Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

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by Lionel Ramon

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There’s something magical about a crispy, golden-brown sheet pan of cashew chicken wafting delightful aromas through your kitchen. The savory scent of soy sauce mingling with the crunch of roasted cashews creates a symphony of flavors that dances in the air, begging you to dive in. Imagine yourself gathering around the table with family or friends, each bite bursting with tender chicken and vibrant veggies—all roasted to perfection.

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Picture this: a hectic weeknight when cooking feels like an Olympic sport. You want something nutritious but also quick and easy. Enter sheet pan cashew chicken, your culinary superhero! This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also takes you back to those cozy family dinners filled with laughter and joy. Spicy buffalo chicken flatbread Mediterranean chicken flatbread Pesto chicken flatbread Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Sheet pan cashew chicken is effortless to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that pleases all palates
  • Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, ensuring it garners attention on any dinner table
  • Versatile enough to customize based on available ingredients, it suits any occasion beautifully

I vividly remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, claiming I could open a restaurant with just this one recipe!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for tenderness, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.

  • Cashews: Opt for lightly salted cashews to add that perfect crunch and enhance the overall flavor.

  • Bell Peppers: Brightly colored bell peppers not only look great but also provide a sweet contrast to the savory sauce.

  • Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds texture; ensure they are cut into small pieces for even roasting.

  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves—nothing beats their aromatic punch compared to powder.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is preferable for better control over saltiness; it works wonders in the marinade.

  • Honey: A touch of honey balances the flavors nicely; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.

  • Ginger: Fresh ginger adds zest; grate it finely or chop it small so its flavor infuses beautifully into the dish.

  • Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances depth of flavor; avoid using too much as it can overpower other ingredients.

  • Pineapple Chunks (optional): For an extra tropical twist, toss in some pineapple chunks during baking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray for easier cleanup.

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Honey BBQ chicken tacos Add cubed chicken breasts and toss until coated. Let marinate while you chop veggies.

Add Vegetables: Chop bell peppers and broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Toss them onto the prepared sheet pan alongside marinated chicken for colorful presentation.

Toss in Cashews: Sprinkle cashews over the top of your chicken and vegetable mixture on the sheet pan. Their crunch will be heavenly once roasted!

Bake Away! Place your sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender yet crisp.

Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let everything cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired—dig in while it’s hot!

You’ll soon find that this easy sheet pan cashew chicken captivates your taste buds while keeping preparation simple—a win-win! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken Ramen recipe.

You Must Know

  • Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken brings a delightful crunch with tender chicken and cashews
  • The vibrant colors and aromatic spices make it a feast for the eyes and palate alike
  • Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’ll save you time on cleanup!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F while chopping veggies. Next, mix the chicken with marinade before spreading everything on the sheet pan for even cooking.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cashews for peanuts or add bell peppers for extra color. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for that added crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, maintaining that delicious texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight
  • Make sure to cut your veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking
  • Don’t skip the cashews; they add a delightful crunch!

Cooking this dish reminds me of that time my friends gathered around my kitchen, eagerly awaiting their first bite. Their smiles said it all—it’s comforting, delicious, and always a hit!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken?

Yes, thaw it completely before marinating for optimal flavor absorption.

What vegetables pair well with this recipe?

Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas complement the dish nicely.

How long does Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Delicious Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in the flavors of Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, where tender chicken meets crunchy cashews and vibrant vegetables, all roasted to perfection. This easy weeknight meal is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful symphony of savory and sweet notes that will have your family gathering around the table for seconds. With minimal cleanup required, you’ll enjoy every bite without the stress.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cubed
  • 1 cup lightly salted cashews
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add cubed chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Chop bell peppers and broccoli into bite-sized pieces; add to the sheet pan along with marinated chicken.
  4. Sprinkle cashews over the top of the mixture.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender-crisp.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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