Crockpot Cashew Chicken

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh tenders or chicken breast tenders
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp canola oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup cashews

Directions:

Combine flour and pepper in large Ziploc bag. Add chicken. Shake to coat with flour mixture. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken about 2 minutes on each side. Place chicken in slow cooker. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes in small bowl; pour over chicken. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Add cashews and stir. Serve over rice. Makes 4-6 servings.
If you want like sauce and want to have some to pour over the chicken and the rice, double the sauce ingredients.

Crockpot Cashew Chicken is a flavorful dish that can be easily adapted to suit various tastes and preferences. Here are some variations and tips to help you customize your Crockpot Cashew Chicken:

Variations:

1. Spicy Cashew Chicken:

• Add Heat: Incorporate red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced chili peppers into the sauce to give the dish a spicy kick. You can also use hot sesame oil for an extra layer of heat.

1. Vegetarian Cashew “Chicken”:

• Replace Chicken: Substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a vegetarian version. For a heartier dish, add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.

1. Honey Garlic Cashew Chicken:

• Sweet and Savory: Add more honey and garlic to the sauce to create a sweet and savory profile. This variation is especially kid-friendly.

1. Pineapple Cashew Chicken:

• Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks to the Crockpot along with the chicken. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with the savory sauce and crunchy cashews.

1. Peanut Butter Cashew Chicken:

• Rich and Nutty: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to the sauce for a richer, nuttier flavor. This creates a flavor similar to Thai peanut chicken.

1. Lemon Ginger Cashew Chicken:

• Zesty and Fresh: Add fresh ginger and a splash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor. This variation pairs well with fresh vegetables.

1. Thai-Inspired Cashew Chicken:

• Herbs and Coconut Milk: Add a bit of coconut milk to the sauce for creaminess and stir in fresh Thai basil, cilantro, or lime juice at the end for a fragrant, Thai-inspired dish.

1. Low-Sodium Cashew Chicken:

• Healthier Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and avoid adding extra salt. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to make the dish lighter.

Tips:

1. Browning the Chicken:

• For added flavor, brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the Crockpot. This step caramelizes the meat, giving the dish a richer taste.

1. Texture Control:

• To prevent the cashews from getting too soft, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning. This keeps them crunchy.

1. Thickening the Sauce:

• If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and stirring it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

1. Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the cashew chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or over a bed of steamed vegetables.

1. Garnishing:

• Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

1. Meal Prep and Freezing:

• Crockpot Cashew Chicken is great for meal prep. Cook a large batch and store it in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It also freezes well—just be sure to add the cashews fresh when reheating to maintain their crunch.

1. Balancing Flavors:

• If the dish is too salty from the soy sauce, balance it with a bit of sugar or honey. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to bring in some acidity.

These variations and tips offer plenty of flexibility to create a Crockpot Cashew Chicken dish that suits your taste and dietary preferences!