Description

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe brings together the best of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a flavorful sauce that ties everything together beautifully. With the magic of the slow cooker, you can simply set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld into a rich, savory dish that rivals your favorite takeout.

One of the standout features of this recipe is how well the chicken absorbs the flavors while cooking. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and garlic creates a slightly sweet and savory sauce that perfectly complements the natural richness of the cashews. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes tender and infused with these bold flavors, while the cashews retain their signature crunch, providing a delightful contrast in texture. By the time you're ready to serve, you'll have a meal that feels both comforting and indulgent, without any of the stress.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cashews, unsalted
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

Preparation Method

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, and pour the sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Add the chopped red bell pepper and stir to incorporate.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cashews to allow them to warm and absorb some of the sauce without losing their crunch.
Serve the cashew chicken over rice, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips and Conclusion

For added depth of flavor, lightly toast the cashews in a dry pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a richer flavor to the final dish. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce a velvety texture that clings to the chicken and rice.

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is an absolute game-changer for those who crave the comforting flavors of takeout but prefer the ease of a home-cooked meal. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and a well-balanced sauce makes this dish a standout on any dinner table. Best of all, it's versatile — feel free to adjust the sweetness, add a bit of heat with some red pepper flakes, or throw in extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to suit your tastes. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or need something quick for a family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. Set your slow cooker, and come back to a restaurant-quality dish that’s both satisfying and effortless!