Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick, vibrant dinner that brings a taste of the tropics to your weeknight meals, you’ve come to the right place! This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a family favorite at my house. With tender chicken breast, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers, it’s a dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this recipe shines on all occasions.

What makes this dish truly special is its ease of preparation. Everything cooks together on one pan, making clean-up a breeze while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This one-pan meal is incredibly easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying your dinner and less time in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken is a hit with both kids and adults!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish offers a nutritious option for any night of the week.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice or quinoa for a complete meal that satisfies.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the chicken in advance to save time on busier days—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Variations

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
• Mix up the veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Change the fruit: Swap pineapple with mango or peaches for a different twist on sweetness.
• Add some spice: If you love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños before baking!

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine your chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that every piece of chicken is coated in that delicious marinade. Let it sit aside for about 10–15 minutes—this step allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Arrange the Vegetables

While your chicken marinates, take out a large sheet pan and spread out your diced red and yellow bell peppers along with onion wedges and drained pineapple chunks. This colorful mix not only looks great but also adds delightful sweetness and crunch.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Once marinated, place your chicken pieces over the vibrant bed of veggies and pineapple on the sheet pan. Don’t forget to pour any leftover marinade over everything—it’s packed with flavor! Bake everything in your preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give it a stir to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

After about 25 minutes, check the internal temperature of your chicken using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If it needs more time, bake it for an additional 5–10 minutes until perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once done baking, let your dish rest for a few moments before serving. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro to brighten up those tropical flavors. Serve warm over steamed rice or quinoa so you can soak up all that flavorful sauce.

And there you have it! Your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is ready to be enjoyed—a beautiful blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This recipe is a breeze to make, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner that your family will love!

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. This extra time enhances the flavor of the chicken, making it even more succulent and tasty.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and onions instead of frozen ones. Fresh produce not only tastes better but also adds vibrant color and texture to your dish.

• Cut Vegetables Evenly: Make sure to cut all vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures they cook evenly and helps achieve that perfect roast on every bite.

• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or snap peas. Adding different vegetables can enhance both the nutrition and flavor profile of your meal.

• Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety while keeping the chicken juicy.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Presenting your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner beautifully can turn an ordinary weeknight meal into something special. Here are a few ideas to make it shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to your dish.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick that balances the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The light fragrance and fluffy texture of jasmine rice perfectly absorb the savory sauce from the chicken, making every bite delightful.

• Quinoa: A nutritious alternative, quinoa offers a nutty flavor and adds protein to your meal. Plus, its slightly chewy texture pairs beautifully with the tender chicken.

• Grilled asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with olive oil brings a fresh crunch that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with lime dressing adds a crisp contrast to this warm dish, balancing out flavors perfectly while keeping things light.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re ready to enjoy a delightful Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner that’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the chicken and vegetables are cooled down before sealing the container.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best flavor, use within one month.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the dish in an oven-safe pan.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave on medium power until warm throughout.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!

What should I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

Serve this delightful dish over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up all that flavorful sauce. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

How long can I store Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.

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

Definitely! Feel free to swap out bell peppers and onions for your favorite veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on their texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner! It’s not only easy to prepare but also brings vibrant flavors that will brighten any weeknight meal. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination that comes together so effortlessly—your family will love it! Happy cooking, and feel free to share your experience with this recipe!