Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken : Easy Weeknight Recipe

Looking for a fast, family-friendly dinner that’s loaded with flavor, packed with veggies, and easy to clean up? This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s everything you love about classic cashew chicken—savory, sweet, and satisfying—made easier and healthier by roasting it all together on a single pan.

Whether you’re searching for quick easy dinners for family healthy, or craving something that’s better than takeout, this sheet pan meal hits the sweet spot between convenience and nutrition. Let’s dive into this flavorful one-pan recipe that’s destined to become a staple in your home.

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Why This Sheet Pan Chicken Recipe Works for Families

Family dinners can be stressful, especially when time is tight and dishes pile up. That’s where easy family sheet pan meals shine. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, this recipe delivers bold, balanced flavors in just about 30 minutes.

Here’s why it’s a weeknight winner:

• One-pan cleanup saves time and energy
• Kid-friendly ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, and cashews
• Customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand
• Balanced nutrition with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats
• Great for meal prep or leftovers the next day

From picky eaters to busy parents, this dish pleases everyone at the table.

What Is Cashew Chicken (Sheet Pan Version)?

Traditional cashew chicken is a Chinese-American favorite, usually sautéed or stir-fried in a skillet with soy sauce, garlic, and crunchy cashews. This sheet pan version transforms that same irresistible combo into an easier, roasted format—perfect for tossing everything into the oven and walking away.

The result? Roasted chicken that’s juicy and tender, veggies that are slightly charred and sweet, and crunchy cashews that toast to perfection. The flavors deepen in the oven, and the sauce caramelizes beautifully on the pan. This is one pan quick dinner at its best.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

This recipe uses wholesome, everyday ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering glaze and balanced meal. Here’s what you need:

For the Chicken and Veggies:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry to thicken sauce)

To Finish:

• 1/2 cup roasted unsalted cashews
• Cooked white or brown rice for serving
• Optional: chopped scallions or sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cashew Chicken on a Sheet Pan

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

Chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Slice the bell peppers, broccoli, and red onion. Keep the pieces roughly the same size for even roasting.

Step 2: Toss the Chicken and Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, bell peppers, broccoli, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Spread everything out in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 4: Roast and Glaze

Bake the chicken and vegetables for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, and gently toss with a spatula. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 8–10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cashews and Finish

Sprinkle the cashews over the dish and roast for another 2–3 minutes to toast them lightly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve over rice and garnish with scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

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Best Vegetables for Family Sheet Pan Meals

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, and certain varieties work better than others. Here are some family-friendly options:

• Broccoli or cauliflower for texture
• Bell peppers for color and sweetness
• Zucchini or yellow squash for tenderness
• Red onions for a slight bite and caramelization
• Snap peas or green beans for freshness

Avoid using watery veggies like tomatoes or leafy greens, which won’t roast well.

Cashew Chicken Sauce: Sweet, Savory & Simple

This sauce is the heart of the dish—sticky, umami-packed, and slightly sweet with a hint of tang. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of chili garlic paste or sriracha.

To thicken the sauce, the cornstarch slurry is essential. It gives the glaze that irresistible cling that sticks to every bite of chicken and veggie.

Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Chicken Dinners

• Use a large sheet pan to avoid overcrowding; this ensures everything roasts instead of steams.
• Flip halfway for even browning.
• Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Don’t skip the sauce step mid-cook—this caramelizes beautifully during the second half of roasting.

Variations and Add-Ins for Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

This meal is endlessly flexible. Try these swaps or additions:

• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a pescatarian twist
• Replace cashews with almonds or peanuts
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory version
• Make it vegetarian with tofu or chickpeas

How to Serve and Plate Cashew Chicken for Dinner

Presentation counts, even on busy nights. Serve your cashew chicken:

• Over steamed jasmine or brown rice
• In lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb dinner
• On top of rice noodles or soba noodles
• With a side of miso soup or Asian slaw for a complete meal

Don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions to finish the plate.

How to Store Leftovers and Reheat Without Drying Out

This meal is perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions in containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or reheat in a skillet on low heat with a lid to retain moisture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in One Pan Quick Dinners

• Overcrowding the pan results in steaming, not roasting.
• Cutting veggies unevenly can lead to burnt or undercooked pieces.
• Skipping seasoning before roasting makes the base flavors fall flat.
• Adding sauce too early can cause burning before the chicken is cooked through.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large sheet pan (or two smaller ones)
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk for the sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Side Dishes and Non-Alcoholic Pairings

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Quinoa or farro
• Asian cucumber salad
• Iced green tea, sparkling water with lime, or homemade lemonade

These sides enhance the savory flavors without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe delivers everything we want from a weeknight dinner—quick, healthy, satisfying, and simple to clean up. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, prepping meals for the week, or just want something delicious without the drama, this one-pan wonder is your answer.

Tried and loved this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a comment, share it with your family and friends, and subscribe to the blog for more easy and healthy weeknight dinners. Your next favorite meal might be just one sheet pan away!

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