Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a quick, colorful, and utterly crowd-pleasing dinner, Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Packed with juicy chicken, nutty cashews, and a rainbow of crisp veggies all tied together with a punchy, homemade sauce, this one-pan wonder gets dinner on the table with minimal fuss and zero compromise on flavor. You’ll love how every bite balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes, and cleanup is a breeze. Once you taste it, you’ll find yourself craving Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken comes from a handful of simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each piece not only adds its own unique flavor and texture but also guarantees a pretty, satisfying dish even on your busiest evenings.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide lean protein and become wonderfully juicy when roasted.
• Raw whole cashews: Toasted first for extra crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that really makes this dish sing.
• Red bell peppers: They add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a subtle crunch to every bite.
• Broccoli florets: Roasted until just tender for a fresh, green boost and satisfying texture.
• Chopped green onions: A bright, peppery garnish that brings freshness right at the finish line.
• Liquid aminos or soy sauce: The base of the sauce, lending salty, savory depth.
• Rice wine vinegar: For a splash of gentle acidity that transforms the sauce into something zippy.
• Sesame oil: Toasty, nutty, and completely essential for that unmistakable flavor.
• Honey: Just a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory and tangy elements.
• Fresh garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic punch that buzzes throughout the entire dish.

How to Make Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Step 1: Toast Those Cashews

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the raw cashews onto your sheet pan and toast them for about 5 minutes. This quick step develops their deep, golden crunch and irresistible aroma, so don’t skip it! Remove the pan from the oven, scoop the cashews off, and set them aside for later.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine liquid aminos (or soy sauce), rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk it all together until fully blended into a glossy, fragrant sauce. This mixture is the soulful heart of Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, infusing every piece with punchy flavor.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken and Veggies

Next, toss your diced chicken, broccoli florets, and diced red bell peppers onto the same empty sheet pan, and spread everything out in an even layer. Pour about three-quarters of the sauce over the top, and use tongs (or clean hands) to give everything a good mix, making sure the sauce coats every piece.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the loaded tray into the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Give everything a toss with tongs so nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly. Then, let it roast for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are slightly caramelized around the edges.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle over the reserved sauce, scatter your golden toasted cashews back onto the pan, and give one last gentle toss. Just before serving, sprinkle everything with chopped green onions for a punch of fresh color and bite. That final flourish is what makes Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken pop!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Garnishes

For a touch of vibrant contrast and a bit of zip, toss a generous handful of chopped green onions over the finished dish just before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a hit of fresh cilantro also works wonders for both flavor and looks.

Side Dishes

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is delicious all by itself, but it’s outstanding served over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For extra color, try pairing it with a quick Asian cucumber salad or roasted sweet potatoes for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn leftovers into tomorrow’s lunch by tucking the veggies and chicken into lettuce cups with an extra drizzle of sauce. For party appetizers, serve the cashew chicken in small Asian takeout boxes with chopsticks. You can even chop everything smaller and stuff it into wraps or pita pockets for a handheld treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even deeper overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, place the chicken and veggies (minus the garnishes) in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. The cashews will soften a bit, but the dish will still be tasty after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, which helps keep the veggies and cashews from getting soggy. The microwave also works for convenience—just be sure to cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a little extra richness and juiciness. Just dice them up as you would the breasts and follow the same instructions—your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken will turn out perfectly.

What can I substitute for honey in the sauce?

If you need a vegan or alternative sweetener, agave syrup or maple syrup does the trick nicely. You’ll still get that delicate hint of sweetness that balances the whole dish.

Is the sauce gluten-free?

If you use liquid aminos or a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, the entire Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe is gluten-free—great news for anyone cooking for dietary needs!

Can I add or swap out the vegetables?

Definitely! Try snow peas, sugar snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. This dish is endlessly customizable, so whatever crisp vegetables you have on hand can happily join the pan.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No marinating needed! The sauce packs a punch of flavor as it bakes onto the chicken and veggies, powering through with every bite—perfect for nights when you need dinner fast.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free, full-flavor meal that delights everyone at the table, this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is that recipe. With its bold colors, balanced flavors, and effortless cleanup, it’s destined to become your go-to dinner. Give it a try this week and enjoy a plate of pure comfort and joy!

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