Embark on a culinary journey with this simple yet delicious Crockpot Cashew Chicken recipe that brings together tender chicken pieces with the crunch of cashews in a flavorful sauce. This slow cooker dish is perfect for those seeking a hassle-free cooking method that delivers a satisfying and nutritious meal suitable for any day of the week.
Whether you’re gathering with family or enjoying a quiet evening, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser with its delightful blend of ingredients and easy preparation steps. Let’s get cooking and make your mealtime special with this comforting and hearty dish.
Effortlessly Tasty: Your Must-Try Crockpot Dish
This Crockpot Cashew Chicken is not just about ease and convenience; it’s packed with flavors that meld together perfectly when slow-cooked. The chicken becomes wonderfully tender, absorbing the rich, savory sauce, while the cashews add a delightful crunch. Here’s how to make it:
Key Steps to Perfect Crockpot Cashew Chicken:
- Coat and Brown the Chicken: Ensuring the chicken is well-coated in flour and seasoning not only thickens the sauce later but also adds a layer of texture.
- Whisk Up a Flavorful Sauce: A combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices offers a deep umami flavor that complements the chicken.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, making each bite worth the wait.
- Finish with Freshness: Adding cashews towards the end preserves their crunch, and a sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh burst of flavor.
Crockpot Cashew Chicken Recipe:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 to 4 hours
- Servings: 4
- Equipment needed: Crockpot, large skillet
Now, let’s gather our ingredients and begin the simple steps to create this comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Preparation:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- Sauce Mixture:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- For Serving:
- 1 cup cashews
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
- Coat the Chicken: In a large zip-top bag, mix the flour and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal, and shake to coat evenly.
- Brown the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the canola oil. Add the chicken and brown lightly. Then, transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth in a bowl. Whisk well and pour over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Slow Cook: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Add Cashews: Stir in the cashews during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over a bed of cooked rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ready to Enjoy!
Your Crockpot Cashew Chicken is now ready to delight the senses. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of this dish, which makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones.
