Are you tired of juggling multiple pots and pans on a busy weeknight? Consequently, the thought of a delicious, home-cooked meal often gets replaced by expensive and less healthy takeout. However, what if you could have the best of both worlds? This amazing Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe is the answer to your dinner dilemmas. It delivers all the savory, sweet, and nutty flavors of your favorite Chinese-American dish, but with minimal effort and cleanup. In fact, everything comes together on a single pan, which means you can enjoy a fantastic meal without dreading the pile of dishes afterward. This recipe is designed for real life, providing a wholesome, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to master this simple yet impressive dish. From the essential ingredients that create the signature sauce to pro tips for getting perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables every time, you’ll find it all here. Therefore, get ready to ditch the takeout menus and embrace the magic of a one-pan meal. This Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe is about to become a staple in your dinner rotation, proving that weeknight cooking can be both easy and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Sheet Pan Meal
There are countless reasons why this particular recipe stands out from the rest. First and foremost, its simplicity is unmatched, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. Beyond that, it offers a fantastic combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition.
One-Pan Wonder for Minimal Cleanup
The single greatest advantage of this meal is undeniably the one-pan method. Instead of using a skillet for the chicken, a pot for the sauce, and another pan for the veggies, everything roasts together on one sheet pan. As a result, your active cooking time is reduced, and cleanup becomes an absolute breeze. This makes the recipe an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when time and energy are in short supply.
A Healthier Takeout Alternative
While classic takeout cashew chicken is delicious, it can often be loaded with sodium, sugar, and excess oil. By making it at home, you gain complete control over the ingredients. For instance, you can use low-sodium soy sauce, control the amount of honey or maple syrup, and load it up with fresh, colorful vegetables. Chicken, a key component, is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health, as noted by health authorities like Healthline. This homemade version is a meal you can feel genuinely good about serving.
Packed with Flavor and Texture
This dish is a true celebration of contrasting flavors and textures. You have tender, juicy chicken, crisp-tender bell peppers, and soft onions, all coated in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. Then, the addition of toasted cashews provides a delightful crunch that elevates the entire meal. It’s a well-rounded dish that satisfies every craving, from savory to sweet to crunchy, all in one bite.
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Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe: The 15 Ultimate Steps for the Best Weeknight Meal
An easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken packed with tender roasted chicken, crisp bell peppers, and crunchy cashews tossed in a savory-sweet garlic ginger sauce—all made on one pan for the perfect weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil (divided)
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 cup unsalted cashews
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. In another bowl, toss bell peppers and red onion with 1 tablespoon oil.
4. Spread vegetables on one side of the sheet pan in a single layer.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
6. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
7. Arrange the chicken on the other side of the sheet pan in a single layer.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender-crisp.
9. Remove from oven, drizzle remaining sauce over everything, and sprinkle cashews on top.
10. Toss gently on the pan and return to oven for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the cashews.
11. Remove from oven, garnish if desired, and serve immediately over rice or quinoa.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan—use two pans if doubling the recipe.
Cut chicken and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Essential Ingredients for Your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. The sauce, in particular, is what brings everything together. Here’s a breakdown of what you will need to create this fantastic meal.
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Chicken thighs also work wonderfully if you prefer darker meat.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of colors like red and yellow adds visual appeal and a sweet flavor.
- Red Onion: Provides a savory, slightly sweet base when roasted.
- Unsalted Cashews: The star of the show! Using unsalted cashews allows you to control the final saltiness of the dish.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: For coating the vegetables and preventing sticking.
- Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch: This is the secret to getting a light, crispy coating on the chicken that helps the sauce cling to it.
For the Savory Sauce
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: The savory foundation of the sauce. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way to add a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Minced finely, these aromatics are crucial for building a deep flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who enjoy a little bit of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to bring this delicious meal to life. Following these steps will ensure a perfect outcome every single time. It’s much simpler than you might think!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup. This simple step is a game-changer on busy nights.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Next, in a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with a tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped bell peppers and red onion with a tablespoon of oil. Subsequently, spread the vegetables in an even layer on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and garlic. Continue whisking until the honey is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Pour about half of the prepared sauce over the cornstarch-coated chicken. Afterward, toss gently until every piece is covered in the savory mixture. This ensures the flavor bakes right into the chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Sheet Pan
Arrange the sauce-coated chicken on the other side of the baking sheet next to the vegetables. Make sure everything is in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning. If you enjoy other Asian-inspired meals, you might also love this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe.
Step 6: Roast to Perfection
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the vegetables should be tender-crisp. You can check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F, a temperature recommended by food safety experts at WebMD.
Step 7: Add the Cashews and Final Sauce
Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle the cashews over the top. Toss everything together directly on the pan. Finally, return the pan to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cashews are lightly toasted and fragrant.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the pan from the oven. Garnish your sheet pan cashew chicken with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
Tips for the Perfect Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe
To elevate your dish from good to absolutely great, keep these simple tips in mind. They make a surprising difference in the final result of your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
One of the most important rules of sheet pan cooking is to give your ingredients space. If the pan is too crowded, the ingredients will steam instead of roast, preventing them from getting that desirable browning and caramelization. Consequently, if you are doubling the recipe, it is best to use two separate sheet pans.
Cut Ingredients Uniformly
For even cooking, try to cut your chicken and vegetables into similarly sized pieces. This ensures that the peppers don’t turn to mush while you’re waiting for the chicken to cook through. Generally, 1-inch pieces are a perfect size for this recipe.
Toast the Cashews for Extra Flavor
Adding the cashews at the very end of the cooking process allows them to toast lightly without burning. This step is crucial, as it enhances their nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch that complements the tender chicken and savory sauce beautifully.
Fun Variations and Serving Suggestions
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Protein Swaps and Veggie Add-ins
This recipe works equally well with other proteins. For instance, you could swap the chicken for shrimp (reduce cooking time) or firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or sliced carrots. For another easy and tropical one-pan meal, check out this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe.
Adjusting the Spice Level
You can easily customize the heat level of this dish. For a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes entirely. On the other hand, if you love spice, add a bit of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Serving Ideas
This Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also wonderful served over a base to soak up all the delicious sauce. Classic choices include steamed white or brown rice, but it’s also excellent with quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even soba noodles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe is the ultimate solution for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. By combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce all on one pan, you get a takeout-quality meal without the hassle or expense. The minimal cleanup is an added bonus that makes this dish a true winner. Therefore, the next time you crave something delicious but are short on time, remember this simple yet elegant recipe. It is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. To make this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Also, ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free, as some brands can have cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best results when reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. The cashews may lose some of their crunch, but the dish will still be delicious.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes, while cashews are classic for this dish, you can certainly experiment with other nuts. Peanuts or almonds would also be a great choice, offering a slightly different flavor and texture. Be sure to add them at the end of the cooking time to toast them lightly, just as you would with the cashews.
