There's something magical about the sweet and savory flavors of a Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Picture juicy chicken glazed in a tangy pineapple sauce, paired with vibrant bell peppers and caramelized pineapple chunks. It's like a mini vacation for your taste buds – no plane ticket required!
I first tried this dish during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick, delicious, and low on cleanup. Since then, it’s become a go-to recipe for family dinners and casual get-togethers. Ready to bring a touch of island paradise to your table? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this easy and flavorful dinner idea. From its vibrant colors to the effortless preparation, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
First, it's all about convenience. One pan, minimal prep, and even less cleanup – what’s not to love? You can prep everything in 15 minutes and let the oven do the rest. Perfect for those days when you need a break from standing at the stove.
Second, the flavors are simply unforgettable. The combination of tangy soy sauce, sweet pineapple, and savory chicken creates a harmonious balance that satisfies every craving. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike!
Not to mention, this recipe is super versatile. Whether you're swapping veggies, tweaking the glaze, or adding a little spice, there are endless ways to make this dish your own.
Finally, it’s wholesome and nutritious. Packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and a touch of natural sweetness, this dish proves that healthy eating can still feel indulgent.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the bold flavors and textures we love.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during baking. You can use chicken breasts, but thighs hold up better to the bold flavors of the glaze.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple works best, delivering sweetness and caramelization when roasted. If you're in a pinch, canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup) are a great alternative.
- Bell peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds not only color but also a medley of flavors – sweet, slightly bitter, and refreshing.
- Soy sauce and hoisin sauce: These pantry staples provide the salty-savory base for the glaze. The hoisin sauce adds a hint of richness that ties everything together.
- Honey or brown sugar: Just a touch of sweetness enhances the natural flavors of the pineapple and balances the savory glaze.
- Ginger and garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic bring a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle adds depth and a nutty aroma, making the glaze irresistible.
For equipment, all you need is a large sheet pan and some parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
How to Make This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Creating this vibrant, island-inspired meal is as easy as tossing, roasting, and serving. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Prep the chicken and marinade: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl and pour half of the glaze over them, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the rest.
- Assemble the sheet pan: Line your sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers in an even layer, leaving space for the chicken. Drizzle the veggies with a bit of the remaining glaze.
- Add the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet pan, arranging them so they don’t overlap. Brush the tops with more glaze for extra flavor.
- Roast to perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s ready to come out.
- Broil for caramelization: For that irresistible golden finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and crunch. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
The entire process takes just about 40 minutes, and the results are worth every second!
Storage Options
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps! Here’s how to store and reheat leftovers so you can enjoy them again:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the chicken and veggies to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken and veggies in a 350°F oven or a skillet over medium heat until heated through. A microwave works in a pinch but may result in slightly less crispy veggies.
Variations and Substitutions
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Switch the protein: Try swapping chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even pork chops. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Play with veggies: Add zucchini, snap peas, or red onions for even more color and variety. Sweet potatoes are a great option if you want something heartier.
- Spice it up: Stir in some sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that complements the sweet glaze.
- Low-carb option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of greens for a lighter meal.
- Gluten-free alternative: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
Feel free to get creative! The flavors are versatile enough to handle plenty of twists.
Whether you're dreaming of warm beaches or just need a quick and satisfying dinner, this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe has you covered. With its bold flavors, easy prep, and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintHawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe combines tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and fresh veggies for a sweet and savory one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (red and yellow)
- 1 red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion to the bowl. Toss everything to coat well.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650 mg
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