Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the sweet, savory aroma of crockpot honey garlic chicken with noodles filling your kitchen! This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend cooking. I love just tossing the chicken in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, it’s tender and drenched in that delicious honey garlic sauce. My family can’t get enough of it! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—just a handful of ingredients, and you’re set! You’ll honestly feel like a culinary rockstar without any of the fuss. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your weeknight rotation!
Ingredients for Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Noodles
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless is best for tenderness and ease of shredding.
- 1 cup of honey: This adds that delightful sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly.
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce: Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake—it still packs a punch!
- 1/4 cup of minced garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick; it really elevates the flavor!
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger: A little warmth from ginger complements the honey beautifully.
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch: This will help thicken your sauce later on.
- 1/4 cup of water: This will be mixed with cornstarch to create that thickening slurry.
- 8 ounces of egg noodles: They’re the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
- 2 green onions, chopped: These will add a fresh, crunchy garnish at the end.
With these simple, accessible ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making a meal that’s not just delicious but also incredibly satisfying!
How to Prepare Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Noodles
Getting this dish ready is as simple as it gets! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Cooking the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts right into your crockpot. There’s no need to fuss with browning or anything—just toss them in! Then, set your crockpot to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is tender and easily shreds apart with a fork. It’s such an effortless way to achieve perfectly cooked chicken!
Making the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, let’s whip up that glorious sauce! In a separate bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger. This mixture is the star of the show, bringing a balance of sweet and savory that you’ll absolutely love. Once it’s well mixed, pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Trust me, the chicken will soak up all those fantastic flavors as it cooks!
Thickening the Sauce
After your chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it up—so easy! Now, grab a small bowl and mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Pour this slurry into the sauce left in the crockpot, and give it a good stir. Cook on high for another 30 minutes to thicken it up. You want that sauce to be nice and sticky, clinging perfectly to the chicken and noodles!
Preparing the Noodles
While your sauce is thickening, it’s a great time to cook your egg noodles. Just follow the package instructions, usually boiling them for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to taste them a minute or two before they’re done to get that perfect al dente texture. Once they’re ready, drain them well and they’ll be perfect for soaking up all that yummy sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze to prepare—just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering combination that your taste buds will adore.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it the perfect meal for family dinners.
- Healthier Option: Using chicken breasts keeps this dish lean, and you can adjust the honey for your desired sweetness.
- Versatile: You can easily add in your favorite veggies or serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep Dream: It’s great for leftovers! You can enjoy the flavors again the next day—if there’s any left!
- Time-Saving: With minimal hands-on time, you can spend your evening relaxing while dinner is cooking.
Tips for Success
To truly nail this crockpot honey garlic chicken with noodles, I’ve gathered some of my best tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish to the next level!
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: If you have a little extra time, marinating the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for a couple of hours (or even overnight) before cooking can really enhance the flavor. Just pop it in the fridge and let those flavors soak in!
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce before you pour it over the chicken. If you like it sweeter, don’t hesitate to add a bit more honey. Alternatively, if you want it less sweet, a splash of vinegar can help balance it out.
- Shred While Warm: For the easiest shredding, make sure to shred the chicken while it’s still warm. It’ll fall apart effortlessly, and you’ll avoid the frustration of wrestling with cold, firm meat!
- Thicken to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to add more cornstarch mixed with water. Just remember to let it cook a bit longer to get that perfect consistency.
- Mix in Veggies: To make this dish even heartier, consider adding in some chopped bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli about halfway through the cooking time. They’ll cook perfectly alongside the chicken!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give you the best flavor. If you can, skip the powdered stuff for this recipe; it really makes a difference!
- Leftovers Love: This dish stores beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make extra. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner waiting for you!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a mouthwatering meal that your family will rave about. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying your crockpot honey garlic chicken with noodles at its best! Once you’ve finished your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container. This way, you’ll keep all those delicious flavors locked in! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day!
When it comes to reheating, I suggest doing it gently to maintain that tender chicken and rich sauce. You can pop it in the microwave, but I prefer reheating on the stovetop. Just place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened up too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it. You want it nice and saucy again!
And if you’ve got a bit more time, you can also reheat it in the oven. Just cover the dish with foil to keep it moist and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. This method really helps preserve the flavors and texture!
With these tips, you’ll be able to savor those delicious leftovers just like the first night—enjoy!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values for this crockpot honey garlic chicken with noodles can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. While I can’t provide exact figures, here are some typical nutritional values you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are meant to give you a general idea of what you’re consuming. Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences, and enjoy this deliciously satisfying meal!
FAQ About Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Noodles
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll want to cook them on high for about 4-5 hours instead of low, since they take longer to cook through. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. It works perfectly and keeps the dish gluten-free without losing any of that amazing flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce or a splash of sriracha. It’s a great way to add an extra kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes!
What sides go well with honey garlic chicken?
This dish is fantastic on its own with the noodles, but if you want to add a side, steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or even some fluffy rice complement it really well. You can’t go wrong!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, you can double the ingredients. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold everything, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat gently to keep everything nice and tender!
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before. Just combine the chicken and the sauce in the crockpot, cover it, and place it in the fridge. In the morning, pop it in the crockpot and let it cook while you’re out!
Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken with Noodles: 7 Flavorsome Tips
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot honey garlic chicken with noodles is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts
- 1 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred it.
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce in the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on high for another 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve shredded chicken over noodles and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Adjust honey for desired sweetness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken, chicken with noodles
