Crockpot Cashew Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both effortless and absolutely mouthwatering, look no further. This Crockpot Cashew Chicken is the kind of meal that practically makes itself—tender chunks of chicken simmering in a savory, sweet sauce, with crunchy cashews sprinkled throughout for that perfect bite. It’s a cozy, comforting dish with just the right amount of flavor to make everyone gather around the table. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’ll become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cashew Chicken

This dish has it all: simplicity, flavor, and just the right balance of textures. You throw everything in the crockpot, let it do its thing, and you’re left with a meal that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Set-It-and-Forget-It: The best part about this recipe is that you can prep it in the morning, and by the time you’re ready to eat, dinner is done. No fuss, no stress—just deliciousness.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: When you’ve got a packed schedule but still want a home-cooked meal, this crockpot recipe is the perfect solution. It practically cooks itself while you get on with your day.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this one. The sweet-savory sauce is comforting and familiar, while the cashews add a fun crunch that everyone can’t resist.
• Customizable: You can tweak the sauce to your taste. Love it a little spicier? Throw in some red pepper flakes or sriracha. Want it more savory? Add a touch more soy sauce. It’s super flexible to fit your preferences!
• Leftovers for Days: This recipe makes great leftovers, so you’ll have tasty meals ready to go for the next couple of days. Even better, it reheats beautifully!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating a flavorful, satisfying dinner:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Tender, juicy chicken is the star of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up perfectly in the crockpot and absorb all the yummy sauce flavors.

Cashews

The crunchy, salty cashews are a delightful contrast to the tender chicken. They add texture and a rich, nutty flavor that makes this dish stand out.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce brings that essential umami flavor and saltiness to the sauce. It’s the perfect base for the sweet-savory combo.

Honey

Honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the savory elements of the soy sauce and the other ingredients. It’s like the little secret ingredient that ties it all together.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar brings a subtle tang that helps cut through the richness of the sauce, making every bite bright and refreshing.

Garlic and Ginger

Fresh garlic and ginger are key to giving the sauce its depth of flavor. They add that aromatic punch that makes this dish so irresistible.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. It’s sweet, salty, and a little bit tangy, and it complements the soy sauce beautifully.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and give it that perfect glossy finish. It makes the sauce stick to the chicken and cashews just the right amount.

Green Onions (Optional)

For a fresh, oniony bite and a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped green onions over the dish right before serving. It adds a nice crunch and balances out the richness of the sauce.

Instructions

Time to get your crockpot ready and let it work its magic. Here’s how to make this super simple and delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, making sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger. This is where all that flavor is going to come from, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Add to Crockpot

Place the chicken chunks in the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Give it a little stir to mix everything together.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, and the sauce should be bubbling away, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken it. This will give the sauce that glossy, rich texture you’re after.

Step 6: Add the Cashews

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cashews. You can add them at the end so they stay crunchy, or let them cook for the last 30 minutes if you prefer them softer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Crockpot Cashew Chicken over steamed rice, and garnish with fresh green onions for that pop of color and crunch. Then, dig in and enjoy the cozy, flavorful meal you just created!

How to Serve Crockpot Cashew Chicken

This dish is great on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some perfect sides:

• Steamed Rice: The classic pairing with any crockpot chicken dish. White, brown, or jasmine rice all work beautifully.
• Vegetable Sauté: Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for some extra crunch and color.
• Noodles: For a twist, serve the chicken over a bed of noodles instead of rice. The sauce will coat the noodles just as deliciously!
• Simple Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

• Chicken Alternatives: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a richer flavor. Thighs are also great for making the dish extra juicy.
• Make it Spicy: Add some chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick to your Crockpot Cashew Chicken.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers with the chicken for extra flavor and nutrition. They’ll cook perfectly alongside the chicken.
• Batch Cooking: This recipe is easily doubled for larger groups or meal prep. Just make sure you have a big enough crockpot to accommodate the extra ingredients.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes, you can! If you’re using frozen chicken, just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish reheats wonderfully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I use a different nut instead of cashews?
A4: Absolutely! You could use almonds, peanuts, or even walnuts, though cashews are definitely the most traditional and give that perfect crunch.

Q5: Can I make this in the Instant Pot instead?
A5: Yes, you can! Use the sauté function for the sauce ingredients, then add the chicken and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick and easy!

Conclusion

There’s something so satisfying about making a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort—and this Crockpot Cashew Chicken is exactly that. Tender chicken, a rich and flavorful sauce, and that irresistible crunch from the cashews. It’s the perfect dish for busy nights or lazy weekends when you want a dinner that practically cooks itself. So go ahead, throw everything in the crockpot, and get ready for a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for more!

Print