Description
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce. This recipe combines soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic, and ginger for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, slow-cooked to perfection and served over lo mein noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds (about 8) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 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, minced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
Thickener
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Accompaniment
- 16 ounces lo mein noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker and Ingredients: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Add soy paste, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sriracha, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and rice wine vinegar to the pot, evenly distributing the ingredients around the chicken.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until completely smooth. This slurry will act as a thickener for the sauce.
- Add Slurry to Slow Cooker: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce mixture. Gently stir to combine and ensure the slurry is evenly dispersed.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high heat for 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and the sauce will thicken to a glossy consistency.
- Prepare Noodles: While the chicken is cooking, cook the lo mein noodles according to their package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Chicken: After 3 hours, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce thoroughly.
- Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles into the slow cooker and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the honey garlic sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the honey garlic chicken and noodles warm, garnished with optional sesame seeds and chopped scallions for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- For gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Shredding the chicken helps the sauce absorb better for an even flavor throughout.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Leftovers make a great next-day lunch or dinner and reheat well in a microwave or on the stovetop.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and scallions add a nice crunch and fresh flavor but can be omitted if desired.
