Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe

Hearty slow cooker honey garlic chicken & noodles dance across hungry palates with incredible ease.

This comforting meal combines sweet and savory flavors that promise delightful satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces melt into silky noodles, creating a dish everyone craves.

Busy weeknight warriors will appreciate how minimal effort generates maximum deliciousness.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for people seeking convenient yet scrumptious meals.

The tantalizing aroma will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor each delectable bite.

Why Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Is Sweet And Savory Comfort

  • Effortless Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein, sauce, and noodles in a single dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime a breeze for families and home cooks.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Blends sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and spicy red pepper flakes to create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies multiple taste cravings in one bite.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust heat by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, making it adaptable for both spice lovers and those with milder palates.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Protein:
  • Chicken: The star of the dish, providing tender and flavorful meat that absorbs the sauce perfectly. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Creates a sweet, savory, and rich base that coats the chicken. Look for high-quality, authentic brands for the best flavor.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Adds a bold, aromatic punch to the sauce. Fresh is always preferable for maximum flavor.
  • Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tangy note.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a gentle heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Thickening and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
  • Water: Used to create a cornstarch slurry for sauce thickening.
  • Noodles: Serves as the perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce. Choose egg noodles or your favorite pasta.
  • Butter or Sesame Oil: Adds richness and additional flavor to the noodles.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provides fresh flavor, color, and texture to the final dish.

How To Prepare Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Generously sprinkle chicken with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, ensuring an even layer.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together a delightful blend of:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Minced fresh garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Rice vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Chicken broth

Pour this flavor-packed sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on LOW setting for 4-5 hours or HIGH setting for 2-3 hours. The chicken should become incredibly tender and easy to shred.

Step 4: Create a Luscious Sauce

For those who love a thicker sauce, create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Gently stir this into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce reaches a beautiful, glossy consistency.

Step 5: Prepare the Noodles

About 15 minutes before serving, cook your favorite noodles following the package instructions. Once done, drain thoroughly and toss with a touch of butter or sesame oil for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, mixing it back into the sauce. Add the prepared noodles and gently toss until everything is beautifully coated and combined.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Elevate your dish by sprinkling:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra red pepper flakes

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pro Tips For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of rice wine or Chinese cooking wine to the sauce for an authentic, restaurant-style taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken for pork tenderloin or tofu to create delicious variations that suit different dietary preferences and keep the meal exciting.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance. Start with a pinch for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that adds complexity to the dish.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Choose rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly.

Storage Tips For Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

  • Refrigerate leftover Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Store the dish in shallow containers to help cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Seal completely to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading in the refrigerator.
  • When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out.
  • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
  • For best taste and texture, consume within 2 days of cooking.
  • Avoid freezing this dish, as the noodles can become mushy and lose their original texture.
  • Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers, such as unusual odors or mold growth.
  • Discard if the meal seems questionable or has been stored for more than 4 days.

What Pairs Well With Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich honey-garlic sauce, balancing the sweetness and complementing the chicken's savory notes.
  • Match with Refreshing Asian-Inspired Cocktail: A lychee martini or ginger mojito echoes the dish's Asian flavor profile, enhancing the meal's complexity with a bright, zesty kick.
  • Serve with Crunchy Asian Slaw: A tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar dressing provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the tender, saucy chicken and noodles.
  • Add Cooling Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with sesame seeds and rice vinegar offers a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and spicy slow-cooked chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

Variations Of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles To Try

  • Spicy Honey Teriyaki Chicken: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder, spicier kick. Perfect for heat lovers seeking extra flavor.
  • Asian Peanut Butter Chicken Noodles: Swap honey with creamy peanut butter and add a splash of rice vinegar. Garnish with crushed peanuts for a nutty, rich experience.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Use oregano and rosemary instead of ginger, and substitute honey with lemon juice. Sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Korean-Style Gochujang Chicken: Mix gochujang paste into the sauce for a deep, complex heat. Top with kimchi and chopped cilantro for authentic Korean flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

  • What makes the honey garlic sauce so special?

The sauce combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. The blend of hoisin sauce and ginger creates a complex, restaurant-quality flavor that makes this dish truly delicious.

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work perfectly! Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, while chicken breasts are leaner. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable before serving.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat. Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version, or add more if you love spicy food. The honey helps balance any heat in the dish.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

All you need is a slow cooker and basic kitchen tools like a whisk, measuring cups, and a pot for cooking noodles. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this an easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days.

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting slow cooker honey garlic chicken & noodles bring together sweet and savory flavors in one hearty meal. Family-friendly ingredients and simple preparation create an irresistible dinner that satisfies hungry appetites with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Liquids:

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Noodles and Garnish:

  • 8 ounces noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or sesame oil (for tossing)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Extra red pepper flakes (for spice)

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken with aromatic seasoning by generously coating with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Transfer seasoned chicken into the slow cooker vessel.
  2. Craft a robust sauce by whisking honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until thoroughly combined. Cascade this liquid mixture over the chicken.
  3. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic, sealing the lid and cooking on LOW temperature for 4-5 hours or HIGH temperature for 2-3 hours. The chicken should transform into tender, easily shredded strands.
  4. For enhanced sauce consistency, create a cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water until smooth. Integrate this mixture into the cooking liquid and continue simmering on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes to achieve desired thickness.
  5. Prepare noodles approximately 15 minutes before serving time. Cook according to package recommendations, then drain and delicately toss with butter or sesame oil for added richness.
  6. Deconstruct the cooked chicken into succulent shreds, returning them to the slow cooker. Gently incorporate the prepared noodles, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the savory sauce.
  7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional extra red pepper flakes. Serve piping hot and relish the harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

  • Boost flavor intensity by marinating chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before slow cooking, allowing deeper penetration of seasonings.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking plant-based proteins.
  • Reduce honey quantity or use sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit sweetener for diabetic-friendly or low-carb dietary needs.
  • Experiment with different noodle types like zucchini noodles, rice noodles, or whole wheat pasta to accommodate gluten-free or nutritional preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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