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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles

If you grew up loving those sweet-savory noodle bowls that warmed you from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles will feel like a big cozy hug.
It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with aroma — that warm honey sweetness, that garlicky comfort — and makes everyone drift into the kitchen asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”

Tender shredded chicken, silky egg noodles, and a glossy honey garlic sauce come together with almost zero effort.
Just toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and return to the kind of dinner that tastes like you spent hours preparing it — even though the crockpot did all the work.

This recipe is simple, family-friendly, inexpensive, and downright delicious.

Ingredient Overview

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up that honey-garlic goodness. Thighs can also be used for even juicier meat.

  • ½ cup soy sauce
    The salty backbone that balances the sweetness of the honey. Low-sodium is great if you prefer a lighter salt profile.

  • ½ cup honey
    Adds natural sweetness and glossy thickness to the sauce.

  • ¼ cup chicken broth
    Keeps the chicken juicy while adding a savory depth.

  • 2 tsp garlic powder OR 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Garlic gives the dish its warm, aromatic flavor — fresh or powdered both work beautifully.

  • 8 oz egg noodles (cooked and drained)
    They soak up the sauce and become silky and comforting.

  • 1 can (5 oz) chow mein noodles
    These crunchy noodles add the BEST contrast — soft, tender chicken + crispy topping = perfection.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, and garlic.
The mixture should be smooth, shiny, and beautifully sweet-salty.

Step 2 — Add the Chicken

Place chicken breasts into your slow cooker.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly on top, making sure the chicken is fully coated.

Step 3 — Slow Cook the Magic

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 5–6 hours, or

  • HIGH for 3 hours

The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 4 — Shred & Return

Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Place it back into the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce so every bite is juicy, flavorful, and glossy.

Step 5 — Add the Noodles

Stir in the cooked egg noodles and mix gently until they’re fully coated in the honey-garlic sauce.

Step 6 — Serve & Add the Crunch

Spoon into bowls and top each serving with a handful of crunchy chow mein noodles — the contrast is irresistible.

Serve warm and enjoy!

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully.

2. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers all pair well.

3. Can I use spaghetti instead of egg noodles?
Yes, any cooked pasta works.

4. Can I cook the noodles in the crockpot?
No, they become mushy — cook separately.

5. Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes — 3 minced cloves.

6. Can I add ginger?
Yes, ½ tsp ground or 1 tsp fresh adds great flavor.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 6–7 quart slow cooker.

8. Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or chili oil.

9. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes — recommended to keep salt levels balanced.

10. Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw first for best texture and safety.

11. Can I add sesame oil?
Yes, a drizzle at the end adds authentic flavor.

12. Can I use rice instead of noodles?
Absolutely — spoon the chicken over steamed rice.

13. What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar.

14. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but remove bones before shredding.

15. Can I thicken the sauce?
Add cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water).

16. Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Yes — cook 10 minutes on HIGH, quick release.

17. Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, sauce + chicken can be refrigerated overnight.

18. Can I freeze it?
Freeze chicken and sauce (without noodles).

19. Can I skip the chow mein noodles?
Yes, but the crunch is delicious.

20. Can kids eat this?
Yes — it’s sweet, mild, and kid-friendly.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Slice chicken before cooking for faster results.
2. Add cooked noodles just before serving.
3. Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent oversalting.
4. Stir in a bit of sesame oil at the end.
5. Double the sauce if you like extra noodles.
6. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes.
7. Use garlic cloves for stronger flavor.
8. Shred chicken in a stand mixer for speed.
9. Add cornstarch slurry for thicker sauce.
10. Don’t skip the chow mein crunch.
11. Rinse egg noodles, so they don’t clump.
12. Add chili flakes for a sweet-heat combo.
13. Mix in shredded carrots for color.
14. Use honey from a jar (not cheap syrup).
15. Stir chicken well after shredding.
16. Add lemon zest for brightness.
17. Use thighs for richer flavor.
18. Add green onions on top for freshness.
19. Make extra — leftovers are delicious.
20. Keep slow cooker on WARM while serving.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Store leftovers in airtight containers.

  2. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

  3. Freeze chicken + sauce only.

  4. Add fresh noodles after reheating.

  5. Reheat on stovetop over low heat.

  6. Add splash of broth if sauce thickens.

  7. Microwave in 30-second intervals.

  8. Don’t freeze chow mein noodles.

  9. Top fresh crunch after reheating.

  10. Keep extra sauce separate for storing.

20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Use a mix of honey + brown sugar for deeper flavor.

  2. Add 1 tsp ginger for takeout-style taste.

  3. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.

  4. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes early for infused heat.

  5. Use freshly minced garlic for stronger aroma.

  6. Add sesame seeds for texture.

  7. Splash rice vinegar before serving for brightness.

  8. Add soy + honey at the end if you want a glossier sauce.

  9. Stir in butter for silky finish.

  10. Add broccoli for a complete meal.

  11. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before shredding.

  12. Cook noodles separately to avoid sogginess.

  13. Add chili oil for spicy version.

  14. Use smoked salt for deeper flavor.

  15. Add shredded carrots for sweetness.

  16. Double batch for meal prep.

  17. Use hoisin for a sweeter, thicker sauce.

  18. Stir in sesame oil at the end — never cook it long.

  19. Serve with green onions for freshness.

  20. Make extra honey garlic sauce — everyone asks for more.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles is the perfect combination of cozy, comforting, sweet, and savory.
It’s a dump-and-go dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout noodle bowl — but gentler, homier, and so much more comforting.

Your family will ask for this one again and again. 💛🍜