Last Updated on February 9, 2026 by recipeinspire
7 Steps to the Best Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe
Are you craving a quick dinner fix? Have you ever wondered how you can whip up a delicious, wholesome meal in just 30 minutes? Enter the Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe—a delightful dish that combines convenience and bold flavors without sacrificing nutrition. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also promises to have your family coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List

To create this mouthwatering Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs): Boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
- Cashews (1 cup): Roasted and unsalted for that crunchy texture.
- Bell Peppers (2, assorted colors): Red, yellow, or green—choose your favorites for color and flavor.
- Broccoli (2 cups): Fresh or frozen works fine; it adds a lovely crunch.
- Soy Sauce (¼ cup): For that umami punch.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and zesty.
- Ginger (1 inch, grated): Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Helps with roasting and adds flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings.
Substitutions: If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use any nuts you prefer if cashews aren’t available.
Timing
This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe is designed to save you time:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average dinner preparation.
Imagine coming home, and within half an hour, you have a flavorful dinner on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your dish cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, chop your bell peppers and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. This will help with even cooking!
Step 4: Assemble on the Sheet Pan
Spread the marinated chicken evenly on a large sheet pan. Scatter the bell peppers, broccoli, and cashews around the chicken, making sure everything is in a single layer.
Step 5: Bake
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden hue. You can stir halfway through for even cooking.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Flavor (Optional)
For a finishing touch, turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the cashews and give the chicken a nice caramelization.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then serve directly from the sheet pan! This is not only easy but encourages a relaxed family meal.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately four people. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional benefits per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
With a balanced macronutrient profile, this dish serves as a hearty option for dinner without compromising on your health goals.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to enhance the health benefits of your Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe? Here are some modifications:
- Use Skinless Chicken Thighs: For added flavor without too much fat.
- Substitute Quinoa for Rice: A nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that provides more protein and fiber.
- Add More Vegetables: Consider adding carrots, snap peas, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa: The ideal base to soak up the savory sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped cilantro or green onions for freshness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice elevates the flavors wonderfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best recipes can go astray. Here’s what to look out for:
- Overcrowding the Pan: Ensure the chicken and vegetables are spread out for even roasting.
- Skipping the Marinade: Don’t skip the marinating step; it infuses flavor and juiciness into the chicken.
- Underestimating Cooking Time: Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and marinate chicken ahead of time to streamline dinner on busy nights.
Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a quick, flavorful, one-pan meal with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and roasted cashews, all coated in a savory-sweet Asian-inspired sauce. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces, broccoli, and bell pepper to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle cashews over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Remove from oven and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
You can swap broccoli and bell pepper for other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. For extra sauce, drizzle additional soy-honey mixture over the cooked chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Chicken
- Method: Sheet Pan / Bake
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cashew chicken, sheet pan chicken, easy chicken dinner, one-pan meal
Conclusion
The Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe is undeniably a weeknight winner. By following these seven straightforward steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that delights the whole family. Why wait? Try it tonight, and let us know how you enjoyed it!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just ensure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen chicken may require more time to cook thoroughly.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
You can prepare everything ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes for a hassle-free weeknight dinner!
What should I do if I don’t have cashews?
Feel free to substitute with almonds or peanuts for a different texture and flavor.
Get ready to indulge in this simple yet savory dish, and don’t hesitate to share your feedback! Happy cooking!







