Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I often opt for low because it gives the chicken more time to absorb all those wonderful flavors! You can catch up on your day, run errands, or just relax at home while the magic happens. About 30 minutes before serving, add in the cashews; they’ll get perfectly toasted and provide a wonderful crunch that you’ll just love.
As the cooking time comes to a close, don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, I like to add a pinch of salt or a splash more soy sauce to enhance the flavor. Once it’s all done, serve the chicken over bowls of fluffy rice and top with green onions for that fresh crunch.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three different ways to find the best method. One time, I pan-seared the chicken first, and while it added a nice flavor, I found that cooking it directly in the crockpot allows for juicier results. I also tried using different types of vinegar, and I settled on rice vinegar because it gives just the right level of acidity without overpowering the other flavors.
Another tip is to always keep your cashews separate until the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you throw them in too early, they can turn a bit mushy. I love that satisfying crunch at the end! Lastly, if you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry and stir it in at the end of cooking. It thickens up beautifully!
Finally, don’t be afraid to play around with the vegetables you add. I once tossed in a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies, and it worked like a charm, making the dish even heartier!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made the first time I tried this recipe was not slicing the chicken into smaller pieces. I thought I could just toss the whole breasts in there, but they took much longer to cook through, and the sauce didn’t fully penetrate the meat. Trust me—cubing the chicken makes the flavor so much better! (See the next page below to continue…)