Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

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When it comes to easy, flavorful meals, slow cooker cashew chicken is a winner every time. If you love takeout but prefer a homemade alternative, this dish brings all the rich flavors of your favorite cashew chicken to your kitchen with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy chicken that soaks up a delicious, sweet, and savory sauce. A touch of spice and crunch from the cashews makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Unlike traditional stovetop stir-fries, this slow cooker version requires very little hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You simply toss the ingredients in, let the slow cooker do its magic, and come home to a meal that’s ready to serve. Pair it with fluffy rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a well-balanced meal. If you like a little extra heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. Whether you prefer it saucy or dry, this dish is versatile enough to be adjusted to your taste. The best part? The irresistible combination of tender chicken and crunchy cashews will have you coming back for seconds.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a resealable plastic bag or bowl, mix the cornstarch and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown the chicken on both sides for about 2 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cashews. If you prefer crunchier cashews, add them right before serving instead.
  8. Serve hot over cooked rice, quinoa, or your preferred side.

Nutritional & Dietary Information: This slow cooker cashew chicken is a well-balanced meal with a good source of protein from the chicken. The cashews add healthy fats, while the sauce provides a mix of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content. For a lower-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables. If you have nut allergies, you can swap cashews with sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.

Sharing and Commenting is Caring: Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! We love hearing about your favorite variations and any tweaks you made. If you enjoyed this dish, share it with family and friends who appreciate a good home-cooked meal. Don’t forget to drop a comment below with your feedback—your insights help others who are looking for the perfect cashew chicken recipe! Happy cooking!