Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that brings restaurant-style comfort food right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, slightly sweet soy-based sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of tang, then gets finished with crunchy cashews for texture.
This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for serving over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker recipe
- Better-than-takeout flavor
- Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Family-friendly meal
- Perfect with rice or noodles
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours (LOW) or 2 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: Up to 4 hours
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
For Finishing
- ¾ cup roasted cashews
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (5–6 quart)
- Small bowl (for slurry)
- Spoon or tongs
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Place in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Chicken broth
- Honey or brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Pour sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 3–4 hours OR
- HIGH for 2 hours
Chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Shred or Cube Chicken
Remove chicken and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces.
Return it to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Stir into the slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 6: Add Cashews
Stir in roasted cashews just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot over:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Noodles
Garnish with:
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Tips for Success
- Add cashews at the end to keep them crunchy
- Use chicken thighs for juicier texture
- Don’t overcook chicken to avoid dryness
- Adjust sweetness to taste
- Add extra ginger for stronger flavor
Variations
Spicy Cashew Chicken
Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
Veggie Cashew Chicken
Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
Low-Sugar Version
Reduce honey and increase vinegar slightly.
Extra Sauce Version
Double sauce ingredients for a saucier dish.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze without cashews for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw cashews?
Yes, but roasted cashews give better flavor and crunch.
Can I cook vegetables in the slow cooker?
Yes, but add them in the last hour to avoid over-softening.
Can I skip cornstarch?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is a delicious, easy way to enjoy a takeout-style favorite at home. With tender chicken, a rich sweet-savory sauce, and crunchy cashews, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights and family dinners