Name: Crispy Cashew Chicken Made on One Sheet Pan for Easy Flavor!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor); 1 cup Capsicum (bell peppers) (chopped, substitute with yellow or orange peppers or jalapeños for spiciness); 1 medium Onion (chopped, red or yellow preferred); 1/4 cup Soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free); 2 tbsp Honey (or maple syrup as vegan substitute); 2 tbsp Rice vinegar (substitute with white wine or apple cider vinegar); 2 tbsp Sesame oil (for toasty richness); 3 cloves Garlic (fresh minced); 1 tbsp Ginger (fresh, or ground ginger as alternative); to taste Salt & pepper; 1/2 cup Cashews (unsalted, can substitute with almonds or peanuts); Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

Crispy Cashew Chicken Made on One Sheet Pan

After a long day, there's nothing quite like the excited sizzle of chicken in the oven, mingling with the bright aroma of garlic and ginger—it’s a fragrant reminder that dinner can be both effortless and delicious. Enter my Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken, a dish that magically transforms simple ingredients into a flavor powerhouse in just 25 minutes. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that will become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

What I love most about this meal is its versatility; whether you’re in the mood for a gluten-free option with tamari or want to toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables, it adapts beautifully to your tastes and needs. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to unwind and enjoy. Join me in the kitchen as we whip up this quick and flavorful dinner that guarantees satisfaction for the whole family!

Why You'll Love Crispy Cashew Chicken

Simplicity at Its Best: This one-pan dish requires minimal effort—just toss and bake!

Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey and savory soy sauce blend perfectly, creating an irresistible taste.

Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your choice of nuts or seasonal veggies, making it suitable for everyone.

Time-Saving Solution: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights!

Effortless Cleanup: Prepare your meal with just one sheet pan, leaving you with more time to relax.

For more easy weeknight meal ideas, check out my quick dinner recipes.

Crispy Cashew Chicken Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make your delightful Crispy Cashew Chicken.

For the Chicken and Vegetables
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – tender and perfect for quick cooking; thighs provide a richer flavor.
• Capsicum (bell peppers) – adds color and sweetness; swap with yellow or orange peppers, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Onion – enhances flavor depth; red or yellow onions work beautifully here.

For the Sauce
• Soy sauce – the umami backbone of the dish; use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
• Honey – sweetens and helps caramelization; maple syrup is a great vegan substitute.
• Rice vinegar – brings mild acidity; feel free to use white wine or apple cider vinegar if needed.
• Sesame oil – adds a toasty richness essential for this recipe.
• Garlic – fresh minced cloves enhance the overall flavor; don’t skip this!
• Ginger – fresh ginger rounds out the flavor profile; ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
• Salt & pepper – season to your liking, elevating all the dish’s flavorful components.

For Topping
• Cashews – unsalted for crunch; swap with almonds or peanuts if you prefer.
• Fresh cilantro – add as a garnish for a bright finish (optional).

This Crispy Cashew Chicken is a dish that's sure to delight your taste buds with every bite!

How to Make Crispy Cashew Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and ensures your chicken and veggies roast nicely.
Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl until well combined. The mixture should create a fragrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
Toss chicken pieces in the marinade until well coated, then let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge). This step is crucial for developing that delicious flavor!
Spread the marinated chicken on the lined sheet pan. Surround the chicken with chopped bell peppers and onion, and drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables. Season everything with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20 minutes without opening the oven door. This helps the chicken to roast perfectly and lock in moisture.
Stir the mixture gently and sprinkle cashews over the top. Return the pan to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and everything is beautifully caramelized.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro (if using) and serving. This resting time enhances the juiciness of the chicken.

Optional: Serve your crispy cashew chicken over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a delicious pairing!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Cashew Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover Crispy Cashew Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Allow to cool before freezing.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat, stirring occasionally to retain moisture.

Meal Prep: If making in advance, consider storing rice or side dishes separately to prevent sogginess and maintain textures.

Variations & Substitutions for Crispy Cashew Chicken

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with these fun and flavorful ideas!

Nut-Free: Omit the cashews entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunchy touch and allergy-friendly option.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or sriracha to the marinade for a delightful heat that brings a burst of flavor to your meal.
Vegan-Friendly: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, ensuring to marinate them for the same flavor infusion.
Extra Veggies: Toss in zucchini, carrots, or snap peas along with the bell peppers for added nutrients and vibrant colors.
Citrusy Twist: Incorporate the juice and zest of one lime or lemon into the marinade for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or mint as a garnish for a fragrant finish that complements the dish beautifully.
Coconut Flavor: Drizzle some coconut milk over the chicken and veggies before baking for a creamy, tropical twist.
Sweetness Variations: Swap honey for agave nectar or stevia to adjust sweetness. Just remember, not all sweeteners have the same potency, so taste as you go!

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Cashew Chicken are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken pieces up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and enhance the tender meat. Simply follow the marinade instructions and refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container. Additionally, you can chop the bell peppers and onions ahead of time; store them in the fridge for up to 3 days to save on prep time. When you're ready to cook, spread the marinated chicken and vegetables on the sheet pan, bake as directed, and you'll enjoy a delicious meal that’s just as fresh and satisfying with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Crispy Cashew Chicken

Marinate Wisely: Longer marination times enhance flavor; aim for at least 15 minutes but longer is better for an even tastier crispy cashew chicken.
Avoid Overcrowding: Keep the ingredients spaced out on the sheet pan to encourage roasting instead of steaming, leading to that sought-after crispiness.
Check Chicken Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe and delicious results.
Watch Cashew Color: If your cashews begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil towards the end of baking to prevent burning.
Store Separately: If meal prepping, store leftovers in separate containers to maintain the texture of both the chicken and vegetables for future meals.

What to Serve with Crispy Cashew Chicken?

Elevate your family dinner with delightful accompaniments to complement this easy and flavorful main dish.

Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce, providing a comforting base for every bite.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that adds a lightness to your meal while still soaking up all that delicious flavor.
Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and sesame vinaigrette adds a crunchy contrast to the warm chicken.
Steamed Broccoli: Tender broccoli brings both a pop of color and nutrients, balancing the dish while creating a delightful visual contrast.
Zucchini Noodles: These noodles offer a fun twist, lightening the meal while allowing you to enjoy the unique flavors of the chicken and cashews.
Mango Chutney: A tangy, sweet chutney pairs beautifully, adding an unexpected fruity zing that enhances the dish's depth.
Spicy Pickles: A side of spicy pickles offers a delightful crunch, cutting through the richness of the chicken with their tangy essence.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea brings refreshment to the table, enhancing the entire dining experience.

Crispy Cashew Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use?
For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tenderness, while chicken thighs can give you a richer flavor profile. Feel free to choose based on your preference!

How long can I store leftovers?
You can store your leftover Crispy Cashew Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it refrigerated promptly to maintain freshness!

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! For freezing, portion the Crispy Cashew Chicken into airtight containers or freezer bags after it has cooled completely. It will retain its quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!

What if my cashews burn too quickly during baking?
That can happen! If you notice your cashews beginning to brown too quickly, simply cover them loosely with foil towards the end of the cooking time. This will protect them from direct heat while allowing your chicken and veggies to finish baking perfectly.

Can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version. Don't hesitate to swap out the nuts or vegetables for ones that align with your preferences or dietary needs!

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, check that the chicken is no longer pink in the center—slice into a piece if necessary!