This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious but don’t have time to fuss over the stove. The tender chicken thighs soak up the sweet and savory flavors of honey, soy sauce, and garlic while cooking low and slow. Tossing the noodles in the same flavorful sauce makes this meal rich and satisfying.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, the rich flavors and tender textures will make it a new favorite in your recipe collection. You can even adjust the ingredients to your liking—add more vegetables or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Full Recipe:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the chicken broth to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and toss them into the slow cooker to soak up the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. Allow it to cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles: The Perfect Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the combination of tender chicken, rich noodles, and a sauce that’s both sweet and savory. The Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe is a great example of how to bring together these flavors in a dish that’s easy to make, filling, and satisfying. Utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe offers a fuss-free approach to delivering a hearty meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You Should Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this slow cooker honey garlic chicken noodles recipe. Here are a few that stand out:
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This recipe requires minimal prep work and attention, allowing you to “set it and forget it.” You’ll simply combine your ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want to avoid the hassle of cooking after a long day.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The sauce is the highlight of this dish, perfectly blending sweet honey with savory soy sauce and garlic. The ginger adds an extra layer of depth, making the sauce rich and complex without overwhelming the taste buds. It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Tender Chicken Every Time: Slow cooking the chicken thighs ensures they turn out tender, juicy, and flavorful every single time. The long, slow simmer allows the chicken to absorb the sauce’s flavors fully, making it incredibly satisfying and melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Noodles Soaked in Flavor: Instead of cooking noodles separately and tossing them in a sauce, this recipe calls for adding the cooked noodles to the slow cooker near the end of the cooking time. This step allows the noodles to soak up all the savory juices, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
- Customizable for Various Diets: This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different dietary needs. You can easily swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles if you’re catering to a gluten-intolerant guest, or switch the chicken thighs to chicken breast or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved: The sweet notes from the honey balance perfectly with the umami of soy sauce, making this dish a hit with kids. The softness of the chicken and noodles is also ideal for younger children, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the meal together.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
In addition to being delicious, this recipe boasts some healthy ingredients that make it a more nutritious comfort food option. Let’s look at the benefits of the key components:
- Chicken Thighs: While chicken thighs are slightly higher in fat than chicken breasts, they are packed with flavor and nutrients. They’re a great source of protein, providing the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. Chicken thighs also contain zinc and iron, which support the immune system and overall vitality.
- Garlic: Garlic is a powerhouse ingredient known for its numerous health benefits. It has been linked to improved heart health, lowered blood pressure, and enhanced immune function. It’s also a natural antibacterial and antiviral agent, helping the body fight infections.
- Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness to the dish while offering antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body. It also has antimicrobial properties and can soothe a sore throat or cough.
- Ginger: Ginger brings a zesty warmth to the dish and is highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. It can help soothe an upset stomach and improve digestion, making it a useful ingredient for heavier meals.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is rich in umami flavor, which helps to enhance the overall taste of the dish without the need for excessive amounts of salt. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce can make the meal even healthier while still delivering the rich, savory taste soy sauce is known for.
Tips for Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
While this recipe is easy, a few tips can elevate your dish to the next level:
- Use Chicken Thighs Over Breasts: Chicken thighs are naturally more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts, especially in slow-cooked recipes. They retain moisture better during the long cooking process, so your final dish won’t turn out dry.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you like a thicker sauce, don’t forget to add the cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking. It helps the sauce coat the chicken and noodles better, making each bite more flavorful.
- Add Veggies: To increase the nutritional value of the dish, feel free to toss in some vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Add them about 30 minutes before the cooking time is done so they don’t get too mushy.
- Make It Spicy: If you prefer a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce. This will give the dish a nice balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t forget to garnish your finished dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also enhance the texture and flavor of the meal.
Serving Suggestions
This honey garlic chicken noodles recipe can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal, but you can pair it with some side dishes to round out the meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair this dish with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas. These vegetables will complement the flavors of the dish without overwhelming the palate.
- Asian-Inspired Salad: A light salad with a sesame or ginger dressing can balance out the richness of the noodles and chicken. Think of a crunchy cabbage slaw or a cucumber salad with rice vinegar.
- Fried Rice: For those who want something heartier, serve the chicken and noodles alongside a portion of fried rice. The mild sweetness of the noodles will contrast nicely with the savory rice.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Dish
This recipe fits well in various meal settings, including:
- Weeknight Dinners: The simplicity of this dish makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Meal Prep: Since this dish holds up well in the fridge and reheats perfectly, it’s a great choice for meal prepping. You can prepare it in bulk and enjoy it over several days.
- Family Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser and easy to scale up for a large group, making it a perfect option for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
- Comfort Food Cravings: When the weather gets chilly, or you’re just in the mood for something comforting and warm, this dish delivers all the cozy vibes you need.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in a dish that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to meal prep, or something to impress guests at a family gathering, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s customizable, rich in flavor, and versatile enough to suit various dietary needs.
Not only does it provide you with a delicious comfort food experience, but it also incorporates some nutritious ingredients like garlic, ginger, and honey, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking balance in their meals. With just a little bit of effort, you can create a dish that will have everyone coming back for more, time and time again.