Name: Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons corn starch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 4 ounces small broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped; 1/2 sweet yellow onion, roughly chopped; 1 cup cashews; 1/2 cup hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Green onion, sliced; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 50 reviews

If you love quick and delicious dinners packed with flavor, you’re going to adore this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant veggies all roasted to perfection on one pan, making cleanup a breeze and weeknight cooking a joy. With a sweet and spicy hoisin-soy glaze that coats every bite, this dish is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows raw ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface with a black baking tray in the background. From left to right, there are four sauces and condiments in bottles behind a white plate holding three pieces of raw chicken. In front of the chicken are five small spoons each containing different spices, along with a head of garlic and a small piece of ginger root. To the right of the chicken, there is a carton of light brown sugar next to a glass bowl filled with green broccoli florets. Beside the broccoli is a small glass bowl full of cashew nuts, a whole white onion, a bunch of green onions, and a red bell pepper. The colors range from the red of the pepper, green of the broccoli and onions, to the creamy white of the chicken and onion. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role from flavor to texture and color. These essentials come together effortlessly, creating a balanced dish that’s both hearty and fresh.

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Provides juicy, tender protein as the star of the dish.

1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and helps in crisping the chicken’s coating.
2 tablespoons corn starch: Creates a light, crispy crust on the chicken.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory depth.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
4 ounces small broccoli florets: Provides freshness and vibrant green color.
1 red bell pepper (roughly chopped): Brings color and sweet crunch.

½ sweet yellow onion (roughly chopped): Offers mild sweetness and texture.
1 cup cashews: Adds buttery crunch and complements the chicken perfectly.
½ cup hoisin sauce: Contributes a sweet and tangy depth.

¼ cup soy sauce: Gives salty umami backbone.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Brings a touch of heat to brighten the dish.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances savory and spicy elements with sweetness.
1 garlic clove (minced): Fresh aromatics for more flavor punch.

1 teaspoon ginger (minced): Adds a warm, zesty note.
Green onion: For garnish that adds freshness and color contrast.
Sesame seeds: To sprinkle on top for nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F so it’s ready to go. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces about 1 inch each - this ensures even cooking. Toss the chicken with sesame oil, corn starch, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until every piece is nicely coated. This coating helps crisp the chicken and keep it juicy.

Step 2: Arrange on the Sheet Pan

Spread the coated chicken evenly on a greased sheet pan in a single layer. Layer in your broccoli florets, roughly chopped red bell pepper, and yellow onion around the chicken. Sprinkle the cashews on top for a delightful crunch that will roast along with everything else.

Step 3: First Bake

Pop the sheet pan into the oven and bake everything for 10 minutes. This step gets your chicken cooking and starts to soften your veggies while warming up those cashews.

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce

While the chicken roasts, mix up the sauce by whisking hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger together in a bowl. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and aromatic flavors that will coat your chicken and veggies beautifully.

Step 5: Coat and Finish Baking

After the initial bake, take the sheet pan out and pour your luscious sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything thoroughly so every bite is bathed in that sauce. Return the sheet pan to the oven for another 4 to 6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F and is cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the entire pan. These finishing touches add a fresh, crunchy, and nutty burst that really elevates this Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe to restaurant-quality at home.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe

The image shows a large black baking tray filled with a colorful stir-fry dish that has three main layers: chunks of light golden cooked chicken scattered all over, bright green broccoli florets spread evenly, and large pieces of translucent white onion mixed with bright red bell pepper pieces. The dish is garnished with light brown cashew nuts, green chopped spring onions, and sprinkled white sesame seeds. The baking tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and black checkered cloth visible on one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Green onion slices and toasted sesame seeds aren’t just pretty additions; they introduce a fresh brightness and subtle crunch that balances the rich, sticky sauce perfectly. Feel free to add a drizzle of extra sriracha if you like it spicy!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw or sautéed snap peas to add crisp, fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and veggies over warm lettuce leaves for easy wraps, or plate it over noodles tossed with a little sesame oil and scallions. Presentation is all about making the colors pop and the textures shine, so don’t be shy with garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce intensifies its flavor overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To keep the veggies from getting mushy, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately if possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep the chicken juicy and veggies crisp. Avoid the microwave when you can to prevent sogginess, and add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender even after roasting. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I substitute for cashews if I have a nut allergy?

If you’re avoiding nuts, roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds provide a nice crunch without compromising the texture and flavor contrast.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! Swap out chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use a soy sauce-based glaze without honey or animal products. Adding extra veggies like snow peas or mushrooms makes it hearty and satisfying.

How spicy is the sriracha level here?

The recipe calls for just a tablespoon, providing a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. You can adjust up or down to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting about a Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s the kind of meal you feel proud serving on a busy weeknight or when friends come over unexpectedly. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite.

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need