What other nuts can I use instead of cashews?

While cashews are classic in Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight for their buttery texture and mild sweetness, other nuts can work too. Roasted almonds, macadamia nuts, or even peanuts can be great substitutes. Keep in mind that some nuts, like almonds, may need a slightly shorter roasting time to avoid over-browning. Adding them in the final minutes of cooking helps preserve their crunch and flavor.

Can I make Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight vegetarian?

Absolutely. For a vegetarian version of Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight, swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and toss it in the sauce just as you would with chicken. Roasting the tofu alongside the vegetables and cashews allows it to develop a crisp exterior while soaking up the sweet-savory glaze, making it just as flavorful as the original.

Can I prepare Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight for meal prep?

Yes, Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight is an excellent meal-prep option. Once cooked, portion the chicken, vegetables, and cashews into airtight containers with your choice of base — rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work well. Store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. The flavors deepen as the dish rests, making it even more satisfying when reheated.

Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight – A Simple, Flavorful One-Pan Dinner in 30 Minutes Only

Name: Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 orange bell pepper, chopped; 1 red onion, chopped; 1 cup raw unsalted cashews; 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 6 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup); 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Green onions, for garnish; Cooked rice, for serving

Description

This Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken Delight is a vibrant, one-pan wonder that brings together tender chicken, colorful roasted vegetables, and buttery cashews in a sweet-savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 cup raw unsalted cashews
1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
6 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
Prepare Vegetables: Arrange bell peppers and onion on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with half the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Roast for 12–15 minutes.
Marinate the Chicken: In a separate bowl, toss chicken pieces with the remaining sauce until well coated.
Combine and Roast: Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Add chicken and scatter cashews around it. Roast for another 12–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cashews are golden.
Toss and Serve: Gently mix chicken, vegetables, and cashews on the pan. Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

For extra crunch, add the cashews during the last 5 minutes of roasting. To make it spicier, stir a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian Inspired