This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and crunchy cashews creates a colorful and satisfying dish. It’s so easy to make, and it comes together quickly in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
With its Asian-inspired flavors and simple ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. The soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and freshness. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, and you can even prep it in advance for a quick and stress-free meal.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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1/2 cup cashews, chopped
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1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 cup broccoli florets
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
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In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
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Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes.
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Place the marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out evenly.
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Arrange the bell peppers and broccoli around the chicken on the baking sheet.
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Roast the chicken and vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
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In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle chopped cashews over the chicken and vegetables.
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Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving a healthy, flavorful meal without the hassle of complicated preparation. This dish is made with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crunchy cashews, all roasted together on a single sheet pan. Not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but the combination of ingredients also creates a balanced, delicious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.
This recipe is simple to prepare, making it ideal for anyone who needs a quick dinner without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this dish can easily be scaled to fit your needs. The flavors are bold and savory, with a subtle sweetness from the honey and a touch of warmth from the ginger, making it a meal that will appeal to a variety of tastes.
Benefits of Sheet Pan Cooking
One of the main benefits of this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe is the convenience of sheet pan cooking. By using just one pan, you cut down on both preparation time and cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those who are short on time or looking for a stress-free cooking experience. The simplicity of using a sheet pan means you can easily prepare other sides, or even dessert, while your main dish cooks in the oven.
Additionally, cooking everything together on the same sheet pan helps to meld the flavors of the ingredients, creating a harmonious dish. As the chicken roasts alongside the vegetables and cashews, it absorbs all the flavorful juices, resulting in a meal that’s both easy and full of flavor. This cooking method also allows for the vegetables to caramelize and soften, which enhances their natural sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Cashew Chicken
Cashew Chicken, in particular, is a great option for those looking for a well-rounded, nutrient-packed meal. The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health. Cashews, on the other hand, are an excellent source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, which supports heart health, and copper, which aids in the production of red blood cells.
The addition of vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli brings in essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, and provides fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. The dish is also lower in carbohydrates compared to many other weeknight dinner options, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, including those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
Tips for Making Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
To make the most of this recipe, here are a few tips to ensure that your Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken turns out perfectly every time:
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Marinate the Chicken: Although the recipe calls for a simple marinade of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, letting the chicken marinate for a longer time will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more flavorful. If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
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Use High-Quality Cashews: Since cashews are one of the main ingredients in this dish, it’s worth using high-quality, unsalted cashews. Roasting them towards the end of the cooking process gives them the perfect crunch and keeps them from getting overly soft.
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Customize Your Vegetables: While bell peppers and broccoli work wonderfully in this recipe, feel free to customize the veggies based on your preferences or what you have available. Zucchini, carrots, or snap peas are also great choices that would add different textures and flavors to the dish.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure that the chicken and vegetables are spread out evenly on the sheet pan. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which can result in soggy vegetables and chicken. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure even cooking.
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Check for Doneness: Always check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. This guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and remains tender and juicy.
Variations of Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
Although the original recipe is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to give this dish your own personal twist. Here are a few variations to consider:
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Spicy Cashew Chicken: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade. This will give your dish an extra kick while complementing the sweetness of the honey.
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Coconut Cashew Chicken: For a tropical flavor, try adding a tablespoon of coconut milk or toasted coconut flakes to the marinade. This adds a rich, creamy element to the dish that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
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Vegetarian Version: You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by swapping the chicken for tofu or tempeh. These plant-based proteins will absorb the marinade flavors just as well as chicken and provide a similar texture.
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Add a Carbohydrate: If you want to make this dish heartier, serve it with a side of rice or quinoa. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce from the chicken, adding a satisfying carbohydrate to the meal.
How to Serve Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
Once your Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is ready, it can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences. For a light, low-carb meal, serve the chicken and vegetables on their own. If you prefer something more filling, pair it with a serving of steamed rice or a refreshing salad.
If you’re planning to serve it as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with other simple dishes like a cucumber salad, sautéed greens, or even a side of roasted sweet potatoes. The versatility of this dish makes it easy to integrate into a variety of meal plans and occasions.
Conclusion
Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a quick, delicious, and nutritious option for busy nights when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and crunchy cashews is not only flavorful but also provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or even spice it up if you prefer a little heat.
With its one-pan cooking method, this recipe simplifies meal prep and cleanup, making it a go-to for any home cook looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your needs and is sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight for a stress-free meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor!