Get ready to fall in love with one of the most irresistible cozy dinners you’ll ever make: the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe. Sweet, savory, and full of bold flavors with a whisper of heat, this dish is incredibly satisfying while being almost effortless to prepare. Imagine fragrant honey garlic sauce blanketing tender shredded chicken and springy noodles, all coming together in a perfect union that the whole family will rave about. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this is the kind of feel-good meal that makes everyone rush to the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore most about the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is how each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for both simplicity and impact. Every element here—whether it’s the aromatic ginger or the sticky-sweet honey—plays its part in delivering a true comfort food experience.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): These soak up all the marvelous flavors while becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): For savory depth without overpowering saltiness, letting the other ingredients shine through.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The star ingredient for a luscious sweetness that balances the salty and umami notes perfectly.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Adds a punch of rich, slightly tangy complexity—you’ll notice it with every bite.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings just enough acidity to brighten up the sauce and keep it from feeling heavy.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Provides an unmistakable toasted aroma and nutty finish to the entire dish.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the sauce with its sweet, pungent magic—essential for any honey garlic dish.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Gives the sauce a gentle heat and zippy freshness that’s totally uplifting.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For folks who love a subtle fiery kick, add these in—totally adjustable to your taste.
- Water (1/4 cup): Just a little bit to help blend everything smoothly and create the perfect sauce texture.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This thickener transforms your sauce into a silky, glossy cloak for the chicken and noodles.
- Cooked lo mein or spaghetti noodles (8 ounces): Noodles catch the sauce with every strand, making every mouthful seriously slurp-worthy.
- Green onions, sliced (2): For a fresh, peppery pop of color and crispy bite to finish things off.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Instantly makes the dish look special and adds a gentle nutty crunch as a finishing touch.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts right into the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to overthink this—just lay them out so the sauce will cover them entirely. This is the foundation of the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe, and trust me, the more surface area, the better for flavor absorption.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. The aroma as you blend these together is the first taste of what’s to come—savory, sticky, and so fragrant. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well-bathed.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is completely cooked through and nearly falling apart under your fork. The patience pays off: this is when the flavors really marry and the chicken turns irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker carefully—it will be tender! Transfer it to a cutting board and, using two forks, shred the meat into bite-size pieces. Shredding is what gives this recipe the perfect texture, letting the sweet-savory glaze wrap around every bit of chicken.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
While the chicken is out, make a quick slurry by whisking the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this into the sauce that’s left in your slow cooker, stirring well. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss everything so every strand is coated in that shiny, thickened sauce. Switch the slow cooker to high for another 15 minutes, and watch as the sauce transforms into pure velvet.
Step 6: Add Noodles and Toss
Once the sauce has thickened, add your cooked lo mein or spaghetti noodles right to the slow cooker. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are glossy and coated with that irresistible honey garlic sauce. Every bite of this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe tastes like warm comfort in a bowl!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your noodles and chicken with a shower of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These finishing touches add brightness and crunch, making every bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing flourish takes this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe from homemade to restaurant-worthy in seconds. Scattering fresh green onions provides a burst of color and a crisp bite, while a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds creates a bit of nutty depth. If you want to get extra fancy, a dash of chopped cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil looks gorgeous and adds unique flavor.
Side Dishes
Round out the meal with a few simple sides. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add vibrancy and a satisfying crunch, while a basic cucumber salad cools things down. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of veggie spring rolls or crispy wontons would be perfect. Each side brings even more texture and freshness, making the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the noodles in deep bowls for a noodle-house vibe, or pile high on a serving platter for more family-style flair. For gatherings or meal prep, portion the noodles into mason jars or bento boxes—instant grab-and-go lunches that turn leftovers into the highlight of your day. This dish also makes gorgeous noodle nests for a special dinner with friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors somehow get even better overnight, and it’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the effort from scratch.
Freezing
To freeze, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce (without the noodles for best texture) into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and toss with freshly-cooked noodles right before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each round until heated through. Either way, you’ll have steamy, saucy noodles ready in no time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more richness and stay especially juicy in the slow cooker. It’s a tasty swap for the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe, so use whichever cut you prefer or have on hand.
What type Main Course
Lo mein noodles are my favorite for their texture, but spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles all work beautifully. Choose your favorite or whatever is in the pantry—it’s a flexible recipe.
How do I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, simply increase the crushed red pepper flakes or squirt in a dash of sriracha before serving. Taste and adjust until it’s just right for you.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for a colorful upgrade. These veggies will soak up the yummy sauce and make the dish even more balanced.
Is this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! Portion into containers with a handful of steamed veggies and you have grab-and-go lunches that reheat beautifully throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is the kind of comforting, flavor-packed meal that you’ll find yourself craving all year round. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to make even an ordinary weeknight feel special. Gather your loved ones and give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s one of my personal favorites!
Print
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender, flavorful chicken in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served over noodles – all made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Additional:
- 8 ounces cooked lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Put the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until tender. Shred chicken.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water, then add to the sauce. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Combine: Add cooked noodles to the slow cooker, toss to combine. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Consider using chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
