Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich savory-sweet sauce come together in this easy Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken recipe. Inspired by your favorite takeout dish, this homemade version delivers all the delicious flavors of a restaurant meal with minimal effort. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it simmer low and slow, and come back to a flavorful dinner the whole family will love.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy slow cooker meal
Better than takeout
Tender, juicy chicken
Rich savory Asian-inspired sauce
Family-friendly
Great for meal prep
Minimal hands-on cooking

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Yield

6 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Thickening Slurry

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

To Finish

1 cup (140 g) roasted cashews
3 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
Small mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Season with:

Salt
Black pepper

Lightly toss with:

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Place chicken into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

Soy sauce
Chicken broth
Honey
Brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Garlic
Ginger

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker

Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Stir gently to coat.

Cover with the lid.

Step 4: Cook

LOW Setting

Cook for:

4–5 Hours

HIGH Setting

Cook for:

2–3 Hours

Internal Temperature

The chicken should reach:

165°F (74°C)

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

About 20 minutes before serving, whisk together:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Pour into the slow cooker.

Stir well.

Cook for an additional:

15–20 Minutes

until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add Cashews

Stir in:

Roasted cashews

Reserve a few for garnish if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with:

Green onions
Sesame seeds

Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This cashew chicken pairs perfectly with:

Steamed jasmine rice
Brown rice
Fried rice
Rice noodles
Stir-fried vegetables
Broccoli
Snow peas

Tips for Success

Use Chicken Thighs

Thighs remain especially tender during slow cooking.

Add Cashews at the End

This keeps them crunchy and prevents them from becoming soft.

Don’t Overcook

Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long.

Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce

This helps control the salt level.

Variations

Spicy Cashew Chicken

Add:

1 teaspoon sriracha
Red pepper flakes

Vegetable Cashew Chicken

Add during the final 30 minutes:

Bell peppers
Broccoli
Snap peas

Gluten-Free Version

Replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.

Pineapple Cashew Chicken

Add:

1 cup pineapple chunks

for a sweet tropical twist.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for:

Up to 4 Days

Freezer

Freeze for:

Up to 3 Months

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave

Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Stovetop

Reheat over medium-low heat until hot.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories: 380
Protein: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 620 mg

Values vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

For food safety, thaw chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. It reheats beautifully and is excellent for meal prep.

Why add the cashews at the end?

Adding them late keeps their texture crunchy and fresh.

Can I use peanuts instead?

Yes. Peanuts provide a similar flavor and texture.