If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner that can be prepped in no time, this sheet pan cashew chicken is exactly what you need. With tender chicken, sweet and savory marinades, fresh vegetables, and crunchy cashews, this one-pan meal is packed with flavor and super easy to clean up. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s great about this sheet pan cashew chicken is how easy it is to make without compromising on flavor. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the vegetables roast perfectly alongside it, soaking up all the delicious marinade. The addition of cashews at the end adds a satisfying crunch and nuttiness that completes the dish. Plus, everything is made on one pan, making clean-up a breeze. It’s a meal that’s not only quick but also packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, diced
1 cup unsalted cashews

For the Marinade:

1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

(Tip: You can find a list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is hot enough to roast the chicken and veggies to perfection.
Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. This will create a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory marinade that infuses the chicken and vegetables with tons of flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade and make sure each piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken sit and marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, you can let it marinate longer for an even richer flavor.
Prepare the Sheet Pan
While the chicken is marinating, grab a large sheet pan. Spread the marinated chicken, chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and diced red onion evenly on the sheet pan. Make sure everything is spread in a single layer for even cooking.
Add Seasoning
Drizzle any leftover marinade over the chicken and vegetables. Then, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Bake the Chicken
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take the sheet pan out and give everything a gentle stir to ensure even cooking.
Add the Cashews
Once the chicken and vegetables are mostly cooked, sprinkle the unsalted cashews over the top. Then, return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cashews are slightly toasted. This will add a nice crunch to the dish.
Garnish and Serve
After baking, remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. The cilantro will add a fresh flavor to balance out the richness of the chicken and cashews. Serve the chicken and vegetables over rice or noodles, and enjoy a wholesome, easy meal!

Variations

Add More Vegetables: If you want to add more color and nutrition, feel free to add extra vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. These will roast nicely alongside the chicken and add some variety to your dish.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat, or drizzle some sriracha on top before serving.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Heating/Storage

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you have rice or noodles with the dish, you can also reheat them separately and serve together.

10 FAQ

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it first before marinating and cooking for best results.

2. Can I substitute the cashews with another nut?
Yes, almonds or peanuts can be a good substitute if you prefer or if you have allergies to cashews.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C).

5. Can I use different vegetables in this dish?
Definitely! You can add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus based on what you have available.

6. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

7. How do I make this dish spicier?
You can add chili flakes to the marinade or drizzle some hot sauce like sriracha before serving.

8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker, but you may want to add the cashews toward the end so they don’t get too soft.

9. Can I use a different type of nut butter in the marinade?
Yes, almond butter or peanut butter can also work in place of sesame oil for a different flavor.

10. What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and crunchy cashews. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. The combination of savory and sweet flavors, along with the simple preparation, makes this recipe a must-try. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make your own variations, it’s sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. Enjoy