Are you searching for a weeknight dinner that is bursting with flavor but doesn’t require a mountain of dishes? If so, then you have come to the right place. Sheet pan dinners are a busy family’s best friend, offering a complete meal with minimal cleanup. Consequently, they have become a staple in modern kitchens. This incredible Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe combines sweet and savory flavors into one easy-to-make dish. In fact, it brings the taste of the tropics right to your dinner table with juicy pineapple, tender chicken, and vibrant bell peppers, all roasted to perfection on a single pan.
This meal is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. You simply toss the ingredients in a tangy, sweet marinade, spread them on a baking sheet, and let the oven do all the work. As a result, you get to spend more time with your family and less time scrubbing pots and pans. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Furthermore, it is a healthy, balanced meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this simple yet elegant meal. First and foremost, the convenience is unbeatable. In our fast-paced world, finding a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort is like striking gold. This entire meal, from the protein to the vegetables and fruit, cooks together on one pan. Therefore, cleanup is as easy as tossing a sheet of parchment paper.
Additionally, the flavor profile is simply outstanding. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, zesty ginger, and garlic creates a marinade that perfectly coats the chicken and vegetables. As it roasts, the sugars in the pineapple and the marinade caramelize, creating a beautifully browned and delicious crust. This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. For instance, broccoli or snap peas would be a wonderful addition. It’s a fantastic way to clean out the veggie drawer while creating a wholesome meal. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Kids love the sweet notes from the pineapple, while adults appreciate the balanced, complex flavors. It’s a healthy dinner that feels like a treat.
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Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe: The 10 Ultimate Steps for an Easy Tropical Dinner
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe brings the sweet and savory taste of the tropics to your dinner table with juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and colorful vegetables—all cooked on one pan for a simple, delicious, and healthy weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to make the marinade.
3. Place chicken cubes in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, chop the bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
5. Add marinated chicken to the bowl of vegetables and pineapple. Pour in remaining marinade and toss until well coated.
6. Spread the chicken, vegetables, and pineapple in a single, even layer on the prepared sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
8. For more caramelization, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
10. Serve hot over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Be sure to cut all ingredients into uniform pieces for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan—use two if needed. This recipe is easy to customize with other proteins like pork or shrimp, or swap in veggies like broccoli or snap peas. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Essential Ingredients for Your Tropical Feast
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards this delicious dinner. The beauty of this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe lies in its use of simple, fresh components that come together to create something truly special. For the best results, try to use high-quality ingredients.
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Thighs will yield a juicier result, but breasts are a leaner option.
- Pineapple Juice: This is the key to the sweet, tropical flavor. Use 100% juice with no added sugar.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: This provides the savory, umami base of the marinade. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Brown Sugar: It helps with caramelization and adds a touch of molasses-like sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: This adds a bit of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger provides a warm, zesty spice that is essential to the flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, savory depth.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount adds a nutty, aromatic finish.
For the Veggies and Pineapple:
- Red Bell Pepper: Chosen for its sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a slightly less sweet, earthy flavor and another pop of color.
- Red Onion: When roasted, red onion becomes sweet and tender.
- Fresh Pineapple: Using fresh pineapple chunks is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions To make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making this delightful meal. Follow these simple steps for a perfect Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step to prevent sticking and make your life easier later.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This mixture will serve as both a marinade for the chicken and a sauce for the entire dish.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place your cubed chicken in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour about half of the marinade over the chicken, tossing to ensure it’s fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature. For even more flavor, you can marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple: While the chicken is marinating, chop your bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces. If you’re using a whole pineapple, cut it into chunks of a similar size. Place all the chopped veggies and pineapple into a large bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: After the chicken has marinated, add it to the bowl with the vegetables and pineapple. Pour the remaining marinade over everything and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Next, spread the chicken, vegetable, and pineapple mixture in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. It is important not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, use two sheet pans. Overcrowding will cause the ingredients to steam instead of roast, and you’ll miss out on that delicious caramelization.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. You can stir the ingredients halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Optional Broiling: For extra color and caramelization, you can switch the oven to a high broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on it, however, as the sugars can burn quickly under the broiler.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Enjoy Your Meal: Serve your Hawaiian chicken and vegetables hot, either on their own or over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are also excellent options for a healthier alternative.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Sheet Pan Meal
To elevate your Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe from good to absolutely amazing, keep these expert tips in mind. A few small adjustments can make a significant difference in the final result. For example, ensuring your ingredients are uniform in size is key for even cooking.
The Secret to Non-Soggy Veggies
The number one rule for crispy, roasted vegetables is to avoid overcrowding the pan. Giving each piece of chicken and vegetable enough space allows hot air to circulate freely, promoting browning rather than steaming. If your ingredients seem too crowded, it is always better to divide them between two sheet pans. Additionally, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F. A high temperature is essential for achieving that desirable roasted texture. If you’re looking for other easy vegetable ideas, this melted cabbage recipe is a surprisingly delicious and simple side.
Meal Prep and Storage
This recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping. You can chop all the vegetables and pineapple ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Similarly, you can mix the marinade in advance. When you’re ready to cook, just combine the chicken with the marinade and toss with the pre-chopped ingredients. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, making for a quick and delicious lunch.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your tastes or what you have available. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different proteins and vegetables. For those who enjoy a complete meal in a bowl, you might also like these sweet potato taco bowls.
Spice It Up
If you prefer a bit of heat to contrast the sweetness, feel free to add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. This small addition can create a wonderful sweet and spicy flavor profile that is truly irresistible.
Protein and Vegetable Swaps
This marinade works wonderfully with other proteins. Try substituting the chicken with pork tenderloin cubes or large shrimp. If using shrimp, you’ll want to add them to the sheet pan during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking, as they cook much faster. You can also swap the bell peppers and onion for other sturdy vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or zucchini chunks. Just be sure to cut them to a similar size to ensure they cook evenly with the chicken.
Nutritional Benefits
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe is not just delicious; it is also packed with nutrients. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. According to Healthline, adequate protein intake is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and supporting a healthy metabolism. Furthermore, this dish is loaded with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and red onion, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that a diet rich in vegetables can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Pineapple adds a boost of Vitamin C and manganese, making this a well-rounded and nourishing meal for the whole family.
Conclusion About Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
In summary, this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight dinner. It delivers an incredible burst of sweet and savory tropical flavors with minimal effort and cleanup. By following these simple steps, you can create a wholesome, family-friendly meal that feels both comforting and exciting. The combination of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and tender-crisp vegetables is truly a winner. Ultimately, this easy Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious and satisfying home-cooked meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. However, be sure to drain them very well before adding them to the sheet pan to avoid excess moisture, which can make the other ingredients soggy. Fresh pineapple generally provides a better texture and flavor.
How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes the recipe great for meal prepping lunches for the week.
Can I make this recipe with pork or shrimp?
Absolutely! This marinade is delicious with pork tenderloin cut into cubes. For shrimp, you will want to add them to the sheet pan for only the last 8-10 minutes of the baking time, as they cook very quickly.
