If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s both hands-off and packed with flavor, you’re going to love my Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, savory sauce, and crunchy cashews, all cooked low and slow to develop those deep, comforting flavors. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — and I can’t wait to share exactly how you can nail it too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Busy Schedule Friendly: You prep quickly, then let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you unwind.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tangy, a little spicy, with that irresistible nutty crunch from cashews.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes plenty to enjoy leftovers that taste just as good reheated.
Customizable Texture: You decide when to add the cashews for either soft or crunchy bites.

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s rich and balanced, with tender chicken soaking up every bit of flavor. A quick heads-up: keep an eye out for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness, and opt for fresh ginger and garlic whenever you can — it really makes a difference.

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe - Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, diced evenly so everything cooks perfectly.
Cornstarch: Helps create a silky sauce and slightly thickens the juices around the chicken.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch for mild heat that complements the sweet and savory notes.
Canola Oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point for browning chicken without overpowering flavors.
Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): The salty backbone of your sauce, low-sodium keeps it from getting too intense.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds mild acidity and brightness that balances sweetness.
Ketchup: A secret weapon for depth and a touch of sweetness.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a subtle spicy kick and sticky texture.
Brown Sugar: Rounds out the tangy and spicy elements with caramel notes.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that sharp, aromatic base.
Fresh Ginger: Grated for warmth and a little zing.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat that you can easily adjust to taste.
Cashews: The star nut adding crunch or creaminess, depending on when you add them.

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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 making this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe my own by swapping and tweaking it depending on what I have on hand and who I’m cooking for. You can keep it classic or jazz it up with your favorite extras — there’s room to get creative here!

Spice Level: I sometimes double the red pepper flakes for a livelier heat that my family adores.
Vegetable Boost: Throw in sliced bell peppers or snap peas towards the last hour for color and crunch.
Healthier Swap: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative that’s just as tasty.
Crunch Factor: Add the cashews right before serving if you love that satisfying crunch instead of softer nuts.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for That Perfect Texture

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch and black pepper inside a resealable bag. Shake it up well so every piece gets an even coating — this little step really helps lock in moisture and gives your chicken a nice, velvety finish after slow cooking. I learned the hard way to never skip this part if I want that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken for Flavor Depth

Next, heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for about two minutes per side. You don’t want to cook it through here — just get some lovely caramelization. This step boosts flavor dramatically, making your slow cooker dinner taste downright gourmet with minimal extra effort.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Add the Cashews

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this over the browned chicken in your slow cooker. Now, for the cashews — if you like them soft and infused with sauce, add them now. If you prefer crunchy nuts, save them for sprinkling on top when serving.

Step 4: Slow Cook and Relax

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. This slow and gentle cooking lets the chicken absorb all those beautiful flavors while staying tender and juicy. I always set it before heading out or before a relaxing afternoon because it frees me up from kitchen duties but still delivers a delicious meal.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe is done, give it a gentle stir and serve it over steamed rice. My family goes crazy for the combo of saucy chicken and crunchy (or soft!) cashews — it just hits all the right notes. Trust me, this will be a dinner you come back to time and again.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: Even just a few minutes in the pan adds rich color and flavor you can’t get from slow cooking alone.
Control Your Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your family’s spice tolerance — I usually start mild and add on the table.
Cashew Timing is Key: Add cashews during cooking for soft nuts or just before serving for crunch — both ways are winners!
Use a Resealable Bag for Coating: It’s way easier to get an even cornstarch coating using a bag instead of mixing by hand.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped green onions on top right before serving for a fresh bite, plus a handful of extra toasted cashews if I held some back for crunch. A squeeze of lime juice also adds a bright pop that perks up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. On the side, I toss some sautéed snap peas or a crisp cucumber salad to round out the meal with fresh veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving your Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe in individual hollowed-out bell peppers or pineapple halves. It looks impressive but is easy to do — plus those little touches feel like a restaurant treat at your own table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats beautifully because the slow cooker sauce keeps the chicken nice and moist — perfect for busy weeknight lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this slow cooker cashew chicken a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe bags right after it cools. Just remember to freeze it without the rice or extra fresh garnishes for the best texture when thawed and reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it saucy. Stir occasionally so the sauce coats the chicken evenly and avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just be mindful that thighs may cook a bit faster, so check around the 3-hour mark to prevent overcooking.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this naturally gluten-free without compromising on flavor.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe?

The recipe has a mild heat level from the red pepper flakes and sweet chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less depending on your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can definitely prep the sauce and chicken ahead, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready, combine everything in the slow cooker and cook as directed for easy weeknight meal prep.
Should I add cashews during cooking or at the end?

It depends on your texture preference — adding cashews during cooking softens them into the sauce, while adding them right before serving keeps them crunchy and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it combines ease with incredible flavor in a way that never disappoints. Whether you’re rushed, cooking for family, or just craving that perfect takeout copycat at home, this dish has you covered. Give it a try — I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!