Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is a flavorful, tender chicken dish made with soy sauce, garlic, and cashews. Learn how to make this easy set-and-forget meal at home with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for coating)
For the sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup roasted cashews
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- 2 tbsp spring onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper. Optionally toss with cornstarch for a slightly thicker sauce coating later.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, vinegar, and chili flakes. Stir well until combined.
Step 3: Load the slow cooker
Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add sliced onions and pour the sauce mixture over the top.
Step 4: Slow cook
Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 5: Add vegetables
About 30 minutes before finishing, add bell peppers so they stay slightly crisp.
Step 6: Thicken the sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and mix gently. Let it cook for another 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Add cashews
Stir in roasted cashews at the end so they stay crunchy.
Step 8: Final touch
Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice or fried rice
- Pair with noodles for an Asian-style bowl
- Add steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal
Tips for Best Results
- Add cashews at the end to keep them crunchy
- Don’t overcook bell peppers to maintain texture
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results
- Adjust sweetness based on taste preference