Here is a comprehensive guide to making this incredibly popular and delicious Crock Pot Cashew Chicken, designed to be a complete resource from history to serving.
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The Ultimate Guide to Crock Pot Cashew Chicken: A “So So Delish” No-Fuss Meal
There are few things more comforting than coming home to the aroma of a fully cooked dinner that’s been simmering away all day. This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken recipe is a perfect example of that magic. It takes the beloved take-out classic and transforms it into a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal you can prepare with minimal effort. The phrase “so so delish” doesn’t even begin to cover it; this dish features tender chicken in a savory, slightly sweet garlic-ginger sauce, finished with crunchy cashews for the perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling schedules, or just someone who loves great food without the hassle, this recipe is destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Just throw it all in the slow cooker and get ready for a delicious, no-fuss dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A Brief History of Cashew Chicken
While this slow cooker version is a modern, hands-off interpretation, the dish itself has a fascinating history. The most famous origin story of Cashew Chicken doesn’t actually come from China, but from Springfield, Missouri, in the 1960s. A Chinese immigrant named David Leong opened a restaurant and wanted to create a dish that would appeal to the local American palate, which wasn’t accustomed to the traditional flavors of Chinese cuisine. He deep-fried battered chicken and topped it with a light, flavorful brown gravy and cashews. The dish was an instant hit and became a staple of “American Chinese” cuisine, spreading across the United States. This Crock Pot version pays homage to that classic by keeping the core elements—tender chicken, savory sauce, and crunchy cashews—while adapting it for the ultimate in convenience.
The Benefits of This Recipe
· Incredibly Easy: This is a true “set it and forget it” meal. The slow cooker does all the hard work.
· Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs and pantry staples.
· Healthier than Takeout: You control the quality of ingredients, sodium levels, and amount of oil and sugar. This version is lighter but still packed with flavor.
· Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes a large batch that stores and reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
· Family-Approved: The mildly sweet and savory sauce is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
The Recipe: Crock Pot Cashew Chicken
Formation (Yield): Serves 6-8 people
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
· 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast tenders)
· ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
· ½ tsp black pepper
· ½ tsp salt
· 1 Tbsp canola oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
For the Sauce:
· ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
· ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
· 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
· 2 Tbsp brown sugar, packed
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
· ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
· 2 Tbsp water mixed with 1 Tbsp cornstarch (for thickening at the end)
For Serving:
· 1 cup raw cashews
· 3-4 green onions, sliced
· Cooked white rice or brown rice
Instructions & Method
1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps the flour stick.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated.
3. Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. The chicken does not need to be cooked through. This step adds a depth of flavor that you can’t get from just the slow cooker. Place the browned chicken directly into the slow cooker.
4. Make the Sauce: In a separate medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir to make sure all the chicken is coated. Put the lid on and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. (Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.)
6. Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing the 2 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Replace the lid and cook for the remaining 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it heats.
7. Toast the Cashews: While the sauce is thickening, toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Toasting brings out their rich, buttery flavor and ensures they stay crunchy. Set them aside.
8. Finish and Serve: Just before serving, stir most of the toasted cashews into the chicken, reserving a handful for garnish. Serve the cashew chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice. Top with the remaining cashews and a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving, without rice)
· Calories: 380-450
· Protein: 30-35g
· Fat: 22-25g
· Carbohydrates: 18-22g
· Fiber: 1-2g
· Sugar: 8-10g
· Sodium: 800-1000mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Cashew Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights and a guaranteed way to bring a smile to the dinner table. It proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or order expensive takeout to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of succulent chicken, a rich, glossy sauce, and the delightful crunch of cashews is simply irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest, made incredibly simple.
For the Lovers of…
This recipe is a love letter to several groups of people:
· Lovers of “Set It and Forget It” Meals: For those who adore their slow cooker and the freedom it provides.
· Lovers of Take-Out Fakes: For anyone who enjoys recreating their favorite restaurant dishes at home, healthier and often tastier.
· Lovers of Sweet and Savory Combinations: The balance of salty soy sauce and sweet brown sugar is pure perfection.
· Lovers of Texture: The soft chicken and rice against the crunchy cashews is a textural dream.
· Lovers of Family Dinners: For those who cherish a meal that brings everyone together without a lot of stress.
Enjoy your “so so delish” creation