If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorsome meal that practically cooks itself, this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender bites of chicken swimming in a rich, sweet-savory sauce with a hint of zing, topped off with crunchy cashews for that perfect contrast. This recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients, layering vibrant flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds – and maybe thirds. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this dish comforting, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the salty tang of soy sauce to the sweet depth of honey and hoisin, to the crunch of roasted cashews that elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred): Adds savory umami while keeping the saltiness balanced.
- 1/4 cup honey: Brings natural sweetness that beautifully complements the soy sauce.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce: Delivers rich, tangy depth straight from Chinese cuisine traditions.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds bright acidity, balancing the sweet and salty elements.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth essential to every savory recipe.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger): Offers a pleasant zing and gentle heat that lift the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of spice if you like your food with a little kick.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Perfect for thickening the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and blend the sauce evenly.
- 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews: Gives the dish its signature crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1-2 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that adds color and subtle sharpness.
How to Make Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every piece cooks evenly and soaks up the delicious sauce fully. Pop these chunks straight into the bottom of your crock pot — this will be the foundation of our flavorful dish.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. This sauce is the soul of the dish, combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that marry beautifully with the tender chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Give everything a good stir so each piece of chicken is bathed in that flavorful mixture. This is key to infusing every bite with mouthwatering taste.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and tenderly absorb all the sauce’s rich flavors during this time. Patience here pays off with delicious rewards!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this slurry into the crock pot. Cover again and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. The sauce will thicken to a beautiful glaze that clings to every luscious bite of chicken.
Step 6: Add the Cashews
Stir in the roasted cashews and let everything cook together for another 10 minutes. This allows the cashews to soften slightly while soaking up some of the sauce, adding an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor to your dish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions sprinkle a fresh, bright finish on top of your Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe. Their mild onion flavor and pop of vibrant green add an inviting look and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the thick sauce. For a twist, try serving it over noodles or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for some extra color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special family meal, serve the cashew chicken in individual small bowls topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and an extra handful of nuts. Alternatively, try stuffing it into lettuce cups for a light, fresh bite that’s both fun and tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the cashew chicken even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps loosen the sauce and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy during slow cooking. Both breasts and thighs work wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce is an easy way to customize the heat level to your liking while cooking.
Can I substitute the cashews with another nut?
While cashews provide the classic flavor and texture, you can use almonds or peanuts if preferred. Just keep in mind the taste and texture might vary slightly.
How thick should the sauce be?
You’re aiming for a glossy, thick sauce that clings to the chicken pieces without being gloppy. The cornstarch slurry helps achieve this perfect consistency.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be whisked together a day ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before pouring it over the chicken to ensure the flavors are well blended.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s effortless yet packed with irresistible textures and flavors that bring warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner or a tasty crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (or 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow-cooker recipe that combines tender chicken with a savory, slightly sweet sauce and crunchy cashews. Perfect for a hands-off meal that you can prepare ahead and enjoy served over rice or noodles. The sauce features soy, honey, hoisin, and a hint of ginger and garlic, creating a delicious Asian-inspired dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 1–2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the bottom of the crock pot, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This sauce will give your chicken a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, stirring gently to coat all the pieces thoroughly with the sauce for even flavor distribution.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Cover again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce reaches a nice thick consistency.
- Add Cashews: Stir in the unsalted roasted cashews and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. This allows the cashews to warm through and absorb some of the flavorful sauce, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cashew chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions to add a fresh, vibrant finish to your meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor but boneless breasts work fine too.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry as needed.
- Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If you want to keep this gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives.
