Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Introduction

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a delicious, one-pan meal that brings together the vibrant flavors of the tropics with the savory goodness of chicken. This dish features marinated chicken thighs paired with sweet pineapple, bell peppers, red onions, and a tangy glaze. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both flavorful and easy to prepare. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will transport you straight to an island getaway.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a weekend meal, or a fun dish for a gathering, Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a fantastic choice. The best part is that it all cooks together on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. With the right combination of ingredients and flavors, this dish is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

This guide takes you step by step through the process of preparing Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan, offers helpful tips for success, and suggests some fun variations to explore.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

• Flavorful and Balanced: The chicken is perfectly seasoned and paired with sweet pineapple, savory bell peppers, and onions. The tangy glaze ties everything together, creating a burst of tropical flavor with every bite.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, making cleanup quick and easy. This is the perfect solution for those busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up after dinner.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any special ingredients to make this dish. Just a few pantry staples like chicken, pineapple, and vegetables, combined with a few seasonings, create a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your personal taste. Whether you prefer more sweetness from the pineapple or extra heat from chili flakes, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences.
• Quick and Easy: The prep time is minimal, and the chicken and vegetables bake together in the oven, allowing you to relax while the meal cooks. It’s a convenient, time-saving dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 14-18g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 12-15g

Ingredients

For the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color, but red or yellow works best)
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well-coated. If you’re using chicken breasts, be sure to adjust the cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.

3. Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple

Slice the bell pepper and red onion into thin strips and scatter them around the edges of the sheet pan. In the center of the pan, add the pineapple chunks. The pineapple’s sweetness will caramelize while baking, adding flavor to both the chicken and the vegetables.

4. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and sesame oil (if using). This glaze will add a sweet and tangy kick to the dish, perfectly complementing the chicken and pineapple.

5. Assemble the Dish

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the center of the sheet pan, surrounded by the vegetables and pineapple. Drizzle half of the glaze over the chicken and vegetables, making sure to coat everything evenly.

6. Bake the Chicken and Vegetables

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). During the baking process, the chicken will absorb the flavors of the glaze, and the pineapple will caramelize, adding a sweet, smoky flavor to the dish.

About halfway through the cooking time, you can use a spoon to baste the chicken with the remaining glaze for extra flavor and a glossy finish.

7. Finish and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch.

If you prefer a little more heat, you can sprinkle chili flakes or hot sauce over the top before serving.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan with your favorite side dish. This meal pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad. For a truly tropical experience, you can serve it alongside coconut rice or grilled vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they are more flavorful and juicy, especially when baked. If using breasts, make sure to check them earlier for doneness to avoid overcooking.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or carrots, to the sheet pan. Just be mindful that different vegetables may require slightly different cooking times, so make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for up to 4 hours or overnight. This will infuse the chicken with more flavor before cooking.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add extra honey or pineapple to the sheet pan. If you prefer a more savory version, reduce the amount of honey in the glaze.
• Grill Option: If you prefer grilling, you can also prepare the chicken and vegetables on a grill. Simply marinate the chicken as instructed, then grill it with the vegetables and pineapple for a smoky, charred flavor.

Variations of Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

• Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze to give the dish a spicy kick. The heat will balance the sweetness of the pineapple and honey.
• Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan: Swap the honey and rice vinegar for teriyaki sauce. This will give the dish a deeper, savory flavor with a touch of sweetness.
• Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Instead of baking everything on a sheet pan, you can skewer the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables on wooden or metal skewers and grill them for a more traditional BBQ-style dish.
• Pineapple Salsa Topping: Top the chicken with a fresh pineapple salsa made of diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh, tangy burst of flavor.
• Coconut Chicken Sheet Pan: Add shredded coconut to the vegetables and pineapple before baking for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle coconut over the chicken once it’s done for an added crunch.

Storage and Shelf Life

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and vegetables in the microwave or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, allow the chicken and vegetables to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Pair this vibrant Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan with complementary sides to enhance your meal:

• Coconut Rice: The sweet and fluffy texture of coconut rice pairs perfectly with the tropical flavors of the pineapple and chicken. It’s an ideal side dish to complete the meal.
• Grilled Veggies: Serve the chicken with a side of grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, for a light and healthy addition to the meal.
• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic side for any chicken dish, jasmine rice is fragrant and complements the sweetness of the pineapple and glaze.
• Mango Salad: A refreshing mango salad with lime, cilantro, and a touch of chili is a great way to balance the richness of the chicken and glaze.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon make for a hearty and nutritious side.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a tropical-inspired dish that delivers vibrant flavors and easy preparation. The tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory vegetables come together in a single pan, making it an ideal meal for busy nights or entertaining guests. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore some of the variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the tropical goodness of Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan and take your taste buds on a delicious vacation!