Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal that’ll make everyone at the dinner table smile, then you’ve come to the right place! The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is one of my all-time favorites. It brings together tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers, all roasted on one pan. This dish not only captivates the taste buds but also makes cleanup a breeze—perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is how it captures the essence of Hawaiian flavors with minimal effort. The sweet and savory marinade transforms simple ingredients into an explosion of deliciousness. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, dinner can be on the table in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids love the sweetness of pineapple and colorful veggies, making it perfect for picky eaters.
• One-pan convenience: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones.
• Make-ahead option: Marinate the chicken earlier in the day for even deeper flavor when you’re ready to cook.
• Deliciously healthy: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather our goodies!

For the Chicken and Marinade

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables

• 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

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless chicken thighs or tofu for a different twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some snap peas or zucchini for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Switch up the fruit: Use mango or peaches instead of pineapple for a tropical flair.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to getting that delicious caramelization on your chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine your bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so each piece is coated evenly. Setting aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes allows all those wonderful flavors to penetrate the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare Your Veggies

While your chicken marinates, spread out your diced bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple chunks on a large sheet pan. This colorful mix not only looks beautiful but also adds great flavor!

Step 4: Assemble Everything on the Sheet Pan

Next, layer your marinated chicken over the vegetables and pineapple on the sheet pan. Don’t forget to pour any leftover marinade over everything; it adds extra flavor during baking.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Place your sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Remember to stir halfway through! This ensures even cooking so everything gets that perfect golden color.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t yet hit that mark, pop it back in for another 5–10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done baking, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm over steamed rice or quinoa. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Making this dish is a breeze, but a few pro tips can elevate your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner to the next level!

• Marinate Longer: If you have extra time, let the chicken marinate for up to an hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, making each bite even more delicious.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and pineapple if possible. Fresh produce not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant colors that make your dish pop.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure enough space between the ingredients on your sheet pan. This helps everything roast evenly and prevents steaming, ensuring that your chicken is crispy and vegetables are perfectly caramelized.

• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish according to what’s in season or what you have on hand.

• Leftovers Make Great Wraps: If you have leftovers, use them as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. It’s a quick way to enjoy a delicious meal for lunch the next day!

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Serving this vibrant dish can be just as delightful as cooking it! Here are some creative ways to present your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also brings a bright flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Chopped Green Onions: Adding chopped green onions provides a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
• Sesame Seeds: A light sprinkle of sesame seeds can add an appealing texture and nutty flavor, enhancing both visual appeal and taste.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce from the chicken and veggies.
• Coconut Quinoa: Cook quinoa in coconut milk for a tropical twist. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory elements of the chicken.
• Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic provide a crisp side that adds freshness and balances out the richness of the dish.
• Simple Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with lime juice offers a cooling effect alongside the warm, roasted flavors of your main dish.

By presenting your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with these garnishes and sides, you’ll create an inviting meal that’s both visually stunning and delicious! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make this dish ahead of time and store it for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked chicken and vegetables cool down first.
• Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to remove excess air.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave until heated through, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

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

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I customize the flavors of my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

You can easily adjust the marinade by adding more spices like chili flakes for heat or switching honey for maple syrup. Get creative with your flavor preferences!

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner without chicken?

Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also add a side salad for extra freshness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this vibrant and flavorful Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner! It’s a delightful way to bring the taste of the islands to your kitchen while enjoying easy cleanup. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting—so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! Happy cooking!