If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t require standing over the stove, this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s hands-off yet rewards you with tender chicken coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce packed with savory cashews. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for this one!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you relax.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that stick to every bite.
Customizable Crunch: Add cashews during or after cooking depending on how crunchy you like them.
Family Favorite: This dish has become a go-to for busy weeknights and always gets compliments.

A black pot filled with many small, golden brown pieces of chicken coated in a glossy, dark brown sauce mixed with light brown cashew nuts and bright green sliced scallions, showing a rich and savory texture. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the chicken and nuts from the pot, with pieces looking tender and slightly crispy on the edges. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken, easy cashew chicken recipe, healthy slow cooker chicken, flavorful chicken stir-fry, simple crockpot chicken dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star ingredients here come together to create that signature cashew chicken taste you crave, with a simple sauce that’s so delicious you’ll want to double it. When I shop for this recipe, I always look for fresh garlic and ginger because they bring so much brightness.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks, a small white bowl of cornstarch, a small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of golden canola oil, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of clear rice wine vinegar, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of glossy orange sweet chili sauce, a small white bowl of brown sugar crystals, two whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small piece of fresh ginger root with skin, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small pile of whole raw cashews, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic plates and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken, easy cashew chicken recipe, healthy slow cooker chicken, flavorful chicken stir-fry, simple crockpot chicken dishes

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for easy shredding and quick cooking.
Cornstarch: This helps the chicken get that velvety, slightly thickened texture in the sauce.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth — don’t skip it!
Canola oil: A neutral oil for browning the chicken before slow cooking.
Soy sauce (low sodium): Provides the salty, umami backbone of the sauce without overpowering the dish.
Rice wine vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Ketchup: Gives a slightly sweet and tomatoey depth that’s unexpected but wonderful.
Sweet chili sauce: A little heat and sweetness that’s quintessential for that Asian flair.
Brown sugar: Balances the acidity and spices with a mellow sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable for me — it packs such a punch.
Fresh ginger: Don’t use powdered if you can help it; fresh ginger really brightens the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes: For a mild kick — adjust to taste.
Cashews: You’ll get that rich, buttery crunch and nutty flavor, so fresh or roasted cashews work great.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe is easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. You can really make it your own.

Spicy Kick: I once added extra red pepper flakes and a splash of sriracha for a fiery twist — my spice-loving friends went wild.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for firm tofu or cauliflower florets; just brown them lightly before slow cooking.
Crunch Factor: For super crunchy cashews, stir them in at the very end rather than cooking them with the sauce.
Low-Sodium Option: Use tamari or a reduced-sodium soy sauce to keep salt levels in check without losing flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Brown the Chicken

Start by mixing the cornstarch and black pepper in a resealable bag. Toss in your chicken pieces and give it a good shake to coat them evenly. This step may seem small, but it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken later. Then, heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side. Browning locks in flavor and gives you a nice texture. Don’t crowd the pan—do this in batches if needed.

Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients and Assemble

Next, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour this fragrant mixture over the browned chicken in your slow cooker. This is also when I add the cashews if I want them softer and blended into the sauce — if you prefer crunch, hold off and sprinkle them on just before serving.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for about 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and soak up all those delicious flavors. If your schedule allows, I recommend checking for doneness at around 3 hours; this way, you avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or your favorite grain. If you held back on adding cashews, toss them on top now for that extra crunch. I usually garnish with a sprinkle of green onions and a little fresh cilantro for color and brightness.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: It only takes a few minutes but adds layers of flavor and helps the chicken hold up better during slow cooking.
Cashew Timing: Adding cashews at the start softens them beautifully, but for maximum crunch, add them at the end.
Adjust Sweetness: If you want it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly or swap ketchup for tomato paste.
Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken at the 3-hour mark to prevent it from drying out or becoming stringy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layer of fluffy white rice at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of dark brown glazed chicken pieces mixed with whole cashew nuts. The chicken is shiny with sauce and scattered with bright green sliced spring onions, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a few cashews and spring onion pieces nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken, easy cashew chicken recipe, healthy slow cooker chicken, flavorful chicken stir-fry, simple crockpot chicken dishes

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple yet fresh with scallions sliced thinly and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. Sometimes, I add a few sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and nutty aroma. These garnishes brighten up both the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice is my classic go-to because it soaks up all the sauce perfectly. For a veggie side, stir-fried broccoli or snap peas complement this dish nicely with their crisp texture. Occasionally, I serve it alongside a fresh Asian slaw for a crunchy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes serve the cashew chicken in individual lettuce cups for a fun, handheld bite. Another idea I’ve tried is plating it over coconut rice with a wedge of lime on the side for a tropical touch that elevates the whole meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often enjoy it even more the next day. Just be sure to keep the cashews separate if you want to keep them crunchy.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken freezes really well. After cooking and cooling, I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. I avoid freezing cashews with the dish to keep their texture intact.

Reheating

Reheating is best done over medium heat on the stovetop to warm evenly and maintain that saucy texture. If it seems too thick, a splash of water or extra soy sauce loosens it up beautifully. Avoid high heat or microwaving too long to prevent drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving in the slow cooker and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. Just follow the same method — you might find thighs make the dish even better if you enjoy richer meat.
How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny after slow cooking?

If the sauce is thinner than you like, remove the chicken and switch your slow cooker to high or transfer the sauce to a skillet and simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Is it better to add cashews during cooking or at the end?

Both methods work, depending on your texture preference. Adding cashews during cooking softens them and infuses the sauce with nutty flavor, while adding them at the end provides a satisfying crunch. I often do a bit of both!
Can I prepare this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can do the prep in advance by coating and browning the chicken and mixing the sauce, then refrigerate everything separately. When you’re ready, combine and slow cook as usual. It makes dinner day smooth and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for those busy days when I want homemade comfort without fuss. It’s approachable, rewarding, and endlessly adaptable. I love how it brings my family together around the dinner table, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same once you try it. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!