If you’re craving a tropical escape without leaving your kitchen, this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is the perfect meal for you! The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant bell peppers makes every bite an explosion of flavor. With a simple marinade that balances savory and sweet, this dish is both delicious and nutritious. Plus, everything is cooked on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze!
This recipe is incredibly versatile serve it over rice for a hearty meal, enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this Tropical Pineapple Chicken Bake is guaranteed to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well, ensuring the marinade coats all the chicken. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Arrange the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks evenly on a sheet pan.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the ingredients.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan: A Sweet and Savory One-Pan Delight
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavor-packed dinner, this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe is a perfect choice. Combining the rich umami flavors of marinated chicken with the natural sweetness of pineapple and the crisp bite of bell peppers and onions, this dish delivers a delightful balance of flavors in every bite. Best of all, it requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it an excellent go-to meal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about sheet pan meals is their simplicity. This recipe brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients that cook evenly on a single pan, ensuring a hassle free cooking experience. The Hawaiian-inspired flavors make it a unique and exciting dish to try, with juicy chicken absorbing the sweet and tangy marinade, complemented by the caramelized pineapple and tender roasted vegetables.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic gives the chicken a rich, well-balanced taste, while roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
- Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked on a single sheet pan, you don’t have to worry about multiple pots and pans cluttering your sink.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, with a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors that make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and immune-boosting pineapple, this dish is a well-rounded meal that supports a healthy diet.
What Makes This Dish Hawaiian?
The name “Hawaiian Chicken” often refers to recipes that incorporate pineapple, a fruit commonly associated with tropical flavors. While pineapple is not native to Hawaii, its widespread cultivation on the islands has made it a popular ingredient in many Hawaiian-inspired dishes. The sweet and tangy contrast of pineapple pairs beautifully with the umami notes of soy sauce and the rich depth of roasted chicken.
This dish is inspired by the concept of Huli Huli Chicken, a Hawaiian grilled chicken dish known for its sweet and savory marinade. While traditionally cooked over an open flame, this sheet pan version captures similar flavors while making it more accessible for home cooks.
Tips for Perfecting Your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
To ensure the best results, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Pineapple – While canned pineapple works in a pinch, fresh pineapple adds a natural sweetness and a better texture that enhances the dish.
- Marinate the Chicken – Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 15-30 minutes ensures it absorbs maximum flavor. If you have extra time, marinating for a few hours will make the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
- Cut Ingredients Evenly – To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes. This prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring – Tossing the ingredients halfway through baking helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Broil for Extra Caramelization – For a slightly charred and caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This adds depth to the flavors and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways depending on your preference:
- Over Rice: Serve it with white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious marinade.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette pairs well with the tropical flavors of the dish.
- In a Wrap or Taco: Use the cooked ingredients as a filling for tortillas or lettuce wraps for a fun and creative meal.
- With Roasted Potatoes: If you prefer a heartier side, roasted or mashed sweet potatoes complement the sweetness of the dish beautifully.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:
- Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or diced jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a plant-based, gluten-free version.
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, salmon, or pork instead of chicken for a different take on the dish.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped cashews or macadamia nuts for a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor boost.
- Coconut Twist: Drizzle with coconut milk or sprinkle shredded coconut on top before serving for an even more tropical feel.
Health Benefits of Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Beyond its fantastic taste, this dish also offers several health benefits:
- High Protein: Chicken provides a great source of lean protein, helping with muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
- Rich in Vitamins: Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C, which supports immunity, while bell peppers contain antioxidants that promote overall health.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: The use of olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart health.
- Low in Calories: This dish is relatively low in calories compared to fried alternatives, making it a great option for those watching their intake.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can easily store them for future meals:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To prevent sogginess, store the vegetables separately from the chicken if possible.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. If using a microwave, sprinkle a little water over the dish before reheating to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe is a delicious, easy, and wholesome meal that brings tropical flavors right to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. The simplicity of a one-pan meal makes it a practical choice for busy households, while its versatility allows you to get creative with your ingredients and sides.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Try it today and experience the delightful fusion of flavors that make Hawaiian cuisine so unique!