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If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker dinner that tastes just like your favorite takeout but costs way less, this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken is one recipe you should keep in your weekly meal rotation. Tender chunks of chicken slowly cook in a rich garlic soy sauce until juicy and flavorful, then crunchy roasted cashews are stirred in at the end for the perfect texture.
I first came across this recipe while trying to recreate a restaurant-style cashew chicken for a family dinner. After a few attempts, I realized that using the slow cooker gives the chicken so much flavor without needing to stand over the stove. It honestly become one of those recipes everyone asks me for again and again.
The best part? You can throw everything together in the morning and dinner is basically ready when you get home.
Why This Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken Is So Good
There are plenty of slow cooker chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out because it combines sweet, savory, garlicky, and slightly nutty flavors into one comforting meal.
The sauce thickens beautifully while cooking, coating every bite of chicken, and the roasted cashews added at the end stay crunchy instead of getting soft.
It’s also great for meal prep, family dinners, busy weeknights, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
I always make a little extra because somehow everyone wants seconds. It never last very long in our house.
How I Came Across This Recipe
Several years ago I ordered cashew chicken from a small neighborhood Chinese restaurant in the Midwest. The chicken was tender, the sauce wasn’t overly sweet, and the roasted cashews added such a nice crunch.
I wanted something similar but easier for busy weekdays. After experimenting with different sauces and cooking times, I discovered that the slow cooker keeps the chicken incredibly juicy while allowing the sauce to develop a deep flavor. Since then, its become one of my favorite comfort food dinners during colder months and hectic weeks.
Easy Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken – A Family Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes4
minutes425
kcal4 hours 45 minutes
Tender chunks of chicken slow cooked in a savory garlic soy sauce and finished with crunchy roasted cashews. This easy slow cooker cashew chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and tastes better than takeout.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1½ cups roasted unsalted cashews
3 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
6 cups cooked jasmine rice or white rice for serving
Directions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized pieces and place them into the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir until every piece is coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook for another 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the roasted cashews and gently stir to combine.
- Serve the chicken over cooked jasmine rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Add the cashews at the end so they stay crunchy.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juicy meat.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze without the cashews for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories425
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
22g
29%
- Saturated Fat 3g 15%
- Cholesterol 92mg 31%
- Sodium 710mg 31%
- Total Carbohydrate
20g
8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Total Sugars 10g
- Protein 35g 70%
- Potassium 590mg 13%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Estimated Cost
For an average American grocery store, the approximate cost is:
Chicken breasts: $8.00
Soy sauce: $1.00
Brown sugar: $0.50
Chicken broth: $1.00
Garlic and ginger: $1.50
Rice vinegar and sesame oil: $1.50
Cashews: $5.00
Green onions and garnish: $1.50
Rice: $1.50
Total estimated cost: approximately $21.00
This recipe serves 6 people, making it about $3.50 per serving, which is much cheaper than ordering takeout.
My Own Thoughts While Making This Recipe
Every time I make this recipe, the smell filling the kitchen reminds me why slow cookers are so amazing. You barely do any work, yet dinner tastes like it took hours of attention.
One thing I learned after making this many times is to never add the cashews too early. I did that once and they become soft instead of crunchy. Waiting until the end really changes the whole dish.
I also like serving it with steamed broccoli or snap peas because the extra vegetables soak up that delicious sauce.
Best Time To Eat This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for dinner, especially after a busy workday when nobody wants to cook from scratch.
It also makes an excellent meal prep lunch for the week.
Best Season
Fall and winter are ideal because warm comfort food always hits different during cooler weather.
However, it’s honestly delicious year-round and works well for spring meal prep or summer family dinners too.
Best Mood
This meal is perfect when you’re craving comforting takeout but want something homemade, healthier, and budget-friendly.
It’s also wonderful after a long day when you just need a cozy dinner without much effort.
Best Occasion
Weeknight family dinners
Sunday meal prep
Game day gatherings
Potluck dinners
Casual dinner parties
Back-to-school evenings
Comfort food nights
Easy holiday week meals
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay even juicier and have richer flavor.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Freeze without the cashews for up to 3 months. Add fresh roasted cashews after reheating.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check all ingredient labels.
What vegetables go well with this dish?
Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and zucchini all pair wonderfully.
Can I prepare everything the night before?
Yes. Combine the chicken and sauce ingredients in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking the next morning.
Why add the cashews at the end?
Adding them late keeps their crunchy texture and prevents them from becoming soft during slow cooking.
Can leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken?
Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, cauliflower rice, lo mein noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple Asian cucumber salad all make excellent side dishes.