Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe
Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a delicious meal, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken recipe. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want something comforting without putting in hours of effort.
The best part? You can set it and forget it! Just toss in the ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. The flavors meld beautifully, and you’ll be greeted with a mouthwatering aroma when you walk in.
Plus, the cashews add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite that everyone will request time and time again!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a meal that’s both easy and satisfying, the ingredients for Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken are simple yet flavorful. You might already have some of these staples at home, making it even easier to get started.
Plus, this dish is all about balance—the tender chicken, the savory sauce, and those delightful cashews come together for a perfect bite. So, let’s take a look at what you need to gather before diving into cooking—don’t worry, it’s not a long list.
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, before you start throwing everything into your slow cooker, let’s talk about some of these ingredients. For instance, if you’re not a big fan of spice, you might want to go easy on the red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more if you like it hot.
Also, those cashews can be a game changer—softening them during cooking gives a different texture than if you add them right before serving. And if you have a soy sauce preference—like low sodium or gluten-free—don’t hesitate to switch it up!
Cooking should be fun and tailored to your taste, so feel free to make adjustments. Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to cook!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken. First things first, grab 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts—about four pieces should do the trick.
Now, take 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and toss them into a resealable food storage bag. Add your chicken, seal it up, and give it a good shake. This is where the magic starts; you’re coating that chicken with a little bit of flavor and texture right from the get-go. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Next, you’ll want to heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot enough, brown the chicken for about two minutes on each side—just enough to give it a nice golden color and lock in those juices.
Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; the slow cooker will handle that later. Once it looks good, transfer the chicken into your slow cooker and breathe in that delicious aroma; it’s only going to get better from here.
Now, let’s whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Add in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can adjust the spice to your liking.
Pour this wonderful mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, and toss in 1 cup of cashews. Here’s a tip: if you like your cashews nice and soft, put them in now; if you prefer a little crunch, save them for right before serving.
Cover it all up and set your slow cooker to LOW for 3 to 4 hours. And just like that, you’ve done most of the heavy lifting.
Now, you can kick back, relax, and maybe even take a moment to do a little happy dance in the kitchen. What’s that? You don’t have a dance? Well, I guess you’ll just have to play some tunes while you wait.
Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to contemplate.
You could swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken. Instead of cashews, you might enjoy roasted peanuts or almonds for a different flavor and crunch.
If you’re not a fan of soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos work well too. For added veggies, throw in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
Experimenting with spices like sesame oil or hoisin sauce can elevate the dish even further. Enjoy exploring these options!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
Wondering what to pair with your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken? I love serving it over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, quinoa makes a fantastic base too. To add some color and crunch, steamed broccoli or snap peas complement the dish beautifully.
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also brighten up the meal. If I’m feeling indulgent, I whip up some crispy egg rolls for that extra crunch.
Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cashews on top for added texture. With these sides, your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken will be a hit at the dinner table!
Additional Tips & Notes
When making Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken, a few tips can elevate your dish to the next level.
First, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking. This adds more flavor!
If you prefer crunchier cashews, add them in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
I find that fresh veggies like bell peppers or snap peas can be tossed in during the final hour for extra color and nutrition.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving; a splash of soy sauce or a hint of chili can enhance the dish.
Lastly, serve it over a bed of steamed rice to soak up that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your cooking!