Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken with Noodle Salad Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad

This recipe combines the convenience of slow cooking with fresh, vibrant flavors that make it a hit for busy home cooks. With minimal prep time and ingredients that include 500g of trimmed chicken thigh fillets, it’s perfect for feeding four people in about 3 hours and 15 minutes total. The blend of hoisin and garlic creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to customize, making it ideal for busy parents and health-conscious individuals alike.

The ease of preparation stands out, as you simply mix the chicken with sauce and let the slow cooker handle the rest. Health benefits abound, with lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from fresh vegetables like carrots and edamame boosting your diet. Its versatility allows substitutions for seasonal veggies or dietary needs, keeping things exciting for food enthusiasts.

Here are key reasons this dish will become a staple:

  • It requires just 20 minutes of prep, fitting seamlessly into a hectic schedule for working professionals and students.
  • The recipe supports meal prep, as the chicken can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • It’s packed with antioxidants from garlic and fiber from vegetables, promoting energy and wellness without sacrificing taste.
  • You can swap ingredients like using firm tofu instead of chicken for vegan options, appealing to a wide audience from newlyweds to seniors.

External link: For more on the health benefits of chicken, check out this reliable resource.

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Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is key to this recipe’s success, and here they are listed clearly for easy shopping and preparation. Each item has precise measurements to ensure the dish turns out perfectly every time. The combination of flavors from hoisin, garlic, and fresh veggies makes this salad both nutritious and satisfying for four servings.

Main Ingredients List

  • 500g chicken thigh fillets with fat trimmed
  • 200g hoisin and garlic stir-fry sauce
  • β…“ cup water
  • 180g soba noodles
  • 1 cup (120g) cooked edamame
  • 1Β½ cups (90g) finely shredded red cabbage
  • 1 carrot cut into thin strips
  • 1 sliced Lebanese cucumber
  • 3 finely sliced radishes
  • Most of 2 finely sliced green onions
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • Fresh coriander for garnish
  • Remaining green onions for additional garnish

In addition to these essentials, the recipe allows for swaps like seasonal vegetables to keep things fresh. This structured list covers everything needed, making it simple for home cooks to follow along.

How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these clear steps to create a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Starting with prep in about 20 minutes, the slow cooker takes over for 3 hours on high, resulting in tender chicken ready to mix with noodles and veggies for four servings.

  1. Trim the fat from 500g of chicken thigh fillets and place them in the slow cooker with 200g of hoisin and garlic stir-fry sauce plus β…“ cup of water.
  2. Cook on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender, then shred it and mix with 2 tablespoons of the reduced sauce.
  3. Cook 180g of soba noodles as per package instructions, then toss them with some of the pan sauce.
  4. Add 1 cup (120g) of cooked edamame, 1Β½ cups (90g) of finely shredded red cabbage, 1 carrot cut into thin strips, 1 sliced Lebanese cucumber, 3 finely sliced radishes, and most of 2 finely sliced green onions to the shredded chicken.
  5. Squeeze juice from 1 lime over the mixture, garnish with fresh coriander and the remaining green onions, then serve immediately.

For inspiration on similar dishes, try our mango chicken recipe if you enjoy sweet and savory flavors. This adds a fun twist while keeping preparation straightforward and adaptable.

Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken With Noodle Salad Recipe 9

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad

Adapting this recipe to different needs is simple, allowing you to keep it fresh for various tastes and diets. Vegetables like the 1 carrot or red cabbage can be swapped for seasonal options, making it easy for food enthusiasts to experiment.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives include using firm tofu instead of chicken for vegan diets. For lower-calorie versions, reduce the hoisin sauce and add more veggies like edamame.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications let you replace items such as the sliced cucumber with bell peppers. These changes ensure the dish remains ideal for four servings while fitting personal preferences.

Mastering Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your cooking skills further with these tips to enhance this recipe. Marinate the 500g chicken thigh fillets overnight for deeper flavor before cooking them in the hoisin sauce for 3 hours.

Pro cooking techniques include searing the chicken first to lock in juices. Flavor variations might involve adding ginger to the sauce for a spicy kick, or mixing in extra edamame for more protein.

Tips CategorySuggestion
PresentationServe over greens for visual appeal
Make-AheadPrepare chicken up to 2 days ahead

External link: Explore the proven health benefits of garlic to see why it’s a key ingredient here.

How to Store Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps this dish fresh, with the chicken holding up well when refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for 2 months. Keep noodles separate to avoid sogginess, especially if prepping for multiple servings.

Refrigeration works for leftovers in airtight containers. Freezing is great for the chicken mixture without the veggies, allowing you to thaw and reheat easily.

Reheating and meal prep tips include warming gently and adding fresh noodles, ensuring the dish retains its crunch from ingredients like radishes and cabbage.

Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad
Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken With Noodle Salad Recipe 10

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad

How do I make Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad?

To make Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad, start by placing chicken breasts in the slow cooker with minced garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender. Once done, shred the chicken and toss it with cooked noodles, fresh vegetables like shredded carrots and bell peppers, and a light dressing made from sesame oil and lime juice. Garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Can I prepare the Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prep. You can cook the chicken in the slow cooker the day before and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, shred the chilled chicken and combine it with freshly cooked noodles and vegetables to maintain crunch and freshness. Store the dressing separately to prevent sogginess. This method helps preserve the flavors and texture when preparing the salad in advance.

What noodles work best for Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad?

Rice noodles or thin wheat noodles like vermicelli work best in this salad. Rice noodles have a light texture that pairs well with the rich hoisin garlic chicken and fresh vegetables. Be sure to cook the noodles according to package instructions, rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, and toss them with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking before mixing with the chicken and dressing.

How can I make this salad healthier without losing flavor?

To make the salad healthier, use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content and opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to lower sodium levels. Increase the amount of fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and shredded cabbage for added fiber and nutrients. Use a modest amount of hoisin sauce or substitute with a homemade mix of natural sweetener and fermented soy for fewer added sugars, while keeping the bold taste intact.

What are easy ways to customize the Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad?

Customize the salad by swapping vegetables based on seasonality or preference, such as adding snap peas, edamame, or sliced green onions. For extra protein, toss in roasted peanuts or a boiled egg. If you like a spicy kick, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies to the dressing. You can also substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for dietary variety. Adjusting the dressing ingredients, like adding fresh ginger or lime zest, can refresh the overall flavor.
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Slow Cooker Hoisin Garlic Chicken Noodle Salad

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πŸ— Enjoy tender, flavorful chicken that practically cooks itself in the slow cooker, making weeknight dinner preparation effortless and stress-free
πŸ₯— Create a complete, balanced meal with protein-packed chicken, nutritious vegetables, and satisfying noodles in one delicious dish

  • Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

500g chicken thigh fillets with fat trimmed

200g hoisin and garlic stir-fry sauce

β…“ cup water

180g soba noodles

1 cup (120g) cooked edamame

1Β½ cups (90g) finely shredded red cabbage

1 carrot cut into thin strips

1 sliced Lebanese cucumber

3 finely sliced radishes

Most of 2 finely sliced green onions

Juice from 1 lime

Fresh coriander for garnish

Remaining green onions for additional garnish

Instructions

1-Trim the fat from 500g of chicken thigh fillets and place them in the slow cooker with 200g of hoisin and garlic stir-fry sauce plus β…“ cup of water.

2-Cook on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender, then shred it and mix with 2 tablespoons of the reduced sauce.

3-Cook 180g of soba noodles as per package instructions, then toss them with some of the pan sauce.

4-Add 1 cup (120g) of cooked edamame, 1Β½ cups (90g) of finely shredded red cabbage, 1 carrot cut into thin strips, 1 sliced Lebanese cucumber, 3 finely sliced radishes, and most of 2 finely sliced green onions to the shredded chicken.

5-Squeeze juice from 1 lime over the mixture, garnish with fresh coriander and the remaining green onions, then serve immediately.

Last Step:

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Notes

πŸ• For the best results, don’t skip the step of reducing the sauce – this concentrates the flavors and creates a perfect coating consistency
πŸ₯¦ Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand – bell peppers, snap peas, or bean sprouts work great
🧊 This meal prep friendly – you can store the chicken separately from the vegetables and noodles for up to 3 days in the refrigerator

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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