Make the easiest Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles in your crockpot! This 5-ingredient sauce creates a sweet, savory, & effortless dinner the whole family loves.
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see tip)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
â…“ cup honey
6–8 large garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
12 ounces dried noodles (udon, lo mein, ramen noodles, or spaghetti)
2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed:
4–6 quart slow cooker (crockpot)
Small bowl for whisking
Tongs
Large pot for boiling noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the insert of your slow cooker. There is no need to sear them first. Arranging them in a single layer helps them cook evenly for the perfect crockpot sticky garlic chicken.
Step 2: Whisk the Flavor-Packed Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well-combined. This simple sticky sauce is the heart of the dish and will create the signature coating for your garlic chicken noodles.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use tongs to gently flip each piece, ensuring they are all coated. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is extremely tender and shreds easily with a fork, the key step for sticky garlic chicken in the crockpot.
Step 4: Shred and Thicken the Sauce
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs to a cutting board or plate. They will be very tender. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Create the Sticky Glaze
For the signature sticky texture that defines this dish, you need to reduce the sauce. There are two methods:
Slow Cooker Method:Â Leave the sauce in the crockpot, turn the setting to HIGH, and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken slightly.
Stovetop Method (Faster):Â Carefully pour the sauce from the crockpot into a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until it reduces by about one-third and becomes syrupy.
Step 6: Cook Noodles and Assemble
While the sauce is thickening, cook your chosen noodles according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Drain well.
Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce, tossing to coat every piece thoroughly in the glossy garlic sauce. This step ensures your sticky garlic chicken noodles have the perfect sauciness.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
To serve, place a portion of the cooked noodles in a bowl. Top generously with the sticky garlic chicken and sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. This completes your comforting bowl of crockpot chicken noodles.