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
- Infuse chicken with aromatic seasoning by generously coating with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Transfer seasoned chicken into the slow cooker vessel.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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