The intoxicating aroma hit me as I walked into the kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy family dinners infused with love and laughter. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles, a dish that marries the bold flavors of sweet honey and savory garlic with tender chicken and hearty noodles. This recipe is not only a fantastic crowd-pleaser, but it also allows for effortless prep time, meaning you can get back to what matters most while it simmers away. Picture this: a comforting bowl of noodles, perfectly seasoned and draped in a rich sauce, ready to warm your soul after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a delicious homemade meal, this one will quickly become a favorite. Curious about how to create this delectable dish? Let’s dive in!
Why is this recipe a must-try?
Simplicity is the name of the game—this dish requires just 10 minutes of prep, making it perfect for even the busiest of weeknights. Rich, savory flavors from honey and garlic create a delightful balance, elevating chicken and noodles to comfort food bliss. Versatile ingredients mean you can easily substitute for dietary preferences, like using tamari for gluten-free options. Time-saving slow cooking ensures your meal is ready when you are, without skimping on taste. Finally, crowd-pleasing appeal makes this a hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers, leaving you with satisfied smiles all around!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Ingredients
Discover the delicious components that make this dish a family favorite!
For the Chicken
• 1 lb chicken – Use breasts or thighs for juicy, tender meat that pairs beautifully with the noodles.
For the Sauce
• ¼ cup honey – Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• ¼ cup soy sauce – Offers depth; swap with tamari for a gluten-free version.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced for a fragrant flavor that rounds out the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Keeps the dish moist and enhances the savory notes.
For the Noodles
• 8 oz egg noodles – These will soak up the scrumptious sauce and create that comforting bite.
For Thickening
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps achieve a thick, luscious sauce once cooked.
• 1 tablespoon cold water – To mix with cornstarch, creating a smooth slurry for thickening.
To Season
• Salt – Season to taste for optimal flavor balance.
• Pepper – Adds a touch of spice to elevate the dish.
For Garnish
• Chopped green onions – Brighten the dish with fresh color and a mild onion flavor.
• Toasted sesame seeds – Sprinkle for a nutty crunch and added visual appeal.
Each essential ingredient contributes to the incredible experience of Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles, ensuring your meal is nothing short of perfection!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning 1 pound of chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring all sides are well-coated. Then, place the seasoned chicken directly into the slow cooker, allowing it to be the star of our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 cup of chicken broth until combined. Pour this delicious mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. Enjoy the enticing aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon and place it onto a cutting board. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back to the luscious sauce in the slow cooker, ensuring it soaks up all the flavors.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Next, add 8 ounces of egg noodles evenly on top of the shredded chicken and sauce in the slow cooker, spreading them out gently. Cover the cooker and set it to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and have absorbed the savory sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
To achieve a delightful thickness for your sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker, cover again, and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened, serve your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles warm. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a burst of color and crunch before enjoying this comforting dish with family and friends.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if needed.
Freezer: Place fully cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. These can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Heat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
Clear Labeling: Remember to label your containers with the date for easy organization and to ensure you enjoy your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles while they’re at their best!
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
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Chicken Choice: Use thighs for juiciness: While chicken breasts are lean, thighs offer more moisture, ensuring your dish remains tender and flavorful.
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Sauce Balance: Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the honey slightly while balancing it with soy sauce for depth.
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Avoid Overcooking: Check for tenderness: Cooking times vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken after 4 hours on low to prevent drying.
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Noodle Recommendations: Use fresh egg noodles: If available, fresh egg noodles boil faster and absorb flavors wonderfully compared to dried varieties.
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Thickening Wisely: Mix slurry thoroughly: When adding the cornstarch slurry, stir it well to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, thick sauce as part of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
Building a flavorful and delightful meal experience is just as easy as it is satisfying—let’s find the perfect accompaniments for your dish.
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Steamed Broccoli: Packed with nutrients and a vibrant green color, steamed broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of freshness that complements the sweetness of the dish.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: Filled with crisp veggies and tender proteins, these add a delightful crunch and a hint of spice, making each bite a party for your taste buds.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks serve as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory sauce left on your plate.
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Side Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and carrots can balance the richness of the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles, offering a refreshing crunch.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: The crispness and acidity of cucumbers dressed in sesame oil and vinegar create a bright contrast that cuts through the meal’s sweetness.
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Mango Smoothie: This creamy and tropical drink adds a refreshing touch, balancing the savory elements while giving a fruity finish to the meal.
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Sesame Asparagus: Quickly sautéed, this dish packs a nutty flavor and a tender texture, perfectly echoing the sesame notes in the main recipe.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a light and airy chocolate mousse; it’s the perfect sweet finish to round out a cozy evening with family or friends.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Variations
Embrace your creativity with these fun twists to make this dish truly your own!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, dairy-free option that keeps all the flavors intact.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas about halfway through cooking to sneak in extra veggies that brighten the dish.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce before cooking for an added layer of heat that’ll awaken your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce for a fully gluten-free rendition that still delivers on flavor.
- Citrus Zing: Squeeze in fresh lime juice just before serving for a tangy brightness that complements the rich sauce.
- Noodle Alternative: Try rice noodles or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter twist that creates a unique texture while soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Sweet & Savory: Craving something different? Add a few chunks of pineapple to the slow cooker for a tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with honey and garlic.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh or dried herbs like thyme or basil at the end of cooking for a fragrant final touch that elevates every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can season and place the chicken in the slow cooker with the sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. To enjoy maximum flavor, it's best to shred the chicken and combine it with the noodles just before serving. If you need to get even further ahead, the complete dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just ensure to store the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. Reheat on low in the slow cooker, adding a splash of broth if needed, for a quick and delicious meal that's just as satisfying!
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe FAQs
Should I use fresh or frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken will yield the best texture and flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch and have frozen chicken, you can still use it! Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time for frozen chicken on low and ensure it reaches a safe temperature.
How should I store leftovers from the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and flavor. Gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, and you’ll be enjoying those comforting flavors again in no time!
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles?
Yes! To freeze, let the dish cool completely first. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will freeze beautifully for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding a little broth to revive that delicious sauce.
What if the sauce is too sweet for my taste?
No worries! If you find the sauce a tad sweet after cooking, you can add a splash of extra soy sauce to bring balance, or even a dash of vinegar for tang. It’s all about personal preferences, so feel free to adjust it to your liking!
Are there any allergy considerations?
Definitely keep in mind that soy sauce contains gluten, so opt for tamari to make this dish gluten-free. If someone has a honey allergy, you could substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar, keeping in mind it will slightly alter the flavor but still keep it sweet and delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked and tender?
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The meat will also shred easily with forks when it's cooked perfectly. Check it at the lower end of the cooking time, especially if using lean chicken breasts. Enjoy every bite of your Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles!
Irresistibly Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season 1 pound of chicken with salt and pepper, then place it in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth, then pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker, shred it, then return it to the sauce.
- Add 8 ounces of egg noodles, then cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
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