Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe
When you try this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken recipe, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The tender chicken absorbs the savory sauce, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
I love how it cooks effortlessly, allowing me to spend more time with family. Plus, the combination of sweet and savory elements keeps every bite exciting.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this dish always impresses. The cashews add a delightful crunch, giving it that special touch.
Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
If you’re ready to plunge into making a delightful dish that practically cooks itself, gather your ingredients for Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken.
Trust me, this recipe is as easy as pie—okay, maybe easier (who has time for pie?). You’ll find that the blend of flavors isn’t only comforting but also gives you the chance to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s check out what you need to whip up this savory goodness.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Now, let’s talk about some considerations when it comes to your ingredients.
First off, if you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, don’t sweat it—ground ginger can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Also, if you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes or adjust the amount.
And those cashews? They’re crunchy little gems that can be added at different times for different textures.
I usually toss them in early for a softer bite, but if you like your nuts crunchy (who doesn’t?), add them right before serving.
Cooking is all about personal preference, so make this dish your own!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into the wonderfully simple world of Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken. First things first, grab those 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts (that’s about 4 pieces) and cut them into bite-sized chunks.
Now, in a resealable food storage bag, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Sounds fancy, right? But really, it’s just a quick way to get that chicken coated nicely. Toss the chicken bits into the bag, seal it up, and shake, shake, shake like you’re at a dance party. You want every piece coated well.
Next, let’s bring some heat—figuratively speaking, of course. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Once that’s shimmering, add the chicken to the pan and brown it for about 2 minutes on each side. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Once browned, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker and let it chill for a moment. Now, get ready for the magic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
This mixture is like a flavor hug for your chicken. Pour it all over the chicken in the slow cooker, and if you want those cashews to be softer, toss in 1 cup of them now. If you’re more of a crunchy nut person, hold off and add them just before serving.
Now, cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on LOW for about 3 to 4 hours. Seriously, that’s it! You can take this time to clean up, binge-watch your favorite show, or even contemplate life’s mysteries (like why your socks always disappear in the dryer).
When the time’s up, serve your delicious cashew chicken over rice, and if you held back those cashews, sprinkle them on top for a delightful crunch. Trust me, your family will think you slaved away in the kitchen for hours, but we both know it was a lazy day that turned into a dinner win. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Substitutions & Variations
While experimenting in the kitchen can be a delightful adventure, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up with your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try swapping the chicken for tofu or shrimp. Instead of cashews, I love using peanuts for a different crunch.
For a bolder flavor, add some crushed pineapple or bell peppers to the sauce. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos work great as a substitute.
And don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste. Enjoy your culinary creativity!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
After experimenting with substitutions and variations, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken.
I love pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, as it absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully. You might also consider serving it with a fresh, crunchy vegetable stir-fry or a simple side salad tossed with sesame dressing for added texture and flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try serving it with fried rice.
Don’t forget some crispy spring rolls on the side; they complement the dish perfectly and add a delightful crunch to your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make the most of your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken, it’s essential to keep a few tips in mind. First, don’t skip the browning step; it adds depth of flavor.
If you prefer crunchier cashews, add them right before serving rather than during cooking. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar or sweet chili sauce to your taste.
I also recommend pairing this dish with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed veggies for balance.
Ultimately, leftovers make a fantastic lunch—just reheat gently to maintain the chicken’s tenderness. Enjoy your delicious meal!