Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cashews (roasted and unsalted)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken sauce)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
4. Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Make sure to mix well and let it cook with the lid off for the last 30 minutes.
7. Add Cashews: Stir in the cashews during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow them to heat through and absorb some of the sauce.
8. Serve: Serve the cashew chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips:

• For Extra Flavor: Add some steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar to taste.
• Make it Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.

Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker cashew chicken!