Delicious Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to bring the tantalizing flavors of takeout right to your kitchen, look no further than this incredible recipe for Crock Pot Cashew Chicken. Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting as you savor the aroma of tender chicken simmering in a rich, glossy sauce. The magic truly happens when you toss in those crunchy cashews, adding the perfect touch of nuttiness to this dish.

I still remember the first time I whipped up this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken, aiming to recreate the flavors of our go-to Chinese takeout joint. The dish was an instant hit, with even the pickiest of eaters in my family going back for seconds. And there’s something so delightful about the crunch of cashews that elevates this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Whether you opt for chicken thigh tenders or breast tenders, this recipe promises a mouthwatering combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. And if you’re like me and always looking to add your own twist, feel free to play around with different ingredients to make this dish your own. So, grab your crock pot and get ready to indulge in a homemade meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Quick Benefits

• Tender and juicy chicken
• Flavorful and glossy sauce
• Easy slow cooker preparation
• Versatile ingredient substitutions for dietary preferences

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Convenience: Makes for the perfect weeknight dinner with minimal effort as the slow cooker does most of the work for you.
• Takeout Flavor: Satisfies your cravings for Chinese takeout without having to leave the house.
• Tender and Juicy: Chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens to a glossy finish, replicating the classic cashew chicken you love.
• Cashew Crunch: Adding cashews right before serving ensures they retain their crunch, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
• Family Favorite: Loved by picky eaters and even kids, making it a hit for the whole family.
• Versatile: Can easily swap ingredients like chicken breast for thighs or adjust for dietary restrictions like gluten-free options.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for up to three days.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, making it versatile for all tastes.
• Culinary History: Offers a blend of Chinese stir-fry techniques and American comfort food, giving you a taste of the dish’s rich history and flavors.
• Serving Suggestions: Perfect when served over jasmine or basmati rice, adding sautéed vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad on the side for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Delicious Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 15 ml canola oil
• 60 ml all-purpose flour
• 0.5 g ground black pepper
• 900 g boneless, skinless chicken thigh tenders or chicken breast tenders

Sauce

• 0.5 g red pepper flakes
• 13 g brown sugar
• 30 ml ketchup
• 30 ml rice wine vinegar
• 60 ml soy sauce
• 1 g freshly grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Finishing Touch

• 70 g cashews

Pro Tips for Delicious Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe

For a flavorful twist, consider marinating the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. This will enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat.

To keep the cashews crunchy, add them in just before serving as the recipe suggests. This will ensure they maintain their texture and add a delightful crunch to each bite.

If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, for a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

How to Make Delicious Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

In a large resealable plastic bag, mix together flour and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and shake well to coat with the mixture.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat canola oil. Sear chicken for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl and whisk until well mixed.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it. Cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Cashews

Stir cashews into the slow cooker and serve hot with steamed rice.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Crock Pot Cashew Chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to freeze the dish, ensure the chicken cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To enjoy the frozen meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Keep in mind that the cashews may soften over time, but the flavors will continue to develop and improve.

When making this dish, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Opt for chicken breasts for a leaner option or use gluten-free soy sauce like tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. If you run out of rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used with a slight difference in taste. For those without brown sugar, maple syrup or honey can be used as alternatives to achieve a similar depth of flavor. Enjoy the finished Crock Pot Cashew Chicken over jasmine or basmati rice, steamed broccoli, or cauliflower rice, and enhance the dish with chopped green onions or additional vegetables for a delightful meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a leaner dish, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe. Chicken breasts will still turn out tender and juicy when cooked gently in the slow cooker.

To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. This swap will ensure that the dish is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or on a gluten-free diet.

If you prefer a different nut or have them on hand, you can use either raw or roasted cashews in this recipe. Roasted cashews will provide an extra depth of flavor, while raw cashews will absorb more of the sauce, giving a slightly different texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a cozy and satisfying meal, serve this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, letting the glossy sauce seep into every grain. Add a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist, or stir in some bell pepper slices and snap peas for a burst of color and crunch. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions for a pop of flavor and visual appeal. Remember to sprinkle extra cashews on top right before serving to keep their irresistible crunch!

To elevate your dining experience with this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken, try serving it alongside fragrant brown rice or jasmine rice and pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top. You can also experiment with different types of cashews, whether raw or roasted, to enhance the nutty flavor profile. Whether you prefer a leaner version with chicken breasts or a juicier rendition with chicken thighs, this dish promises to transport you to the comforting flavors of a local Chinese takeout spot right in your own home.

FAQs for Delicious Crock Pot Cashew Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, both chicken breast and thigh meat work well. Thighs add more moisture and flavor, but breast meat stays tender when cooked gently in the slow cooker.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For extra sauce, double the liquid ingredients before starting.

Should I use raw or roasted cashews for this dish?

Both raw and roasted cashews work well. Roasted cashews provide extra flavor, while raw cashews absorb more of the sauce.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

The red pepper flakes add subtle heat. For a milder result, reduce or omit them. Add more for a spicier kick according to your preference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Crock Pot Cashew Chicken recipe is a true winner that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Remember, you can always customize this dish to suit your preferences, whether it’s swapping chicken thighs for breasts or adjusting the spice level to your liking.

Don’t hesitate to try out this recipe and experience the joy of homemade Chinese American comfort food that is both delicious and heartwarming. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let the magic of Crock Pot Cashew Chicken bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces with every savory bite. Enjoy this flavorful dish and the memories it creates around your table!