Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table, then this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is just what you need! This dish has become a favorite in my home because it’s not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers creates a vibrant feast that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

The best part? Everything cooks together on one pan, so cleanup is a breeze! You’ll love how the savory-sweet marinade infuses every bite with delightful flavors. Let me share this recipe with you so you can enjoy it as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal chopping and mixing, this dish comes together quickly. Perfect for those hectic evenings!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything on one sheet pan means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after dinner.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and colorful veggies, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or quinoa, or even on its own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner are simple and wholesome. Gathering these fresh items will set you up for a flavorful feast!

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• 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 Garnish

• Fresh cilantro

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use boneless thighs instead of chicken breast for extra juiciness or try tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the veggies: Toss in some snap peas, carrots, or zucchini—whatever you like best!
• Add heat: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños if you want a spicy kick.
• Try different fruits: Substitute the pineapple with mango or peaches for a unique twist!

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 ensures that everything cooks evenly and develops that lovely roasted flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine your chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Allowing it to marinate for 10–15 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Spread out your diced bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple chunks evenly on a large sheet pan. This colorful mix not only looks beautiful but also adds great texture and sweetness to your meal.

Step 4: Combine Everything on the Sheet Pan

Place the marinated chicken pieces over the vegetables and pineapple on the sheet pan. Don’t forget to pour any leftover marinade on top—it’s packed with flavor!

Step 5: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting. Using a meat thermometer is key; check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it needs more time, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor. Serve warm over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious sauce.

And there you have it—a delightful Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these tips will help you make your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner even more delightful!

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 10-15 minutes of marinating is great, try to let the chicken soak up the marinade for 30 minutes or even a couple of hours if you have time. This deeper infusion of flavor makes each bite more delicious.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and vegetables. Fresh produce not only enhances the flavor but also adds vibrant colors to your dish, making it visually appealing.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to mix in other seasonal veggies like snap peas or zucchini. This not only diversifies the nutrients but also adds exciting textures to your meal.

• Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking the chicken’s temperature at around 20 minutes. This helps avoid overcooking and ensures that your chicken remains juicy and tender.

• Save Leftover Marinade: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider simmering any leftover marinade in a saucepan until it thickens slightly. Drizzle it over your cooked chicken and veggies for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Serving this dish is all about enhancing its colorful presentation and complementing flavors! Here are some creative ideas:

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also brings a refreshing herbal note that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste profile of your dinner.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken, making it an ideal base to soak up all those delicious juices.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and lime dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish while adding extra protein.
• Simple Green Salad: A mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to your meal, making it feel wholesome and satisfying.
• Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli drizzled with olive oil and garlic complements the dish beautifully while providing additional nutrients.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner will not only be tasty but also a feast for the eyes! Enjoy this easy yet flavorful dish with family and friends any night of the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and store it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Here’s how to manage leftovers effectively:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the chicken and vegetables entirely if you want to freeze them.
• Place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• For best results, separate portions for easy thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.
• Alternatively, use a microwave for quick reheating—heat in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner without soy sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Both options will still give you that rich flavor.

How do I customize my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or snap peas. You can also switch out chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer!

What should I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for extra crunch!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings vibrant flavors into your home and makes weeknight dinners something special. Try it out, savor every bite, and share it with your loved ones—you won’t be disappointed!