Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table, then you’ve found it! This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is one of my absolute favorites. It’s not just about the delicious combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers; it’s also about how easy it is to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion.

What I love most about this meal is how simple it is. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the flavors are bright and uplifting—perfect for when you need a little escape without leaving home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked on one sheet pan, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
• Flavorful and Fun: The sweet pineapple paired with savory chicken creates an exciting taste experience that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein, this meal satisfies both your taste buds and your nutrition goals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish. You might already have many of these on hand! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken & Veggies

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Variations

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Change the fruit: Substitute mango or peaches for pineapple to give it a different fruity twist.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or sriracha if you like a little heat in your meal.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing thoroughly ensures every piece of chicken is beautifully coated in that savory-sweet marinade. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes—this step infuses all those delicious flavors!

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken marinates, spread the diced red and yellow bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple chunks evenly on a large sheet pan. This colorful mix not only looks inviting but also adds wonderful texture and flavor to your dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Now it’s time to add the marinated chicken! Place those flavorful pieces over the vegetables and pineapple on the sheet pan. Pour any leftover marinade on top—this helps everything cook together beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through; this ensures even cooking and allows those flavors to meld together perfectly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, bake an additional 5–10 minutes until perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Once it’s done baking, let your dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for that final touch of brightness. Serve warm over steamed rice or quinoa—trust me; you’ll want something to soak up all those incredible flavors!

Enjoy every bite of this vibrant Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home just as it has in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Creating a delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is easy, but these pro tips will help you elevate your dish to the next level!

• Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a tastier meal.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and ginger instead of dried. Fresh ingredients provide a vibrant taste that enhances the overall dish.

• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. This not only enhances the meal’s nutrition but also adds variety and color to your sheet pan dinner.

• Check for Even Cooking: Stirring halfway through cooking is crucial. It ensures that all ingredients cook evenly and caramelize nicely, giving you that perfect roasted flavor.

• Serve Extra Sauce: If you love saucy dishes, reserve some of the marinade (before adding it to raw chicken) and heat it up while the chicken is baking. Drizzle it on top when serving for extra flavor!

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This vibrant dish is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate! Presenting your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with care can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas for serving:

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving for a burst of color and a mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toast some sesame seeds lightly and sprinkle them over the dish for added crunch and a nutty taste.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges alongside your dish; squeezing fresh lime juice over the meal brightens up all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant notes of jasmine rice complement the sweet and savory chicken perfectly, making it a classic pairing.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt makes for a nutritious side that adds crunch and color.
• Coconut Rice: Elevate your meal with coconut rice cooked in coconut milk; its sweetness pairs wonderfully with the pineapple in your sheet pan dinner.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner will not only be delicious but also visually stunning—perfect for any weeknight dinner! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze portions for later. Here’s how to keep your vibrant dish fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate and consume within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Ensure the dish is fully cooled before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Got questions? Let’s clear up some common inquiries about this delightful recipe!

Can I use other vegetables in the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or carrots. Just adjust cooking times if needed.

How do I make the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner healthier?

You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. Adding more veggies will also boost nutrition without compromising flavor!

What can I serve with the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

This dish is great served over rice or quinoa. You could also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

Can I prepare the marinade for the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add chicken when you’re ready to cook!

How long does it take to make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

The total time is approximately 45 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s a quick and tasty option for busy weeknights!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in crafting this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner! With its colorful ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth to any table. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your variations or tips with me—I’d love to hear how your version turns out!