Cashew chicken is a beloved takeout favorite, but did you know it's incredibly easy to make at home in your slow cooker? This recipe delivers the same savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors you crave, without the takeout price tag or added sodium. Get ready for tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a luscious sauce that's perfect over rice or noodles. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and impressing guests alike!
What makes this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe special?
This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients into a slow cooker and hoping for the best. We've focused on achieving a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slow cooking process ensures incredibly tender chicken, while the sauce is carefully crafted to deliver that authentic cashew chicken taste without being overly sweet or salty. We'll also address common concerns and provide tips for customization.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add Chicken to Crock Pot: Place the chicken pieces in your slow cooker.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in Cashews: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the roasted cashews. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Serve: Serve the cashew chicken over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with extra cashews and green onions, if desired.
Can I use frozen chicken in my slow cooker cashew chicken?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just add about an hour to your cooking time when using frozen chicken. Make sure the chicken is completely thawed before serving.
How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
For a spicier cashew chicken, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder version, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also adjust the amount of honey to your preferred sweetness level.
What can I serve with my crock pot cashew chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles (like lo mein or chow mein), or quinoa. Consider adding some steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a more complete meal.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is too thin after cooking, you can make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will help to thicken the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can prepare the cashew chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Variations on the Classic Recipe:
- Peanut Cashew Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the sauce for a delicious peanut-cashew twist.
- Pineapple Cashew Chicken: Incorporate 1 cup of drained, canned pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy variation.
- Vegetable Cashew Chicken: Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots, during the last hour of cooking.
Enjoy your homemade Crock Pot Cashew Chicken! Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see your pictures!
