Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

If you’re a fan of Chinese takeout, then you’re going to absolutely love Crock Pot Cashew Chicken. Imagine tender pieces of chicken simmered in a sweet, savory sauce with just the right amount of kick, all topped off with crunchy, toasty cashews. This dish is everything you love about cashew chicken but made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Trust me, once you make it at home, you’ll never want to go back to takeout!

The beauty of this recipe is that it takes minimal effort, yet it’s bursting with flavor. You simply toss the ingredients into your Crock Pot and let it work its magic. The result? A dish that’s incredibly rich, satisfying, and full of umami flavor. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend dinner, or even meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

Super Easy

This recipe is incredibly simple. All you have to do is prep the ingredients, toss them into the Crock Pot, and let it cook slowly until the chicken is perfectly tender. It’s basically foolproof!

Flavorful & Comforting

The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with hints of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The cashews add a satisfying crunch, while the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors. It’s comfort food with an Asian twist!

Hands-Off Cooking

Because it’s made in the Crock Pot, you can set it and forget it. This makes it ideal for busy days when you don’t have time to hover over the stove. Plus, the longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.

Customizable

Want to add more veggies or tweak the seasonings? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can adjust it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, or any other veggies you love!

Family-Friendly

This dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and you won’t have to worry about picky eaters!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory, satisfying dish:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts are lean and easy to work with, but thighs will give you an extra juicy, tender result.
• Cashews: The star of the show! You’ll use these for a crispy, nutty crunch that perfectly complements the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: For a salty, umami-rich base flavor.
• Honey: Adds a sweet balance to the sauce and gives it a slight caramelization.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic warmth to the dish.
• Ginger: A little ginger goes a long way in giving the dish that signature zesty bite.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: For a rich, nutty finish that deepens the flavor.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that perfect glaze.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient choices.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
• Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on your slow cooker settings)

Instructions

Let’s get this delicious dish started!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and that every piece gets coated in that delicious sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. This is the base of your flavorful sauce. Don’t worry about the cornstarch clumping—it’ll dissolve as it cooks and thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Add to the Crock Pot

Place the chicken pieces into your Crock Pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated.

Step 4: Let it Cook

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The chicken will become tender and absorb all the flavors from the sauce. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow is ideal for the best flavor and texture.

Step 5: Add the Cashews

About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the cashews. They’ll toast up a bit and give the dish that satisfying crunch you’re looking for. If you prefer a softer texture, you can add them right at the beginning, but the crunch is a highlight, so I recommend waiting until closer to the end.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, give everything one last stir and serve over steamed rice. Garnish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

Over Rice

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or white rice. The rice soaks up all the savory sauce, making each bite extra delicious.

With Noodles

If you’re craving something a little different, serve the cashew chicken over a bed of noodles. Rice noodles or even spaghetti can be a fun alternative.

With Steamed Veggies

To round out the meal, add some steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas. The veggies balance out the richness of the dish and add some extra nutrients.

In Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb alternative, try serving this cashew chicken in lettuce wraps! Simply spoon the chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy a light, fresh twist.

Additional Tips

Add More Vegetables

If you want to make the dish even heartier, feel free to add in some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or snow peas. They’ll cook down nicely in the Crock Pot and add extra flavor.

Double the Sauce

If you love extra sauce (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), double the sauce ingredients. You can always serve it on the side for dipping or pour it over rice.

Make it Spicy

For a spicy kick, stir in some chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce. It’ll give the dish a bit of heat to balance the sweetness.

Use Raw Cashews

If you have raw cashews, feel free to toast them yourself in a dry skillet for a few minutes. This will give them that perfect golden, crunchy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on low for 6-8 hours, as frozen chicken may take a bit longer to cook through.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot with the chicken?
A2: Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or onions. Add them in during the last 1-2 hours of cooking so they stay tender-crisp.

Q3: Can I make this dish spicier?
A3: Yes! For a spicier version, add chili flakes, sriracha, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Q4: Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?
A4: While cashews are traditional, you can swap them for almonds, peanuts, or even walnuts for a different twist.

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q7: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A7: Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will be even juicier than chicken breasts.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: Yes! This dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q9: What type of rice is best to serve with this?
A9: Jasmine rice is a great choice, but any type of white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa would work well.

Q10: Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce?
A10: Yes! Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, and it will still give the dish that savory umami flavor.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that’s savory, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness, and don’t forget that satisfying crunch of cashews!

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