Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

This tender, savory cashew chicken simmers in your slow cooker while you handle the rest of your day. The sauce develops incredible depth as it cooks, creating a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that coat each piece of chicken and cashew.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something that would cook while I was at work. My family was so impressed they requested it again the very next weekend. Now it's our go-to for busy weeknights when I want something comforting without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Create the most tender results with rich flavor that stands up well to slow cooking
• All-purpose flour: Helps create a slight crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce
• Soy sauce: Forms the savory base for our sauce with its umami richness
• Rice wine vinegar: Adds essential brightness that balances the rich flavors
• Ketchup: Might seem unusual but provides tomato sweetness and acidity
• Brown sugar: Caramelizes slightly during cooking enhancing the sauce depth
• Fresh garlic and ginger: Are aromatic powerhouses that infuse throughout cooking
• Red pepper flakes: Bring customizable heat that develops beautifully over time
• Cashews: Add the signature crunch and nutty flavor this dish is known for

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Combine your flour and black pepper in a large ziplock bag, add the chicken pieces, and shake until each piece is thoroughly coated. This light dusting not only helps the chicken brown beautifully but also thickens your sauce as it cooks.

Brown for Flavor:

Heat your canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the floured chicken pieces in without overcrowding and brown for about 2 minutes per side. We're not cooking through here, just developing flavor through caramelization. Work in batches if needed for even browning.

Prepare the Sauce:

While the chicken browns, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. This perfectly balanced sauce will transform during the slow cooking process.

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Transfer your browned chicken to the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Finishing Touch:

Just before serving, stir in the cashews. Adding them at the end preserves their crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy. For extra texture, consider toasting the cashews first in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes until golden.

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The fresh ginger makes all the difference in this recipe. I once tried substituting powdered ginger when I was in a pinch, and while still delicious, it lacked that bright, aromatic quality that fresh ginger provides. My daughter now helps me peel and grate the ginger whenever we make this dish, claiming she can always tell when I've used fresh.

Sauce Secrets

For the absolute best flavor in your cashew chicken, consider the balance of your sauce ingredients. The combination of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and ketchup creates a perfect foundation, but you can elevate it further. Try using low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the salt level. Some home cooks even add a tablespoon of oyster sauce for extra depth or a teaspoon of sesame oil stirred in at the end for aromatic finish. The sauce thickens naturally during cooking thanks to the flour coating on the chicken, but if you prefer an even thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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Veggie Additions

This versatile dish welcomes vegetable additions that complement the savory sauce. Bell peppers are classic additions that hold their shape well. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain some texture. Broccoli florets, snow peas, or sliced water chestnuts also work beautifully, adding nutritional value and textural contrast. For a complete one-pot meal, consider stirring in some baby spinach just before serving. It will wilt perfectly from the residual heat. If adding vegetables, consider increasing your sauce ingredients by 50% to ensure everything remains well-coated in that delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

While traditional white rice makes an excellent base for soaking up the flavorful sauce, consider trying jasmine rice for its aromatic qualities or brown rice for added nutrition. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well. Garnish your cashew chicken with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or additional crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat. Serve alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar for a refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp Asian beer or a light white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

Make-Ahead Magic

This cashew chicken actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding cashews, then refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before adding the freshly toasted cashews. For meal prepping, portion the chicken and sauce into individual containers with rice, leaving the cashews in separate small bags to add just before eating. This prevents them from becoming soggy and maintains that signature crunch that makes cashew chicken so satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast tenders work just as well as chicken thighs in this dish, offering a slightly leaner option without compromising flavor.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

To add more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha or hot chili oil.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

→ What can I serve with cashew chicken?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I freeze the cashew chicken?

Yes, you can freeze it without the cashews for up to 3 months. Add fresh cashews when reheating for the best texture.