Make This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken in Just 30 Minutes!

Introducing the ultimate weeknight hero dish – Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken! This easy-to-prepare, flavor-packed meal is perfect for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and one sheet pan, you can have a complete and satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this irresistible, nutrient-dense recipe!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

The beauty of Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup lightly salted cashews
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (optional)

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein choice for this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe. They cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender and juicy result every time.

Vegetables

Bell peppers and broccoli add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to the dish, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals to make this a wholesome meal.

Sauce Ingredients

The savory-sweet sauce is the star of the show, featuring a harmonious blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. This combination creates a bold, umami-rich flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.

Cashews and Optional Ingredients

Lightly salted cashews add a satisfying nutty crunch, while the optional pineapple chunks offer a touch of sweetness to balance the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Prepare Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the delectable sauce that will coat the chicken and vegetables.

Assemble Sheet Pan

Place the cubed chicken, chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, and pineapple chunks (if using) on the prepared sheet pan. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Add Cashews and Bake

Sprinkle the lightly salted cashews over the top of the sheet pan, then pop it into the preheated oven. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Serving Suggestions

Once the Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken is out of the oven, serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. The flavorful sauce and tender chicken pair beautifully with the nutty cashews and crisp vegetables, creating a meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Nutritional Benefits of Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

This Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle growth and repair, while the bell peppers and broccoli provide a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The cashews contribute healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Together, these ingredients create a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that will nourish your body and leave you feeling energized.

Variations of Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Protein Alternatives

If you’re looking to switch things up, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as tofu, shrimp, or even thinly sliced beef.

Vegetable Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, like snap peas, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts, to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.

Sauce Variations

For a twist on the classic sauce, you could try a teriyaki or Thai-inspired marinade, or even a zesty lemon-garlic sauce to complement the cashews and chicken.

Tips for Perfecting Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

To ensure your Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes to promote even cooking.
• Roast the vegetables and chicken at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) to achieve a delightful caramelized exterior.
• Stir the ingredients halfway through cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Adjust the cooking time if using different vegetables, as some may require more or less time to become tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does cashew chicken originate?

Cashew chicken is believed to have originated in the United States, though it has roots in Chinese-American cuisine. The dish is thought to have been created by Chinese immigrants who adapted traditional stir-fries to include the readily available ingredient of cashews.

What temperature is chicken done in a sheet pan?

In this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe, the chicken is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken pieces.

What sauce is used in cashew chicken?

The sauce for this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken recipe is a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This combination of flavors complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish.

How important are cashews in butter chicken?

Cashews play a crucial role in traditional butter chicken, a popular Indian dish. The nuts are often blended into the creamy, tomato-based sauce to create a rich, velvety texture and add a subtle nutty flavor. While cashews are not an essential ingredient in Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, they provide a satisfying crunch and contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs
• Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
• Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Prepare to be wowed by the bold flavors and convenience of Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken! This easy-to-make, nutritious meal is sure to become a new weeknight favorite in your household. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory-sweet cashews for a dinner that’s both satisfying and impressive.

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