Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

After a long day of work, school runs, and general life chaos, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe.

That’s why a meal like Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a game-changer. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and cooked on a single sheet pan.

With minimal prep and basic ingredients, you’ll have a balanced, flavorful dinner on the table in no time. Your whole family will love it.

This recipe checks all the boxes. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this dish is practically foolproof. It delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

If you’re constantly searching for quick easy dinners for family healthy, this recipe was made for you.

It’s packed with lean protein, crisp veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce that ties everything together. Plus, it’s one of the easiest easy family sheet pan meals you’ll ever make.

Because everything cooks on one pan, cleanup is fast. That means you can spend less time in the kitchen—and more time relaxing with your family.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

There’s a reason this dish is becoming a favorite among home cooks everywhere. For starters, it’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand while keeping the bold Asian-inspired flavors intact. The savory soy-hoisin sauce balances perfectly with a hint of sweetness from honey, while toasted cashews add a satisfying crunch to every bite. Unlike takeout, this homemade version is lighter, fresher, and more affordable. Plus, by cooking everything on one sheet pan, you save yourself the trouble of juggling multiple pots and pans. The result is a stress-free, wholesome dinner that can easily be doubled to feed a crowd or provide leftovers for the next day.

Perfect for those looking to expand their collection of one pan quick dinner options, this recipe is a weeknight hero. It’s also a great entry point into Asian-inspired cuisine, offering big flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With a satisfying mix of protein, veggies, and crunch, this meal manages to be both nourishing and indulgent at once.

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Ingredients for Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

To make this meal both delicious and well-balanced, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas or snow peas
• 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated or minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• Optional: sesame seeds, lime wedges, steamed rice or cauliflower rice for serving

These ingredients are widely available and can be easily customized depending on what’s in season or what you have at home. Using chicken breasts keeps the meal lean, while the combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy cashews ensures a variety of textures in every bite. If you’re craving a little spice, a pinch of red chili flakes can be added to the sauce as well.

How to Make Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. This step is important because it not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up as fast as cooking.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. In another small dish, stir the cornstarch into cold water until fully dissolved, then add this slurry to your sauce mixture. This helps create that slightly sticky coating that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables once baked.

In a large mixing bowl, toss your diced chicken with half of the prepared sauce. Place the coated chicken pieces on one side of the baking sheet. Then, on the other half of the sheet pan, arrange the broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the vegetables and toss them lightly to ensure even distribution.

Sprinkle the cashews evenly across the entire sheet pan and give everything a light seasoning with salt and pepper. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping or stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender-crisp, remove the pan from the oven. Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds if you like, then serve hot over your choice of steamed rice or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, you don’t need any special tools—just a few kitchen basics:

• Large sheet pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk or fork for mixing sauces
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Parchment paper or foil
• Spatula or tongs for flipping mid-cook

Having these tools on hand will streamline your process and help ensure your food cooks evenly and efficiently.

Tips for the Best Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

To elevate this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe, here are a few extra tips:

First, don’t skip tossing the vegetables and chicken halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and helps the sauce cling better to the ingredients. Additionally, make sure not to overcrowd the sheet pan. When too much food is crammed onto a single tray, it steams rather than roasts, which can leave you with soggy vegetables and pale chicken. If necessary, use two pans and rotate them during cooking.

Another key point is to toast your cashews beforehand if you want even more flavor. While the oven will roast them during the cook time, starting with pre-toasted cashews brings out their natural oils and enhances their crunch. Finally, garnish with green onions right before serving to retain their fresh bite and add a pop of color to the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is beginner-friendly, a few common pitfalls can affect your results. One of the most frequent mistakes is using too much sauce, which can drown the ingredients and lead to soggy textures. Always measure carefully and avoid adding extra liquids unless you’re scaling the recipe.

Another issue is not drying your vegetables after washing them. Excess moisture prevents proper roasting and can result in mushy veggies. Pat them dry thoroughly before adding them to the pan. Lastly, avoid cutting the chicken into uneven pieces, as smaller chunks will overcook before the larger ones are done, leading to tough, dry bites.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Although this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken looks stunning straight from the oven, a little attention to presentation can elevate it even more. Try serving the chicken and veggies over fluffy jasmine rice, drizzled with any leftover pan juices and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. For a lighter option, serve it in lettuce wraps with a drizzle of soy sauce or sriracha.

If you’re preparing for guests or a special occasion, portion the chicken and vegetables into individual bowls and serve with a wedge of lime for brightness. Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or chopped peanuts for extra texture and heat. Want another dish that’s equally family-friendly? Try Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice—it’s a hit with all ages and just as easy to prepare.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers from this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe are excellent for lunch the next day. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on high for 1–2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.

If you plan to freeze the meal, allow it to cool completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers. While the chicken and sauce freeze well, keep in mind that vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli may become softer after thawing. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave for best results.

What to Serve With Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

While this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes. For example, steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice. If you’re seeking something lighter, opt for cauliflower rice or even soba noodles tossed in sesame oil.

A crisp side salad with Asian-inspired dressing or some stir-fried bok choy can balance out the meal beautifully. For even more inspiration, pair this recipe with a vibrant bowl of Summer Vegetable Stew or a helping of French Fry Casserole for a fun fusion dinner night.

Variations and Add-Ins

This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is easily customizable based on your preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use the same marinade. Want more vegetables? Add mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for added variety.

You can also swap out cashews for other nuts like almonds or peanuts, depending on what you have available. Want more kick? Stir in some chili garlic paste or add finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat. The possibilities are endless, making it one of those veggie family meals you’ll revisit often.

Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving in terms of cook time, making them an excellent alternative. Should I thaw frozen veggies first? Yes, always thaw and pat dry frozen vegetables to prevent excess moisture. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the sauce and chop all ingredients up to a day in advance. How do I know the chicken is cooked through? It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and appear white and firm when sliced.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In conclusion, this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is everything a great weeknight dinner should be—simple, flavorful, and stress-free. With vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a mouthwatering sauce, it delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite takeout in a healthier, homemade form. Plus, the sheet pan method saves both time and dishes, making it ideal for busy families and meal-preppers alike.

Don’t forget to share this Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken with friends and family who could use a new staple in their dinner rotation. And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the blog for more delicious, fast, and healthy meals your whole household will love. Looking for something new next time? You might also love our cheesy Dorito Meatloaf Casserole—another easy dinner that’s packed with flavor.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

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