A Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a delightful and vibrant meal that brings the flavors of the tropics right to your kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken breast with sweet pineapple and colorful bell peppers, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. The savory-sweet marinade infuses the chicken and vegetables, creating an easy-to-make one-pan meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This meal can be ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Convenience: With everything cooked on a single sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze.
- Flavorful Twist: The combination of pineapple and bell peppers adds a refreshing tropical flavor that makes this dish stand out.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice or quinoa to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides ample space for even cooking of all ingredients while allowing room for air circulation.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring all flavors are well combined before cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl:
1. Combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
On a large sheet pan:
1. Spread out the diced red and yellow bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple chunks evenly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Place the marinated chicken pieces over the vegetables and pineapple on the sheet pan.
- Pour any leftover marinade on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Step 5: Check Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). If necessary, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until done.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm over steamed rice or quinoa. Enjoy your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner!
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken with sweet pineapple and colorful veggies. It’s versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the chicken and vegetables over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Quinoa
- Pair the dish with quinoa for a nutty flavor and extra protein, making it a filling meal.
On Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, serve the chicken mixture in crisp lettuce leaves for fresh, crunchy bites.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
In Tacos
- Use soft tortillas to create Hawaiian-inspired tacos filled with chicken, pineapple, and veggies for a fun twist.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Creating the perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.
- Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor penetration.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and ripe pineapple chunks for the best taste.
- Check Cooking Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Stir During Baking: Halfway through baking, give everything a good stir to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other colorful veggies like zucchini or snap peas based on your preference.
- Save Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for quick meals later on.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Complement your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with these delicious side dishes. Each adds unique flavors that pair perfectly with this vibrant meal.
Coconut Rice
A tropical twist on traditional rice, infused with coconut milk for creaminess.Mango Salad
A refreshing salad made with ripe mangoes, greens, and a light vinaigrette that balances the dish’s sweetness.Grilled Asparagus
Lightly seasoned asparagus grilled until tender offers a nice crunch alongside the juicy chicken.Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries provide a satisfying side that’s both sweet and savory.Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, complementing the rich flavors of the main dish.Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli tossed in olive oil and garlic makes a nutritious addition packed with flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the marinade – Not marinating the chicken can result in bland flavor. Always allow it to soak in the sauce for at least 10–15 minutes for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the pan – Placing too many ingredients on the sheet pan can lead to uneven cooking. Spread everything evenly to ensure proper roasting.
- Not checking doneness – Relying solely on cooking time may leave chicken undercooked. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Ignoring resting time – Cutting into the chicken immediately after baking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a few minutes for better flavor and moisture retention.
- Forgetting about sides – Serving this dish alone might feel incomplete. Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa to enhance your meal experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Best used within 2–3 months for quality preservation.
Reheating Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Oven – Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Stovetop – Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner.
How do I customize my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or beef if you prefer those options. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What should I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?
Serve this dish over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for added crunch.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables a day in advance, making dinner prep quicker on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. It allows for customization based on your preferences while delivering vibrant flavors that everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy a quick, healthy weeknight meal!
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Enjoy a flavorful Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner that’s easy to make! Try this vibrant dish today for a quick weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 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 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper for 10–15 minutes.
- On a sheet pan, spread diced bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple.
- Place marinated chicken on top of vegetables; pour remaining marinade over.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), stirring halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm over rice or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg