Description
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and easy Asian-inspired main dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a savory sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, and ginger, then finished with crunchy cashews for texture. Served over rice and garnished with green onions, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time thanks to slow cooker convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into the crock pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Combine and cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken pieces in the crock pot and stir to coat all the chicken evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the sauce: About 15 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Add the unsalted roasted cashews and allow them to warm through for the remaining cooking time.
- Serve: Serve the cashew chicken hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for fresh flavor and added color.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor and texture, brown the chicken pieces lightly in a skillet before adding to the crock pot.
- Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs.
- Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers to the crock pot for a more complete meal with vegetables.
