Sweet Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken: Tender, Flavorful Marinade with Crunchy Cashews

Discover the ultimate sweet and savory slow cooker cashew chicken. This marinade is distinct from my sparerib version, delivering exceptionally tender chicken and crunchy cashews every time. As a seasoned home cook who's tested countless slow cooker recipes, I can vouch for this one—it's a crowd-pleaser. Craving more? Explore my collection of reliable slow cooker dishes.

Need a slow cooker? These top-rated models are game-changers.

Table of Contents

Sweet Cashew Chicken from the Slow Cooker

This recipe serves 4 generously, but trust me from experience—it vanishes quickly! 😊

Ingredients

For the chicken:

4 chicken breasts
Some cornstarch
Ground pepper

For the sweet marinade:

2 cm freshly grated ginger
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
6 tablespoons ketchup
4 tablespoons chili sauce (mild)
A splash of soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 small red chili pepper (dried works; remove before serving)
Splash of rice vinegar (4-6 tablespoons)

For garnish:

250 grams cashew nuts

How to Make Sweet Cashew Chicken in the Slow Cooker

I've perfected slow cooking chicken over years of trial and error—it stays juicy and flavorful without drying out. Here's the proven method:

Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Cut cleaned chicken breasts into 2-3 cm pieces. Toss with cornstarch and ground pepper.
Heat oil in a pan and lightly sear the chicken.
Transfer to the slow cooker, add marinade, stir gently, and toss in the chili pepper.
Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours.

Stovetop Cashew Chicken in the Wok

No slow cooker? It's my kitchen essential, but this wok version is fantastic too. Marinate chicken for 1 hour first, then simmer until cooked through. Add cashews at the end for crunch. Pairs perfectly with rice and beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over rice with beans.
Stir in cashew nuts just before serving for maximum crunch.

Enjoy this reliable family favorite!

P.S. My counter looks chaotic after cooking too—real kitchens happen. What's yours like?