Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. Tender chicken thighs cook slowly in a flavorful sauce, making dinner effortless and delicious. Serve it over lo mein noodles for a comforting meal everyone will love.

A bowl filled with wide, flat noodles mixed with dark brown cooked mushrooms and bits of green onions scattered on top. The noodles and mushrooms are coated with a glossy brown sauce, and white sesame seeds are sprinkled all over. A pair of chopsticks holds a small bundle of the noodles and mushrooms above the bowl. There is a small green leaf with sesame seeds and tiny purple flowers placed on the side inside the bowl. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
  • 1/3 cup soy paste
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 16 ounces lo mein noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
  • Optional: sesame seeds and scallions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In the slow cooker, place the chicken thighs. Add the soy paste, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sriracha, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and rice wine vinegar. Stir gently to combine.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir to incorporate.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While the chicken cooks, prepare the lo mein noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
  5. Step 5: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix well to combine with the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For a milder dish, reduce or omit the sriracha. To add more heat, sprinkle extra chili flakes when serving.
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, but increase cooking time accordingly.
  • Swap lo mein noodles for rice or steamed vegetables to vary the meal.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a large black pan filled with flat, wide noodles mixed with pieces of cooked chicken and small green bits, likely sliced green onions. The noodles are light brown, shiny, and coated in sauce, with some noodles lifted by metal tongs, showing a thick and glossy texture. The chicken pieces are scattered throughout, slightly darker brown and tender looking. The background is blurred but the focus is on the noodles and chicken held by the tongs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking. If using breasts, check for doneness earlier to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this recipe on the stovetop in a large pan or Dutch oven. Simmer the sauce with chicken on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Print

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce. Perfectly paired with lo mein noodles and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, this meal is both comforting and satisfying, ideal for a hassle-free dinner.

  • Author: Rita
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup soy paste
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4 tablespoons sriracha (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons ginger (fresh, minced)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Main

  • 16 ounces lo mein noodles (cooked according to package instructions)

Optional Garnish

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped scallions

Instructions

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs. Then add soy paste, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sriracha, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and rice wine vinegar, mixing gently to distribute the sauce evenly over the chicken.
  2. Whisk Cornstarch Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry that will thicken the sauce during cooking.
  3. Add Thickener: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce, stirring gently to combine.
  4. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely.
  5. Prepare Noodles: While the chicken cooks, prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  6. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir well to combine the sauce and shredded meat.
  7. Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and toss them thoroughly to coat with the honey garlic sauce.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
  9. Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
  • For thicker sauce, you can increase cornstarch slightly but be careful not to add too much as it may become overly thick.
  • If you prefer, substitute chicken breasts but cooking time may vary slightly and chicken breasts may dry out quicker.
  • Garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and scallions add a nice texture and fresh flavor but are optional.
  • This recipe is great for meal prepping and reheats well in the microwave or stovetop.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, easy slow cooker dinner, chicken lo mein, spicy honey garlic chicken, weeknight dinner recipe

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