This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, slightly sweet soy-based sauce, combined with crunchy cashews for a delightful contrast in texture. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy, fuss-free dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Served over rice or noodles, this dish offers a cozy meal with a hint of Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for any busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. This recipe will quickly become a household favorite with its delicious taste and comforting aroma.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup unsalted cashews
- 4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the coated chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. (The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, just seared for additional flavor.)
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add to the Crock Pot: Place the seared chicken in the crock pot and pour the prepared sauce over it. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cashews: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cashews and let them warm through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve the cashew chicken over a bed of rice. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures!
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is a simple, delicious meal that comes together with minimal effort, letting you enjoy a warm, hearty dish with an Asian twist.
