Posted by Indulge in a delightful homemade meal with this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken recipe. The combination of tender chicken pieces enveloped in a savory sauce, enriched with the crunch of cashews and the sweetness of red bell peppers, offers a wholesome alternative to takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal effort and rewards you with maximum flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to create this delicious comfort food.
Ingredients Overview
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Tenderloins: These lean cuts are ideal for a tender finish. Alternatively, you can substitute with chicken breasts or thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient will provide a delightful crunch to the chicken, enhancing the overall texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose your preferred frying oil, such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil, to achieve a golden brown crust.
- Vegetables: You’ll need a vibrant red bell pepper and fresh scallions to add color and flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for lite or low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Ketchup: This sweet condiment complements the sauce beautifully and balances the savory elements.
- Brown Sugar: A natural sweetener that enhances the sauce’s richness.
- Seasonings: Fresh garlic, ground black pepper, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds come together to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
- Cashews: These nuts add a rich, nutty crunch and can be sprinkled on top for added texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
1. Coat the Chicken:
Begin by coating your chicken tenderloins in cornstarch. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the pan. Allow them to brown for a few minutes, turning them to ensure even color. Remember, you’re not cooking the chicken through at this stage; the goal is to give it a beautiful golden hue.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is browning, it’s time to whip up the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, chopped garlic, black pepper, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a uniform mixture, ensuring the brown sugar dissolves completely.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the chopped red bell pepper, which will infuse the dish with its sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and bell pepper mixture. Add the cashews and stir gently to ensure everything is well coated in the sauce.
4. Cook Your Dish:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken and a rich sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooking is complete, give the dish a good stir and check for seasoning. Top it with freshly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch. Serve this delicious cashew chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. Enjoy this homemade meal that rivals any restaurant dish!
Tips & Tricks for Perfecting Your Dish
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for extended freshness.
- Cashew Crunchiness: For a crunchier texture, consider adding the cashews right before serving instead of during cooking.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Alternative Cuts: Chicken thighs can be used instead of tenderloins for a richer flavor.
Crockpot Cashew Chicken
Make this Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken for a delicious and nutty meal with a sweet and savory sauce featuring red bell pepper and cashews. It’s a fantastic alternative to takeout, perfect for serving at home!
Servings: 6 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup soy sauce (lite or low sodium)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cashews
- 3 scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly brown the chicken on all sides. Aim for a golden color, not cooking through.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker and add the chopped red bell pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, black pepper, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken and add the cashews. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with sliced scallions and additional sesame seeds. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 434 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.05 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg
- Sodium: 2525 mg
- Potassium: 924 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Vitamin A: 855 IU
- Vitamin C: 30 mg
- Calcium: 47 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
