1-Getting started: with slow cooker cashew chicken is as easy as it gets. Begin by preparing your ingredients: trim and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and measure out everything else. This step ensures everything goes smoothly once you start cooking.

2-Next: in a resealable bag, combine the cornstarch and black pepper, then add the chicken pieces and shake to coat them evenly. Heat the canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side before transferring it to the slow cooker. Now, mix the sauce: in a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cashews.

3-Pour this sauce: over the chicken in the slow cooker and give it a good stir to coat. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For serving, dish it over rice or alternatives like brown rice, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, ramen noodles, or quinoa. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes of prep and 3 to 4 hours of cooking, making it a hands-off winner.