Simple Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners become magical with this crock pot cashew chicken that promises comfort and convenience.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle among crisp vegetables and crunchy nuts.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal without hours of kitchen work.

Aromatic spices dance through every bite, creating layers of complex flavor.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness.

Fragrant and hearty, this dish welcomes you to a stress-free cooking experience.

You’ll fall in love with how easily gourmet meets homemade in this irresistible recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for this comforting slow cooker dish.

• Flour, Black Pepper: A simple seasoned coating that helps create a light, crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Canola Oil: A neutral oil that helps brown the chicken and provides a smooth cooking surface.

• Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Ketchup, Brown Sugar: A balanced combination that creates a sweet and tangy sauce with depth of flavor.
• Minced Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add warmth and complexity to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy element that provides a subtle heat to the dish.

• Cashews: Crunchy nuts that add texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the final dish.

• Rice: A classic accompaniment that absorbs the delicious sauce and completes the meal.

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Coat Chicken in Seasoned Flour

Place flour and black pepper into a large Ziploc bag. Drop chicken tenders inside, seal the bag, and shake vigorously to ensure each piece gets an even, light coating of seasoned flour.

Step 2: Quickly Sear Chicken Pieces

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place chicken into the hot pan, browning each side for approximately 2 minutes.

The goal is a golden exterior, not complete cooking.

Step 3: Transfer Chicken to Slow Cooker

Carefully arrange the lightly browned chicken pieces across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk ingredients until thoroughly blended, then pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Dish

Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW temperature.

Allow chicken to simmer and tenderize for 3 to 4 hours.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Cashews

During the final 15-20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle cashews across the top of the dish.

Gently stir to integrate the nuts.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Serve the cashew chicken atop fluffy rice.

Spoon additional sauce over each serving for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

• Coat chicken completely in flour mixture for a crispy, even texture that locks in moisture and prevents sticking during browning.
• Brown chicken quickly on high heat to seal in flavors and create a golden exterior without fully cooking the meat.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference, adding less for mild taste or more for extra heat and complexity.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty during slow cooking.
• Crush cashews slightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and help them better absorb the sauce's delicious seasonings.

Variations to Spice Up Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

• Gluten-Free Cashew Chicken: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to coat chicken, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Spicy Asian Cashew Chicken: Increase red pepper flakes and add sriracha sauce for extra heat, creating a more intense flavor profile.
• Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using similar seasoning and cooking method for plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and replace ketchup with tomato paste to minimize salt content while maintaining rich taste.

Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

• Complement the rich, sweet-savory cashew chicken with a bright Riesling or Pinot Grigio. These light, slightly acidic wines cut through the dish's richness while enhancing its complex flavor profile.
• Serve alongside crispy vegetable spring rolls or Asian-style coleslaw. These sides add delightful crunch that beautifully balances the tender slow-cooked chicken and soft rice.
• Prepare a zesty lemonade or sparkling water with fresh lime and mint. The citrusy, cool drink provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

How to Store Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Properly

• Transfer cooled cashew chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Pack the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Chicken tenders are ideal because they’re tender and cook quickly in the slow cooker, absorbing the delicious sauce while staying moist.

• Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic works perfectly. Just mince 2-3 cloves to replace the minced garlic in the original recipe for a more vibrant flavor.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming too dry?

Browning the chicken briefly before adding to the slow cooker helps seal in moisture, and cooking on LOW for the recommended time ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy according to your preference. For a milder version, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Slow Cooker Delight: Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Secrets

• Simplify Cooking: Break down complex cooking steps into easy-to-follow instructions that make preparing delicious meals stress-free for home cooks.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Combine sweet, tangy, and spicy ingredients like brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to create a rich, dynamic taste profile that delights taste buds.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline meal preparation by using a slow cooker, reducing kitchen cleanup and allowing busy families to enjoy a homemade dinner without extensive cooking time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a versatile dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with tender chicken and crunchy cashews that make dinner exciting and satisfying for everyone at the table.

Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Slow-cooker magic brings this mouthwatering Cashew Chicken to life, turning simple ingredients into a remarkable Asian-inspired feast. Tender chicken, glazed with savory sauce and sprinkled with crunchy cashews, will make you the star of dinner night.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh tenders or chicken breast tenders
• 1/2 cup cashews

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking Liquid:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a zesty coating by blending flour and black pepper inside a large sealed bag. Tumble chicken tenders into the bag, shake vigorously to ensure uniform flour coverage.
2. Warm canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear chicken pieces until golden brown on each side, approximately 2 minutes per side. Chicken should remain partially uncooked.
3. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker, arranging pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the pot.
4. Craft a robust sauce by whisking together soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
5. Cascade the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage within the slow cooker.
6. Secure the lid and allow chicken to simmer on LOW temperature for 3-4 hours, until meat becomes fork-tender and succulent.
7. During the final 15-20 minutes of cooking, gently fold in crunchy cashews, allowing them to warm and slightly absorb the surrounding flavors.
8. Plate the aromatic cashew chicken atop fluffy rice, drizzling additional sauce for enhanced moisture and taste.

Notes

• Shake the chicken in a sealed bag ensures an even, light flour coating that helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
• Quickly searing chicken before slow cooking develops deeper flavor and locks in moisture, preventing dry meat.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference, using less for mild or more for extra heat.
• Replace cashews with water chestnuts or omit nuts completely for a safe alternative without losing texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 364 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg