Sheet-Pan Cashew Chicken

Introduction

Sheet-Pan Cashew Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious meal that brings together tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a sweet-savory glaze featuring the richness of cashews. Roasted all together on one pan, it’s a wholesome, hassle-free dinner solution with minimal cleanup. The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes that make every bite irresistibly satisfying.

I first made this dish when I wanted a balanced, protein-packed meal that didn’t require standing over the stove for ages. Tossing everything on a single sheet pan simplifies the process, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as everything roasts together. The cashews provide a delightful crunch, the chicken is perfectly juicy, and the roasted veggies add a burst of color and earthy goodness.

What I love most about Sheet-Pan Cashew Chicken is its versatility. You can swap in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, and adjust the spice level with a touch of Sriracha or red pepper flakes. Serve it with rice, noodles, or even a simple green salad to create a well-rounded meal that’s packed with texture, flavor, and wholesome goodness—all in an easy, one-pan wonder.

Perfect for:

Quick weeknight dinners
Family meals
Casual gatherings
Meal prepping
Nut lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Sheet-Pan Cashew Chicken will become a dinner favorite:

Effortlessly Simple: A one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and cleanup.
Balanced Flavors: A perfect mix of savory, sweet, and nutty in every bite.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats from cashews.
Customizable Veggies: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand for versatility.
Rich Nutty Crunch: Cashews add a delightful texture and a unique flavor twist.
Family-Friendly Meal: A dish that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken in advance for a head-start.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
High-Protein Dish: Provides ample protein to fuel your day.
Sheet-Pan Convenience: A mess-free cooking method that minimizes cleanup.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups mixed bell peppers, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Optional Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro

Ingredient Highlights

Cashews: Provide a delightful crunch and a unique, nutty flavor.
Mixed Vegetables: Offer a vibrant mix of nutrients, color, and texture.
Soy Sauce and Honey: A perfect combination that balances salty and sweet flavors.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy depth to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Toss Vegetables with Oil: In a large bowl, combine bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat.

Assemble the Sheet Pan:

Spread Chicken and Vegetables: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared sheet pan, surrounded by the vegetables. Sprinkle cashews over everything.
Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, tossing everything halfway through, until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Garnish and Serve:

Add Sesame Seeds and Cilantro: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Sheet-Pan Cashew Chicken:

With Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
With Quinoa: Pair with quinoa for a protein-packed dinner option.
In Lettuce Wraps: Serve in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist.
With Noodles: Toss with cooked noodles and a bit of soy sauce for a noodle bowl variation.
As a Salad Topper: Add the chicken and veggies to a green salad for extra protein.
With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
On a Platter for Sharing: A communal platter for casual family dinners or gatherings.
With Sriracha Sauce: Add a drizzle of Sriracha for a spicy kick.
For Meal Prepping: Divide into containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches.
Garnished with Lime Juice: Serve with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing tang.

Additional Tips

Even Layering: Spread the chicken and vegetables evenly on the sheet pan for even cooking.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add more honey or soy sauce if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Customize Vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
Optimal Roasting Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated for crispy edges.
Marinate Chicken Longer (Optional): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cashew Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for heat.
Cashew Tofu Variation: Use tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based option.
Peanut Cashew Chicken: Swap cashews for peanuts for a different nutty twist.
Extra Vegetable Mix: Add carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sheet pan.
Asian-Inspired Twist: Use sesame oil and add green onions for an extra Asian flair.
Curry Cashew Chicken: Mix in curry powder for a unique and aromatic flavor.
Honey Mustard Cashew Chicken: Use honey mustard sauce for a sweet-savory taste.
Keto-Friendly Version: Use a low-carb sauce and reduce carbs by skipping rice.
Garlic Herb Chicken: Add a mix of garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a herby touch.
Vegan Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use tofu for texture.

Special Equipment

Sheet Pan: For even cooking and easy cleanup.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating and tossing the chicken and vegetables.
Spatula or Tongs: For flipping and stirring everything on the sheet pan.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of sauce ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw frozen chicken first and follow the marination instructions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What vegetables work best for this recipe?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms are great options.
How do I prevent the cashews from burning?
Add cashews halfway through cooking time for optimal texture and color.
What sauce variations can I try?
Try variations with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey mustard, or peanut butter.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Great in wraps, on salads, or over rice for a quick meal option.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.

Conclusion

This Sheet-Pan Cashew Chicken is a deliciously simple and satisfying meal that brings together tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a medley of colorful veggies, all baked to perfection on a single pan. Coated in a savory, sticky sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is a dream come true for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, flavorful dinner that feels special without the fuss.

The magic of this sheet-pan meal is in its ease and versatility. Toss your chicken, veggies, and cashews with a simple sauce, spread everything out on a pan, and let the oven do the work. Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a colorful, nutrient-packed mix. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving adds a burst of brightness and texture.

I’d love to see your Sheet-Pan Cashew Chicken creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful, nutty, and savory masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any personal tweaks or creative touches that made your sheet-pan meal uniquely yours!