Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 1/21/22Updated: 9/06/23

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This slow cooker cashew chicken is better than any Chinese takeout! And the best part is it is easy to make with the help of your crockpot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Cashew Chicken is a favorite Chinese take out item, but now you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of this dish made at home in your slow cooker! This recipe is perfect for a busy day. Put everything in the crock pot and dinner is ready when you walk in the door.

slow cooker cashew chicken and white rice

Ingredients Needed

Chicken breasts. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer you could use skinless boneless chicken thighs.
Cornstarch
Black pepper
Canola oil. Can also use vegetable oil or a mild flavored oil.
Soy sauce
Rice wine vinegar. Find it on the Asian aisle.
Ketchup
Sweet chili sauce
Dark brown sugar
Garlic cloves
Fresh ginger
Red pepper flakes
Cashews
Green onions for garnish

How To Make Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Combine cornstarch and pepper together in a plastic storage bag. Add chicken and shake to coat.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.
Add chicken in single layer and cook on each side until brown, about 2 minutes each side.
Place chicken in slow cooker.
Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger and pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour over chicken. Stir so that all the chicken is covered in sauce.

Add cashews half way through the baking time so they don’t get as soft but you can add them at the beginning if your prefer. You can also just sprinkle them on top before serving.
Cook on low for 3 – 4 hours (I did it for 3)
Serve over rice and garnish with green onion

Tip #1
We love to serve it over white rice or brown rice and sprinkle with some green onions and a few more cashews.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Substitute skinless, boneless chick thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.
Add veggies into the crockpot with the chicken. A firmer veggie such as carrots or broccoli. If using a softer veggie such as squash or zucchini, add it in the last hour of cooking.
To make it gluten-free, substitute cornstarch for the flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add veggies to this?

You could definitely add these veggies into the crockpot with the chicken or cook them separately and serve with it:
Carrots
Broccoli
Red Bell Pepper and Green Bell Peppers
Squash
Zucchini
Onion
Cauliflower

Can I freeze slow cooker cashew chicken?

After cooking, let the chicken cool completely.
Place in an airtight freezer container or a zippered plastic freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible.
Freeze for up to three months.
Allow to thaw in the refrigerator.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

white bowl of cashew chicken with green onions on top

Check out more easy crockpot dinners:

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