This Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a rich, flavorful sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. The crunchy cashews add a delightful texture, making every bite even more satisfying. With minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot.
Pair this cashew chicken with a bowl of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients. This dish is a foolproof crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted cashews
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
Directions:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Transfer to a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
- Stir in cashews and let cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the cashew chicken over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s both satisfying and healthy, Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is the perfect choice. This dish brings together the rich, nutty taste of cashews, the umami-packed flavors of a homemade Asian-inspired sauce, and the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s a fantastic alternative to takeout, offering all the deliciousness of restaurant-style cashew chicken without the added oils and preservatives.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the background of cashew chicken, why this slow cooker version is the best, and the many benefits of making it at home. Plus, we’ll explore some variations, serving suggestions, and pro tips for getting the most out of this incredible dish.
The Origins of Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and has an interesting history. Traditional cashew chicken originated in China, where stir-fried chicken is paired with crunchy cashews and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and hoisin.
However, the American version of cashew chicken was first introduced in Springfield, Missouri, by a Chinese-American chef named David Leong in the 1960s. Unlike the original stir-fried version, Springfield-style cashew chicken features battered and deep-fried chicken tossed in a thick, flavorful sauce with cashews. Over the years, variations of cashew chicken have evolved, from stir-fried to baked, and now this slow cooker version, which makes the dish even easier to prepare while keeping it healthy.
Why This Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe is the Best
Many cashew chicken recipes require deep frying, which adds extra oil and calories. This slow cooker version, however, eliminates the need for frying while still delivering a delicious, tender, and flavorful dish. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
1. Effortless Cooking with Maximum Flavor
Slow cookers allow the flavors to develop over time, resulting in juicy, tender chicken that soaks up all the delicious sauce. There’s no need to stand over a stove or deep-fry anything—simply let the slow cooker do the work!
2. Healthier Than Takeout
This dish is made with real ingredients—no artificial flavor enhancers or excess oils. Using lean chicken thighs or chicken breast makes it a high-protein, low-fat meal while keeping the flavors intact. The cashews add healthy fats, and if you choose low-sodium soy sauce, it’s a great option for a balanced diet.
3. Great for Meal Prep
If you love meal prepping, this dish is a lifesaver. You can prepare everything in the morning, let it cook while you go about your day, and come home to a ready-made meal. It also stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or packed lunches.
4. Customizable to Your Preference
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can:
- Add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Use different proteins like tofu, shrimp, or beef instead of chicken.
Health Benefits of This Dish
Cashew chicken isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits.
✅ High in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
✅ Rich in Healthy Fats
Cashews are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health and reduce bad cholesterol.
✅ Full of Essential Vitamins and Minerals
- Cashews contain magnesium, which supports brain function and muscle relaxation.
- Garlic and ginger are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Soy sauce (especially low-sodium) provides umami flavor while adding essential minerals like iron and potassium.
✅ Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Options
For those on a low-carb diet, you can serve this dish with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and can be adjusted to fit different dietary preferences:
Classic Pairings
- White Rice – The most common pairing, allowing the sauce to soak into the fluffy grains.
- Brown Rice – A healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.
- Quinoa – A protein-rich option for those looking for an extra health boost.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Sides
- Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb substitute that still absorbs the sauce well.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A fun way to enjoy this dish while keeping it light.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or bok choy complement the flavors of this dish beautifully.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps – For a fresh and light alternative, serve the cashew chicken in large butter lettuce leaves.
- Cashew Chicken Tacos – Fill soft tortillas with cashew chicken and top with crunchy cabbage for an Asian-inspired taco night.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
✔️ Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Tenderness – While chicken breast works, chicken thighs remain juicier and absorb the sauce better.
✔️ Sear the Chicken First – Browning the chicken in a skillet before slow cooking locks in flavor and adds a restaurant-quality texture.
✔️ Add Cashews at the End – For the best texture, stir in the cashews in the last 10 minutes so they remain crunchy.
✔️ Thicken the Sauce if Needed – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving.
✔️ Double the Recipe for Freezer Meals – This dish freezes well for up to 3 months! Store it in airtight containers and reheat for a quick and easy meal.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal—savory, nutty, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a restaurant-quality dish at home. With the ease of a slow cooker and the health benefits of real ingredients, this version of cashew chicken is a winner.
Next time you’re craving takeout-style cashew chicken, skip the delivery and try this homemade version instead. Your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. This homemade version captures the essence of restaurant-style cashew chicken while offering a healthier, budget-friendly, and customizable alternative. With its tender, juicy chicken, savory-sweet sauce, and crunchy cashews, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
By using a slow cooker, you can achieve deep, rich flavors without the need for excessive oil or frying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a family, or just looking for an easy yet impressive dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Serve it over rice, pair it with vegetables, or get creative with lettuce wraps or tacos—the possibilities are endless!
So next time you’re craving a takeout-style meal, skip the delivery and let your slow cooker work its magic. With this easy, flavorful, and wholesome recipe, you’ll have a new family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!