Slow Cooker: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

a bowl of honey garlic chicken thighs with lo mein noodles

Get ready for a taste sensation that surpasses takeout with our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs! Tender, juicy, and bursting with the reliable blend of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is a culinary masterpiece. Paired with lo mein noodles, it becomes a simple make-ahead meal that’s not only simple but also incredibly tasty. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a from-scratch dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

overhead image of a bowl of honey garlic chicken thighs with lo mein noodles topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Treating yourself to takeout can be a welcome departure from the norm, but there’s something truly special about recreating your go-to meals at home, just like this Honey Garlic Chicken. Here are a few reasons why it’s an irresistible go-to:

Just as flavorful as your go-to restaurant and sosimple to make on your own
Sweet, savory, tangy, and unbelievably tasty
Combined and cooked in the slow cooker with minimal prep work
A complete meal on its own, and reliable for feeding a crowd

Ingredients You’ll Need

Our ultra-tasty Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are crafted with simple Asian staples for a complex and satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Soy Paste– Used to form the base of the sauce.
Soy Sauce – We recommend using low-sodium varieties to be able to control the amount of salt in the dish.
Honey – Just a dash helps sweeten the sauce, and allows it to cling to the chicken and noodles.
Sriracha – Add as little or as much as you’d like to satisfy your taste.
Chicken – For the finest results, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Oyster Sauce – A thick, syrup-like sauce common in Asian cuisine.
Sesame Oil – Adds a slightly nutty taste.
Ginger – Contributes a refreshing, tangy flavor that levels out the rest of the flavors in the dish.
Garlic – We use 6 cloves!
Rice Wine Vinegar – The acidity helps allow the sweet flavors to come through without overpowering the recipe.
Cornstarch and Water – Combined and mixed with the rest of the ingredients to help thicken the sauce.
Lo mein rice noodles– These are added at the very end of cooking to transform this honey garlic chicken into a complete meal!

honey garlic chicken with lo mein noodles topped with green onions and sesame seeds

How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Get ready for the standout in ease and flavor with our Honey Garlic Chicken—it’s one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make! This culinary gem is designed to be straightforward and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal without breaking a sweat.

Combine the Ingredients. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients except for the noodles and cornstarch. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook. Cover, and cook on high until the chicken is cooked.
Shred. Use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker.
Add the Noodles. Stir in the cooked noodles, mixing until everything is tossed with the sauce. Garnish, and serve warm!

two tongs holding lo mein noodles with chicken and a honey garlic sauce

Chopsticks holding a bite of lo mein noodles and chicken in a honey garlic sauce

Honey Garlic Chicken Common Questions

Is honey garlic chicken supposed to be sweet or savory?

It’s the finest of both worlds! The honey adds a subtle sweetness, while the garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes ginger bring in those savory, umami-packed vibes. The result? A perfectly balanced sauce that’s rich without being too heavy.

Do chicken thighs get more tender in a slow cooker?

Yes—they practically melt! Chicken thighs are naturally juicier than breasts, and slow cooking gives them plenty of time to soak up the sauce while staying incredibly tender and flavorful.

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs add even more flavor and richness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re fall-apart tender.

Can I make honey garlic chicken thighs spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. It gives the sweet-savory combo a little kick, and you can dial the heat up or down depending on your mood.

More Simple Chicken Recipes

Discover more family favorites with our collection of simple chicken recipes! If you enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of our Honey Garlic Chicken, you won’t want to miss these:

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 12 servings

Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 3 hrs
Total: 3 hrs 2 mins

Even better than takeout, this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is tender, juicy, and full of sweet and savory flavors. Paired with lo mein noodles, it’s a simple make-ahead meal that couldn't be easier to create! Email

Ingredients

2 pounds about 8 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
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
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

In the slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, add the remaining ingredients except for the noodles and cornstarch.2 pounds about 8 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, 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, 6 cloves garlic, 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 1/4 cup water
Cover, and cook on high for 3 hours.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Set aside.16 ounces lo mein noodles
Shred the chicken, and mix to combine the ingredients.
Stir in the noodles, and toss to coat.
Sprinkle garnishes on top, if desired. Serve warm.Optional: sesame seeds and scallions for garnish
Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.