If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm hug, packed with flavor yet wonderfully easy to prepare, this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken bathed in a luscious, savory-sweet sauce and topped with crunchy, golden cashews make this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker magically melds all the ingredients together, so you come home to a comforting dinner without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or just indulging in a cozy meal, this recipe brings simple ingredients to life in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, from tender chicken to zesty spices and crunchy cashews. The sauce ingredients blend sweet, savory, and tangy notes that create a harmonious balance while the fresh garlic and ginger add that extra pop of flavor you’ll love.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
- Soy sauce, low-sodium preferred (1/2 cup): Provides that classic umami foundation without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness that balances the tang and enhances caramelization.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Brings depth and a fragrant, slightly smoky dimension that lifts the whole dish.
- Rice vinegar (2 tbsp): Cuts through the sweetness with a subtle acidity, brightening the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that’s essential for that homemade feel.
- Grated fresh ginger (1 tsp) or ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle spicy zing and freshness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Just the right hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Used to thicken the sauce into a perfect coating consistency.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps dissolve the cornstarch for smooth sauce thickening.
- Unsalted roasted cashews (1 cup): Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- Green onions, chopped (1-2): Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild oniony note.
How to Make Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Place these pieces right at the bottom of your slow cooker to form a flavorful base.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and well blended, creating the magic potion that’ll transform your chicken.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce in the Crock Pot
Pour your delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to ensure each piece is coated evenly—this helps the flavors seep deeply into every bite.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your crock pot and set it on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow, steady cook softens the chicken to tender perfection and lets the sauce thicken slightly as the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this slurry into the crock pot. Cover again and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. This step thickens the sauce so that it clings beautifully to every piece of chicken.
Step 6: Add the Cashews
Finally, stir in the unsalted roasted cashews and let them warm through for about 10 minutes. The cashews soak up some sauce, gain warmth, and add a satisfying crunch that contrasts so well with the tender chicken.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe is now ready to impress! Scoop onto a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles, and you’re all set for a soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions over the finished dish adds a fresh, bright pop that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch, you can add a handful of fresh cilantro or a dash of toasted sesame seeds for both flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps, combining crisp green leaves with the saucy chicken for a light yet indulgent bite. Alternatively, pile it on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still delivers all the satisfaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to plan further ahead, freeze your cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave a little headspace for expansion! Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through—just watch not to overcook the chicken and dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy during slow cooking, making them a fantastic choice for this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This will keep your sauce just as flavorful while avoiding gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for a little heat, but it’s mostly mild and sweet. You can adjust the spice level up or down according to your preference.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Certainly! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work well—just add them during the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant.
What’s the best way to prevent the cashews from getting soggy?
Adding the cashews just at the end keeps them warm without losing their crunch. Avoid cooking them too long or directly at the beginning.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe is a brilliant blend of ease and deliciousness that’ll quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on to bring warmth and comforting flavors with minimal effort, and the vibrant combination of ingredients is sure to brighten your table. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients and slow cooking come together for such a satisfying meal.
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Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with soy, honey, hoisin, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Roasted cashews add a delightful crunch, making it a perfect dinner over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 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)
Thickening
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Add-ins and Garnish
- 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, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using, until well combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, stirring gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- 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, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot, cover, and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken nicely.
- Add the cashews: Stir in the roasted cashews and cook for another 10 minutes, letting the cashews warm through and absorb some of the sauce’s flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the cashew chicken hot over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Chicken thighs can be used for more moist and flavorful meat.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste or omit if you prefer no heat.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
- Stir the sauce occasionally during cooking if possible for more even flavor distribution.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high) plus 35 minutes thickening and cashew warming
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
