soaking in all those terrific flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, practically falling apart as it absorbs the rich sauce. This slow cooking step is what transforms this dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the pieces onto a cutting board and shred them using two forks. Shredded chicken allows for better sauce distribution, so each noodle strand and bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Now it’s time for that glossy finish. Whisk together the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then stir the mixture into the slow cooker with the sauce on HIGH. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety, which will help it cling beautifully to the chicken and noodles.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles and Scallions
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the cooked lo mein noodles along with the sliced scallions. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure noodles are coated in the sticky, flavorful sauce. You’re almost there—get ready for some serious comfort food!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The final touches make a world of difference. Sprinkle the dish liberally with extra scallions and white sesame seeds to add vibrant color and a satisfying crunch. These simple garnishes brighten up the plating and elevate every mouthful with freshness and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty and complete on its own, but if you want to add more variety, consider simple steamed broccoli or snap peas. Their crispness and green vibrancy pair beautifully with the rich, saucy noodles, bringing balance and a pleasant contrast of textures to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual bowls lined with lettuce leaves for scooping, or even stuff the chicken and noodles into lettuce wraps for a hand-held feast. You can also top it with a fried egg for extra indulgence, making your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe a versatile option that suits any mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the noodles for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Keep the noodles on the side or toss them with the sauce right before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Then add the cooked noodles to warm through just before serving, keeping them from drying out and ensuring every bite is saucy and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but thighs tend to stay juicier and shred more easily, which makes a big difference to the texture and flavor of the final dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
For an extra kick, simply add more Sriracha or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. You can also serve it with chili oil on the side for guests who like it hot.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, swap out regular soy sauce and oyster sauce for gluten-free versions, and ensure your noodles are made from rice or another gluten-free base.
Do I have to use fresh lo mein noodles?
Fresh noodles are ideal for the best texture, but if you can’t find them, dried noodles will work—just cook them according to the package and drain well before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can! Just be mindful of your slow cooker’s capacity and cook times. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe enough. It’s the kind of meal that not only fills your belly but feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will become your new go-to for effortless, delicious dinners. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll love how amazing your kitchen smells and even more how much everyone enjoys every delicious bite!
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 Fusion
Description
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs cooked gently in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served over fresh lo mein noodles. Perfectly balanced with hints of ginger, sesame, and a touch of heat from Sriracha, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
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
Thickening and Noodles
- 2 tablespoons tap water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 16 ounces fresh lo mein noodles, cooked according to package directions
Garnish
- 3 large scallions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- White sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the Sauce: In a 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha chili sauce, 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.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a cutting board and shred them finely with two forks.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tap water and cornstarch. With the slow cooker set to HIGH, gradually stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, then turn off the slow cooker.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cooked fresh lo mein noodles and thinly sliced scallions. Toss everything gently to coat the noodles and chicken evenly with the sauce. Divide into serving bowls and garnish with extra scallions and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of Sriracha chili sauce according to taste.
- Fresh lo mein noodles provide the best texture, but dried or other egg noodles can be substituted if necessary.
- If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry works well as an alternative.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute and check all sauces for gluten content.
- The sauce thickens best when the cornstarch mixture is added at the end and the slow cooker is on HIGH heat.
