Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

When the chill of winter sets in, nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty dish of Crock Pot Cashew Chicken. I still remember the first time I made this for my family. It was one of those busy weekdays when everyone seemed to have a million things going on. I wanted to create something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. As I tossed the ingredients into my trusty slow cooker, the aroma began to fill the air, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The blend of savory flavors mixed with the crunch of cashews was enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This dish quickly became a favorite, making its way into our regular dinner rotation.

Throughout the years, I’ve found that the beauty of Crock Pot Cashew Chicken lies not only in its ease but also in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it an ideal recipe for when you’re in a pinch. As I watched my family gather around the table, eagerly awaiting their plates, I was reminded of how food brings us together. Each bite of tender chicken and crunchy cashews felt like a warm hug on a cold day. I can’t wait for you to experience this comforting dish that has become synonymous with cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

In this delightful dish, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a perfect harmony of flavors. The star of the show is the chicken, which absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Meanwhile, the cashews add that much-needed crunch to the dish. Together, these ingredients come together effortlessly in a comforting meal.

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces: This is the base of your dish, providing protein and a wonderful texture.
• Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to coat the chicken, giving it a light crispness when cooked.
• 1 tablespoon canola oil: Helps to sauté the chicken, providing a nice sear and flavor.
• ¼ cup soy sauce: This salty ingredient adds depth to the dish and helps to tenderize the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons ketchup: A hint of sweetness that complements the savory components beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances the overall flavor by adding a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Provides an aromatic base, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon ginger: Adds warmth and spiciness, elevating the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A hint of heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
• ½ cup unsalted cashews: The crunchy topping that brings everything together with its nuttiness.

How to Make Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

Making Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is a breeze, and the steps are quite simple. Let’s dive into this easy cooking process that will have your kitchen smelling amazing. You’ll love how straightforward it is to prepare this delightful dish.

1. Begin by preparing your chicken. In a resealable bag, combine the flour, black pepper, and the chicken cubes. Seal the bag and shake it gently to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken cubes. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center. The chicken should be tender and juicy.
3. While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, pour it into your slow cooker. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is coated in that delicious mixture.
5. Set your slow cooker to low and cover it. Cook for about 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
6. When the cooking time is up, gently stir in the cashews. They’ll soften slightly while still providing that wonderful crunch.
7. Serve the finished dish over warm rice or steamed vegetables, allowing the sauce to soak into everything for extra flavor. Enjoy each bite of this comforting meal!

Tips and Variations

Here are some handy tips and variations to make your Crock Pot Cashew Chicken experience even better. Feel free to experiment and personalize this already delightful dish!

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Prepare a batch and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Optional veggies: Feel free to add in vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
• Meal prep: You can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge for easy cooking later.
• Serving options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even as a filling in wraps for a different twist.
• Garnishes: Consider garnishing with green onions or additional cashews for added flavor and texture.

What to Serve Alongside Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

To create a well-rounded meal, it’s important to think about what to serve alongside your Crock Pot Cashew Chicken. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice pairs perfectly, soaking up the delicious sauce from the chicken.
• Steamed Broccoli: This vegetable not only adds color to your plate but also provides a nutritious balance to the meal.
• Egg Noodles: For a heartier option, serve your chicken over egg noodles, which absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Salad: A light salad can help cut through the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Spring Rolls: Serve some fresh spring rolls as a side, offering a crunchy and fresh element to your meal.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even casual gatherings with friends.

FAQ

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that wraps you in warmth with every bite. With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, this dish invites you to gather around the table with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; you’ll find it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your home!

Crock Pot Cashew Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken combined with crunchy cashews in a flavorful sauce makes this recipe a must-try. Perfect for meal prep, it's an easy and delicious way to warm up on a chilly evening!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 6 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 6 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
• black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup unsalted cashews

Equipment

• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a resealable bag, combine flour, black pepper, and **chicken** cubes. Shake to coat.
2. Cook cubed **chicken** in a skillet with canola oil for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. In a small bowl mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour over the **chicken** and add to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.
5. When ready, stir in cashews and serve over warm rice.

Notes

• Optional veggies: Sauté and add broccoli, bell peppers, edamame, celery, water chestnuts, or carrots, and cook in the crock pot along with the **chicken**.
• Prep ahead of time: Pan-fry the **chicken** and mix up the sauce, store in separate containers in the fridge for 1 to 2 days or freezer for up to 3 months before adding to the slow cooker.
• Storage: Leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments or in a skillet.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.