Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Looking for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that the whole family will love? This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles recipe is packed with tender chicken, sweet red bell peppers, and onions all simmered in a rich honey garlic sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this crockpot meal makes weeknight cooking a breeze. Toss in your favorite noodles before serving for a comforting, saucy dish that’s both easy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 pound spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
• Scallions or sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the diced onion, cubed chicken, and sliced red bell pepper into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, then stir to coat everything evenly.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Toss in the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles, mixing gently to coat them thoroughly with the sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles hot, garnished with fresh scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas to add a fresh, crunchy contrast. For extra heartiness, serve with garlic bread or a light Asian-style cucumber salad on the side. You can also swap the spaghetti noodles for rice or even zucchini noodles if you prefer a gluten-free or lower-carb option.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This recipe also freezes well—portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, cook the noodles fresh when serving instead of freezing them mixed in the sauce.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Add a kick of heat by mixing 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha into the honey garlic sauce before cooking. This variation balances the sweetness with a pleasant spicy zing, perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.

2. Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
Boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables like snap peas, sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, or baby corn. Add these about halfway through the cooking time so they stay crisp-tender and retain their color and texture.

3. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Chicken thighs hold up well to slow cooking and absorb the sauce beautifully, giving you a richer taste.

4. Gluten-Free Version
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free pasta, rice noodles, or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles to keep the meal light and allergy-friendly.

5. Low-Carb / Keto Friendly
Replace spaghetti noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to reduce carbs. You can also serve the honey garlic chicken over cauliflower rice for a keto-approved dinner.

6. Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice
Instead of noodles, serve the slow cooker chicken and sauce over steamed jasmine or brown rice. This makes a comforting, filling meal with the same great flavors and less prep for those who prefer rice over pasta.

7. Asian-Inspired Garnishes
Add a touch of authenticity by garnishing with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving. These little extras add texture and elevate the dish’s flavor profile.

8. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry (Quick Version)
If you’re short on time, cook the chicken and sauce in a skillet instead of a slow cooker, then toss in noodles and veggies for a quick stir-fry meal that tastes just as delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you should increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and safe to eat.

2. What type of noodles work best with this recipe?
Spaghetti noodles are classic, but you can also use egg noodles, rice noodles, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegan version, also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

4. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles separately until al dente, drain, and toss them in the sauce just before serving to keep their texture firm and pleasant.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker or cook in two batches. Just be sure not to overfill your slow cooker for even cooking.

6. What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos are great soy-free and gluten-free alternatives that work well in this recipe.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet honey garlic flavor is generally a hit with kids, and the tender chicken with noodles is easy to eat.

10. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots. Add them halfway through the cooking time for best texture.

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles recipe is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors that come together effortlessly in your crockpot. It’s a simple, hands-off meal ideal for busy days and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, comforting dinner with minimal effort!

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