Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Delight

Published:

by Priscilla

Leave a Comment

The aroma of tender chicken roasting in the oven, mingling with the nutty crunch of cashews, is like a warm hug for your senses. Imagine biting into succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, while crunchy cashews add that delightful texture that makes every bite an adventure. This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience you won’t want to miss.

Jump to:

Now, picture this: you come home after a long day, exhausted and craving something delicious but dread the thought of complicated cooking. Fear not! This dish is as easy as sliding into your favorite pair of sweatpants—comforting and satisfying. Trust me, once you whip this up for dinner, it’ll become your go-to recipe for busy weeknights or even when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Ingredients for Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

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

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
  • Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers adds color and sweetness to the dish.
  • Cashews: Opt for unsalted cashews for that perfect nutty crunch without overwhelming saltiness.
  • Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors beautifully.

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
  • Sesame Oil: A splash will give your dish that authentic Asian flair.
  • Ginger Powder: For an extra layer of warmth and spice in every bite.

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

Recipe preparation

How to Make Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large sheet pan and line it with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger powder. Make sure each piece is well-coated—you want them swimming in flavor!

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

Slice those vibrant bell peppers into strips (don’t worry if they’re not perfect; we’re going for rustic here). Toss them onto the prepared sheet pan next to your chicken.

Step 4: Add Cashews

Sprinkle those crunchy cashews over everything. They’ll roast beautifully while soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Bake It All Together

Pop that glorious sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once done baking, take it out carefully—because hot! Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan for that perfect finishing touch.

And there you have it! Your Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is ready to impress both family and friends alike! Enjoy the crunchiness of cashews combined with tender chicken bursting with flavor—it’s like having a party in your mouth!

You Must Know

  • This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then toss in your veggies while preparing the cashew sauce. Finally, bring everything together on a sheet pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. Spice it up with some chili flakes or a drizzle of honey for a sweet kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that your cashew chicken stays tender and flavorful.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste; stale spices can dull your dish.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—give each piece room to breathe and brown beautifully.
  • Lastly, let your dish rest before serving; this enhances flavors and juiciness!

Cooking this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken brings back memories of my family gathering around the table, everyone fighting over who gets to take home the leftovers!

FAQs:

What is Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken?

Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This recipe also features crunchy cashews and colorful vegetables, all roasted together on a single sheet pan. The result is a satisfying meal that cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

How long does it take to make Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken?

Preparing Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can have this delightful dish ready in under an hour. This makes it an excellent option for those who want a quick and nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Can I customize the vegetables in Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken?

Yes! You can easily customize the vegetables in Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Popular choices include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Feel free to add any seasonal veggies or your favorites to enhance flavor and nutrition while keeping the cooking method the same.

Is Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is ideal for meal prep. You can prepare this dish in advance and store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy a quick and tasty meal throughout the week.

Conclusion for Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken:

In summary, Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a quick and flavorful option for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and one-pan convenience, you can enjoy a nourishing meal featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables. Customizable and perfect for meal prep, this dish makes healthy eating enjoyable and effortless. Try this recipe today for a delightful culinary experience!

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

📖 Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a delightful one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a savory-sweet marinade. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss, this dish brings together rich flavors and textures for a satisfying dining experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red and green), sliced
  • 1 cup unsalted cashews
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ginger powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger powder until well-coated.
  3. Arrange the seasoned chicken on the sheet pan and add the sliced bell peppers around it.
  4. Sprinkle cashews over the chicken and veggies.
  5. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
  6. Serve hot, drizzling any remaining sauce from the pan over the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with veggies (approximately 250g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star