This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is a comforting dish that brings bold flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, giving you tender chicken coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce, finished with crunchy roasted cashews. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your favorite takeout-style meal without ever leaving home.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this cashew chicken fits the bill. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or noodles, and don’t forget the scallions for a pop of freshness. One bite and it’s sure to become a new go-to favorite in your weekly rotation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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3 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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½ cup ketchup
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4 tablespoons brown sugar
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
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1 cup unsalted cashews
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3 scallions, sliced
Directions:
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Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Brown the chicken pieces in the skillet, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
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Add the chopped red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
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In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and bell pepper in the slow cooker.
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Add the sesame seeds and stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.
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About 30 minutes before serving, add the cashews and stir to combine.
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Garnish with sliced scallions before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 277 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
Introduction to Crock Pot Cashew Chicken
Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is the ultimate fusion of convenience and flavor, embodying the rich, comforting essence of Asian takeout with the hands-off approach of slow cooking. This dish is beloved for its combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and crunchy roasted cashews. It’s a popular choice among busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. By using a crock pot or slow cooker, you free up your time and stove while still delivering a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite local restaurant.
Cashew chicken itself has deep roots in both Chinese and American cuisines. While its original iteration is a stir-fried dish popular in Chinese-American restaurants, the slow-cooker version has grown in popularity because it simplifies the process without compromising on taste. This recipe brings together sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors in a thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken, complemented perfectly by the buttery crunch of cashews.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples—soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, ketchup, and cornstarch—yet they blend into a sauce that’s layered with depth. Cooking the chicken in the sauce for several hours allows it to soak up every bit of flavor while staying moist and tender. Adding the cashews near the end of cooking ensures they retain their crunch, creating that perfect contrast in texture.
Another reason this recipe is so effective is the browning step before slow cooking. Lightly searing the chicken in oil gives it a slightly crispy exterior and adds a richer, deeper flavor to the final dish. This extra step might seem small, but it creates a big impact and helps prevent the meat from becoming too soft or mushy in the slow cooker.
Cultural Influence and Adaptability
Though inspired by Chinese-American flavors, Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs and regional preferences. You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free, or use a sugar substitute to cut back on refined sugars. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice.
Moreover, this recipe fits seamlessly into weekly meal prep routines. You can cook a large batch, portion it out, and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for later. The flavor often intensifies after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations
At first glance, Cashew Chicken might seem like a rich, indulgent meal, but it’s actually quite balanced when made at home. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer. Cashews add healthy fats and provide essential nutrients like magnesium, copper, and manganese.
You also have control over the sodium and sugar content, which is a huge plus compared to store-bought or restaurant takeout versions. Using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting the sugar to your taste helps create a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing the umami depth that makes it so crave-worthy.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. The most traditional pairing is steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a more nutrient-dense plate, serve it over brown rice or quinoa. If you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini work exceptionally well.
Garnishes can take your presentation to the next level. A sprinkle of sesame seeds, a handful of freshly chopped scallions, or even a squeeze of lime can enhance the color and flavor profile. You can also serve it with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas to add more fiber and balance to the meal.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the great strengths of Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is its universal appeal. The flavors are familiar yet bold, making it a hit with adults and kids alike. Because it’s not overly spicy, it can serve as a great introduction to Asian-inspired cuisine for those who prefer milder dishes. If you do want to add more heat, a few extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha will do the trick.
This recipe is also ideal for gatherings and potlucks. Since it holds well in a warm slow cooker, you can prepare it in advance and keep it warm for guests without any last-minute fuss. The presentation is rustic yet appetizing, and it pairs well with a wide array of side dishes, allowing you to build a full buffet with little effort.
Time-Saving Tips and Tricks
To make the preparation even faster, consider prepping the ingredients the night before. You can cube the chicken, mix the sauce, and store everything in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and cook. In the morning, just throw it all into the crock pot and head out the door—dinner will be waiting for you when you get home.
You can also make this recipe freezer-friendly by assembling all uncooked ingredients (except cashews) in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze it flat for easy storage, and when ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.
Using a programmable slow cooker is another game changer. It allows you to set the exact cook time and switches to “warm” mode once the dish is done, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or drying out the chicken.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is more than just a convenient meal—it’s a flavorful, comforting dish that brings joy to the dinner table with every bite. It offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. With its deep cultural roots and modern-day adaptability, it strikes the right balance between tradition and practicality.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish will not let you down. Its delicious simplicity, health-conscious ingredients, and rich, satisfying taste make it a must-have in your recipe rotation. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this slow cooker staple continues to win hearts and appetites across the world.