Introduction
When you think of Hawaiian flavors, what comes to mind? Pineapple, sweet and tangy sauces, and the perfect balance of savory and tropical goodness! That’s exactly what this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe delivers. With tender, juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and a deliciously sticky glaze, this recipe brings the taste of the islands straight to your dinner table.
What makes this dish even better? It’s a one-pan meal! That means minimal prep, easy cleanup, and a hassle-free weeknight dinner that your whole family will love. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a casual dinner, or just looking for a simple but flavorful dish, this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe is perfect for you.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this dish—from the best ingredients to use, how to perfect the sauce, and even some variations to switch it up. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, making cleanup effortless. ✔ Balanced Flavors: A beautiful blend of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and a rich, tangy sauce. ✔ Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights—ready in under 40 minutes! ✔ Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers. ✔ Customizable: Switch up the protein, veggies, or spice level to fit your taste.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering its signature flavors. Let’s go over them one by one.
For the Chicken & Vegetables:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks – Fresh or canned (drained). Adds natural sweetness and tropical flair.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced – Complements the red bell pepper with a slightly different flavor.
- 1 small red onion, sliced – Provides a slightly sharp contrast to the sweet ingredients.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps everything roast to perfection.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper – Adds mild heat.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Gives an extra punch of flavor.
For the Hawaiian Sauce:
- ½ cup pineapple juice – Reserved from canned pineapple or fresh.
- ¼ cup soy sauce – For umami depth.
- 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar) – Provides natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp ketchup – Adds slight tanginess and depth.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity.
- 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water) – Thickens the sauce to a glaze.
- 1 tsp minced garlic – Adds a savory note.
- ½ tsp grated ginger – Brings in warmth and an island-inspired kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together:
- Pineapple juice
- Soy sauce
- Honey (or brown sugar)
- Ketchup
- Rice vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Sheet Pan
On your prepared baking sheet, spread the chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss everything together so the flavors distribute evenly.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken & Veggies
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. Then, remove from the oven and brush half of the Hawaiian sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Drizzle the remaining sauce over the dish, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner!
Tips for Success
🔥 Broil for Extra Flavor – If you love a bit of char on your chicken and veggies, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes. 🌶 Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a little heat. 🥩 Try Different Proteins – This recipe works great with shrimp, tofu, or even pork! 🍚 Serving Suggestions – Serve with coconut rice, quinoa, or a fresh side salad.
Recipe Variations
🔹 Teriyaki Twist: Use teriyaki sauce instead of the Hawaiian glaze for a different flavor profile. 🔹 Low-Carb/Keto Option: Skip the pineapple and use a sugar-free sweetener in the sauce. 🔹 Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh. 🔹 Grilled Version: Instead of roasting, thread the ingredients onto skewers and grill them!
Storage & Meal Prep
📦 Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. ❄️ Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. 🔥 Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is the perfect combination of easy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a meal the whole family will love, and best of all, it’s super simple to make with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving something sweet and savory, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Now, it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know how it turns out. Did you make any tweaks? Have a favorite variation? Leave a comment below and share your experience! 🌺🍍🍗