Name: Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts); 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinade); 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed); 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 1 large red onion (sliced); 2 tbsp olive oil (for vegetables); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy meal to prepare? Look no further! This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with a burst of tropical flavors, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a casual get-together. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! In this post, we’ll walk through every step of the recipe, share some handy tips and tricks, explore variations, and suggest the perfect way to serve it.

What is a Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe?

The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is a simple and delicious dinner idea that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen. It typically features bone-in or boneless chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, honey, pineapple, and garlic. The chicken is then roasted on a sheet pan alongside a mix of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, red onions, and sweet potatoes, all coated in the same flavorful marinade.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in the tropical flavors but also in the ease of preparation. Everything cooks together in one pan, making it a low-maintenance meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Convenience

There’s nothing better than a one-pan meal that saves you time both in the kitchen and cleaning up. This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe requires minimal effort. You’ll just need to prep your ingredients, throw everything onto a baking sheet, and let the oven do its magic.

Balanced and Flavorful

The sweet and tangy pineapple, combined with the savory chicken, creates a delightful contrast that will have your taste buds dancing. Add to that a mix of roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a well-rounded, satisfying dish that covers all the food groups.

Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love this recipe. The mild yet flavorful seasoning works for picky eaters, and the tropical elements like pineapple and peppers make it a fun meal that feels like a vacation on a plate.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or planning a quick dinner, this recipe is versatile and stores beautifully in the fridge for several days.

Ingredients for the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a balanced, vibrant, and tropical meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Marinade:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces or 2 pounds): Chicken breasts are a lean protein that cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully.
Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, about 1 cup): Fresh pineapple gives the dish a bright, tropical flavor. Canned pineapple works well too if you’re in a pinch.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty depth of soy sauce balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
Honey (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and caramelization to the chicken.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the marinade with a fragrant kick.
Ground ginger (1 tsp): A little spice that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): A touch of acidity helps balance the richness of the chicken and marinades.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps in browning the chicken and adds a smooth texture.

For the Vegetables:

Sweet potatoes (2 medium-sized): Peeled and cubed, these are the perfect vegetable to roast with the chicken.
Bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green, sliced): The sweetness of bell peppers pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken.
Red onion (1 large, sliced): Red onions add a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): For tossing the vegetables and ensuring they roast beautifully.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.

Garnishes (Optional):

Fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a refreshing finish.
Sesame seeds (for a touch of crunch and visual appeal).

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing your marinade. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until the honey is dissolved and the marinade is smooth.

Place your chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is best for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, prep your vegetables. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell peppers and red onion. Place all the vegetables on the sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them to coat evenly and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help caramelize the chicken and vegetables, creating a golden, flavorful crust on everything.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken and Vegetables

Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the fridge. Place the chicken in the center of the sheet pan with the vegetables surrounding it. Scatter the pineapple chunks over the chicken and vegetables for added flavor.

Transfer the sheet pan to the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender. If the chicken is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue roasting.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is perfectly roasted, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this tropical-inspired dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Marinate for Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This will allow the flavors to really infuse the chicken.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure that the chicken and vegetables have enough space on the pan. If they’re too crowded, they won’t roast properly and may steam instead.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).
Customization: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, broccoli, or carrots work great as alternatives to the bell peppers and sweet potatoes.

Variations on the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

1. Spicy Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Add a touch of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or even fresh chili slices into the marinade. The heat will complement the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly.

2. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

For a smoky twist, grill the chicken breasts and vegetables instead of roasting them. This method will add an extra layer of flavor and depth to the dish.

3. Vegetarian Hawaiian Sheet Pan

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Marinate it the same way and roast with the vegetables and pineapple for a plant-based twist on this tropical sheet pan meal.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan can be a meal all on its own, but if you want to add some extra sides, here are a few ideas:

Coconut Rice: The creamy texture of coconut rice pairs wonderfully with the tropical flavors of the chicken and pineapple.
Green Salad: A simple side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette will add a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the sheet pan.
Grilled Pineapple: For an extra dose of tropical sweetness, grill some fresh pineapple slices and serve them alongside the chicken.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply place the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze the cooked meal for up to 3 months for an easy dinner on demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can be used in place of boneless chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken will take longer to cook.

Can I add other fruits to the sheet pan?

Absolutely! Try adding mango or papaya for an even more tropical flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to fit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a casual gathering, this sheet pan meal is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy this tropical, one-pan delight!