Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe moment those crisp veggies and tender chicken hit the oven, the comforting aroma of my Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken fills the kitchen, making it clear that a delicious dinner is on its way. This dish is one of my go-to weeknight solutions, combining succulent chicken with crunchy cashews and a rainbow of roasted vegetables—all in one pan! Not only does it simplify cleanup, but it’s also ready in about an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings. Plus, with options to swap chicken for tofu and gluten-free alternatives for soy sauce, you can easily cater to different dietary needs. Are you ready to whip up this flavorful feast and impress your family at dinner tonight? Why is Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken the Best? Convenience at Its Finest: This dish allows you to throw everything on a single pan, meaning less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory marinade mingles beautifully with the cashews and vegetables, creating a taste sensation that’s sure to satisfy any palate. Quick Preparation: Ready in just about an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something homemade yet effortless. Versatile Options: Easily swap chicken for tofu or create a gluten-free version with tamari. Customize it by adding your favorite seasonal veggies too! Family-Friendly Appeal: With its colorful presentation and delicious flavors, this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Pair it with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal, and don’t forget to check out my One Pan Chicken for another easy dinner idea! Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – A lean protein option that stays juicy; feel free to use chicken thighs for more flavor! • Soy Sauce – Adds a savory umami depth; switch to tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a low-sodium option. For the Veggies • Bell Peppers (Red and Green) – Brings vibrancy and sweetness to the dish; any color will do, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick! • Garlic – Provides aromatic flavor; minced fresh garlic adds the best punch. • Ginger – Enhances the dish with its warm, spicy notes; use freshly minced for maximum impact. For the Crunch • Unsalted Cashews – Imparts a delightful crunch; almonds or peanuts can be tasty substitutes if needed. For the Sauce • Honey – Balances the flavors with natural sweetness; swap for agave or maple syrup for a vegan alternative. • Rice Vinegar – Brightens the overall flavor; lemon juice can work in a pinch. • Sesame Oil – Infuses richness; it’s a key ingredient that makes this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken special. For the Garnish • Fresh Cilantro – Adds a burst of freshness; feel free to use green onions or parsley as alternatives if desired. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the deliciousness of this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, making it a family favorite weeknight dinner option! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to roast the ingredients perfectly. While the oven warms up, grab a large baking sheet to prepare for the delicious Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken that awaits. Step 2: Prepare the Marinade In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. This flavorful marinade will coat the chicken and veggies. Allow the aroma to inspire you as the ingredients combine, creating a savory-sweet base for your dish. Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Add the boneless, skinless chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing them gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in. If you’re short on time, even a brief marination will add great taste! Step 4: Prepare the Veggies While the chicken marinates, chop the bell peppers and any other desired vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Their vibrant colors will complement the dish. Scatter the chopped vegetables onto the sheet pan, creating a colorful base for your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken. Step 5: Arrange on the Sheet Pan Once the chicken has marinated, pour the pieces along with any remaining marinade onto the sheet pan. Arrange the chicken and vegetables in a single layer to ensure even roasting. The beautiful mixture of colors and aromas will set the stage for a hearty meal. Step 6: Bake the Dish Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the pan and gently stir the chicken and vegetables to promote even cooking. This crucial step ensures everything is perfectly roasted and infused with flavor. Step 7: Add the Cashews After stirring, sprinkle the unsalted cashews over the top of the chicken and veggies. Return the sheet pan to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight caramelization. The cashews will roast beautifully, adding crunch. Step 8: Garnish and Serve Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven, and garnish your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot over a bed of rice or noodles, allowing the flavorful juices to soak in. Get ready to savor this delightful, family-friendly meal! How to Store and Freeze Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures the flavors remain intact while keeping the dish fresh. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken in individual portions. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn; it will maintain its best quality for about 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or in the microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dish ahead by marinating the chicken and chopping the veggies a day before. Just remember to refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven! What to Serve with Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken The vibrant colors and delightful aroma of your sheet pan meal deserve companions that enhance the experience of dining together. Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The light, aromatic rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully, offering a creamy contrast to the crisp veggies and chicken. Steamed Broccoli: Tender yet crunchy, this green addition balances out the rich flavors and adds a healthy touch, making it a nutritious ensemble. Simple Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crisp, this salad provides a cool contrast that complements the warm, savory elements of the sheet pan chicken perfectly. Sesame Noodles: Tossed in a light dressing, these noodles offer a sweet and tangy route for your taste buds, mirroring the dish without overshadowing it. Pairing a drink can elevate the meal experience. A lightly chilled Sauvignon Blanc can enhance the complexity of the flavors while adding a zesty freshness. Finish your feast with a light Mango Sorbet for a refreshing, sweet end. It’s the perfect way to cleanse your palate after the richness of the chicken! Make Ahead Options These Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken meals are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, simply prepare the marinade and coat the chicken, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, chop your bell peppers and any other vegetables you’ll be using, and keep them in a separate container. This makes it easy to assemble and cook on busy weeknights! When you’re ready to serve, just preheat the oven, arrange everything on a sheet pan, and bake as per the instructions for a delicious, worry-free dinner that tastes just as fresh. Expert Tips for Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Single Layer Baking: Ensure all ingredients are arranged in a single layer on the sheet pan to promote even roasting and to achieve that perfect caramelization. Marinate Ahead: To save time on busy nights, marinate the chicken and chop your vegetables the day before. This intensifies the flavors and makes dinner preparation a breeze! Ingredient Swap: Don’t hesitate to customize your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken with seasonal veggies or different nuts. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting each time you make it. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), preventing any guesswork. Moisture Maintenance: When reheating leftovers, splash a bit of broth or water to keep the chicken from drying out, ensuring your meal is just as tasty as the first time you served it. Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Variations Get ready to customize your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken into something uniquely yours, tailored to your family’s tastes! Tofu Swap: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu for a delightful vegetarian twist. Marinate and bake just like the chicken for similar results. Nutty Alternatives: Substitute cashews with almonds, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds to mix up the crunch factor. Each nut brings a different flavor, inviting delightful surprises. Veggie Medley: Use seasonal veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas for a refreshing change. Combining various vegetables keeps the dish vibrant and nutritious. Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. These alternatives offer that same umami flavor without the gluten. Sweet and Spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick of heat. This spicy element brings a thrilling contrast to the sweetness. Citrus Twist: Incorporate a splash of orange juice or zest into the marinade for a bright citrusy note. It adds freshness and an unexpected zing to every bite. Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint along with cilantro for an aromatic lift. Their fragrant notes take your dish to the next level. The beauty of this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is that it’s versatile! For additional inspiration, explore more easy recipes like my Oven Baked Chicken or try the soothing flavors of White Chicken Chili Corn Chowder as another family-friendly option! Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe FAQs What kind of chicken should I use for the Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken? I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, but chicken thighs can add a richer flavor. For a vegetarian version, tofu is an excellent substitute—just make sure to press and cube it before marinating to maximize flavor absorption. How should I store leftovers from the Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can make things soggy. Can I freeze the Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken? Absolutely! To freeze, portion the leftovers into individual containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This prevents freezer burn. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months. For reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. Then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or use the microwave with a splash of broth to retain moisture. What can I do if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly? To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, always arrange your ingredients in a single layer on the sheet pan, avoiding overcrowding. If you find the edges are cooking faster than the center, rotate the pan midway through baking or check doneness with a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? If you have allergies, note that this recipe features nuts—cashews can be replaced with sunflower seeds or omitted altogether for a nut-free version. For gluten-free diets, make sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Always check labels on pre-made sauces or ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. What are good vegetable alternatives for this recipe? You can diversify the veggie choices! Consider adding zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for different textures and flavors. Keeping a variety of colors and types not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the nutritional profile of your meal, making it even more delicious and wholesome. Savor This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Tonight! This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken combines succulent chicken with crunchy cashews and a rainbow of roasted vegetables, making for a delicious dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsMarination Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AsianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Feel free to use chicken thighs for more flavor1/4 cup Soy Sauce Switch to tamari for gluten-freeFor the Veggies2 Bell Peppers (Red and Green) Any color will do, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick3 cloves Garlic Minced fresh garlic adds the best punch1 tbsp Ginger Use freshly minced for maximum impactFor the Crunch1 cup Unsalted Cashews Almonds or peanuts can be tasty substitutesFor the Sauce2 tbsp Honey Swap for agave or maple syrup for a vegan alternative1 tbsp Rice Vinegar Lemon juice can work in a pinch1 tbsp Sesame Oil A key ingredient that makes this dish specialFor the Garnish1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Feel free to use green onions or parsley as alternatives Equipment OvenLarge Baking SheetMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Sheet Pan Cashew ChickenPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking sheet.In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger.Add the boneless, skinless chicken pieces to the marinade and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.Chop the bell peppers and scatter them onto the sheet pan.Pour the marinated chicken and any remaining marinade onto the sheet pan in a single layer.Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring at the halfway mark.Sprinkle the unsalted cashews over the chicken and veggies and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over a bed of rice or noodles. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 100mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesYou can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and enjoy with your favorite seasonal vegetables. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
