There’s something truly magical about sheet pan meals, isn’t there? They’re like a hug in a dish, combining everything you love into one convenient place. My Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a go-to for those busy weeknights when I just can’t bear the thought of spending hours in the kitchen. Picture this: tossing tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant veggies onto a pan, then letting the oven do all the work while we unwind as a family. I still remember the first time I made this dish—my kids devoured it and asked for seconds! It was a win-win, and now it’s become a staple in our home. Trust me, you’re going to love the ease and flavor of this recipe!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken. It’s super simple, so let’s dive right in:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cashews, roasted and unsalted for that perfect crunch
- 2 cups mixed vegetables: I love using broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, but feel free to get creative!
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce for that delicious savory flavor
- 2 tablespoons honey to add a touch of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep everything nice and moist
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for an aromatic kick
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder to enhance that Asian flair
- Salt and pepper to taste, because we all love a little seasoning!
These ingredients come together beautifully, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy this dish is to make!
How to Prepare Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
Getting my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken ready is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share how easy it is! Just follow these steps:
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important to ensure that everything cooks evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the diced chicken, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated—this is where the flavor magic begins!
- Next, add the mixed vegetables and cashews into the bowl. Give it another good toss until everything is well combined. You want those vibrant veggies and crunchy cashews to be spread throughout!
- Now, take a sheet pan and spread the mixture evenly across it. Try to keep the chicken in a single layer for even cooking. Nobody likes a soggy chicken piece!
- Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the veggies are tender. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Once it’s cooked, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!
Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
- Minimal cleanup—just one pan to wash!
- Deliciously balanced flavors from the savory soy sauce and sweet honey
- Nutritious veggies and protein-packed chicken all in one meal
- Customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables for variety
- Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy
This Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is a delightful mix of convenience and flavor that you’ll want to make again and again!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, if you have a little extra time, try marinating the chicken in the soy sauce, honey, and spices for about 30 minutes before cooking. This lets the flavors soak in deeply, making each bite even more delicious!
Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Snap peas, zucchini, or even asparagus can add a nice twist and burst of color. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
And here’s a little secret: if you like it spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix before baking for a kick! Trust me, these small adjustments can take your dish from good to absolutely fantastic!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, you’ve got plenty of options! For vegetables, consider swapping in snap peas, zucchini, or even baby corn for a fun twist. You can also add some sliced bell peppers in different colors to brighten things up!
Feeling adventurous? Try tossing in some curry powder or sesame oil for a different flavor profile. A handful of fresh cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top just before serving adds a pop of freshness. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken are just as delightful the next day! To store, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. I usually use glass containers since they keep the food fresh and are microwave-safe. Make sure to seal it tightly; you don’t want any of those delicious flavors escaping!
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or if you prefer, spread it back out on a sheet pan and warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, it gets that lovely crispiness back while heating through. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Enjoy every flavorful bite again!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, you can feel good about what’s on your plate! Each serving is approximately 400 calories, with 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get about 5g of fiber and 10g of sugar, making it a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’re a great guide for your meal planning!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken? No worries, I’ve got answers!
Can I use frozen vegetables? Absolutely! Frozen veggies work great here—just toss them in straight from the freezer. They might release a bit more moisture, so keep an eye on your baking time to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How can I make it spicier? If you love a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to your chicken mix before baking. You can even toss in sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I prep this ahead of time? Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies a day ahead. Just store everything in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’ll be a breeze to pull together!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, the sides can really elevate the meal! I love serving it over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice—it’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try pairing it with some stir-fried noodles for a satisfying twist. And don’t forget a fresh side salad! A simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that complements the savory chicken beautifully. Trust me, these sides make the meal feel complete and oh-so-delicious!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore This Easy Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy sheet pan meal featuring tender chicken and crunchy cashews.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cashews
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add mixed vegetables and cashews to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a sheet pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust vegetables based on your preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, One Pan Dinner