Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken: Protein-Packed Meal Prep (Print Version)
Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken offers a simple, protein-packed weeknight dinner or meal prep solution. Enjoy tender chicken, cashews, and veggies with minimal cleanup.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Lean Protein & Vibrant Veggies
01 -
1 and 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 large red bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 -
1 large yellow bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
04 -
1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
05 -
1/2 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
06 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Sweet & Savory Cashew Glaze
07 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
08 -
1/4 cup honey
09 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
10 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
11 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
12 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
13 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
14 -
1 tsp sriracha (optional, for a touch of heat)
→ Crunchy Toppers & Fresh Finish
15 -
1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews
16 -
2 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
17 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut 1 and 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Prepare 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, 1 head broccoli, and 1/2 large red onion into 1-inch pieces.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 tsp sriracha (if using). This creates the delicious glaze for your Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken | Protein-Packed Meal Prep.
03 -
On the prepared sheet pan, combine the cut chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, broccoli florets, and red onion wedges. Season generously with salt and black pepper, to taste. Pour about half of the prepared glaze over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
04 -
Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the sheet pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial roast helps the vegetables tenderize and the chicken begin to cook through, setting the stage for a perfect Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken | Protein-Packed Meal Prep.
05 -
Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Stir the chicken and vegetables, then pour the remaining half of the glaze over everything. Add 1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews to the pan. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
06 -
Once cooked, remove the Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken | Protein-Packed Meal Prep from the oven. Garnish generously with 2 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, or portion into meal prep containers for the week.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the sheet pan; use two if necessary to ensure everything roasts evenly and gets a nice caramelization instead of steaming.
02 -
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making this an excellent protein-packed meal prep option.
03 -
Feel free to swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms.
04 -
Serve this delicious cashew chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large sheet pan
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Sharp knife
04 -
Large mixing bowls
05 -
Whisk
06 -
Measuring cups
07 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 595 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
Protein: 65 g