Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a dinner that brings a taste of the tropics straight to your kitchen, then you’re in for a treat with this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner! This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and I just love how it combines juicy chicken breast with sweet pineapple and vibrant bell peppers. It’s like a mini vacation on a plate!

This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also super easy to prepare. Whether you’re juggling busy weeknights or planning a cozy family gathering, this one-pan meal makes life simpler without sacrificing taste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this meal comes together in no time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of sweet pineapple and tender chicken is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything on one sheet pan means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.
• Delicious Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they make for great lunches the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious dish!

For the Chicken and Marinade

• 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 Garnishing

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Change up the fruit: Substitute mango or peaches if you’re looking for different fruity flavors.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for an extra kick!

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that our chicken roasts perfectly and gets that lovely golden-brown color.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well coats the chicken evenly with flavor. Set it aside to marinate for about 10–15 minutes; this really helps enhance the taste!

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, spread out the diced red and yellow bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple chunks on a large sheet pan. This colorful mix not only looks beautiful but also adds wonderful flavor layers as they roast together.

Step 4: Combine Everything on the Sheet Pan

Once your chicken has marinated, place it over the vegetables and pineapple on the sheet pan. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover marinade over everything; it adds so much more flavor as everything cooks together!

Step 5: Bake

Pop your sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Be sure to stir halfway through; this helps ensure all your ingredients cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If needed, let it bake an additional 5–10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once done baking, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro—this adds such a lovely touch! Serve warm over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce.

And there you have it—your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is ready to enjoy! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This delightful dish is not only simple but also forgiving, making it a perfect choice for both novice and seasoned cooks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner:

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to an hour. This extra time lets the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful bite.

• Use Fresh Vegetables: While frozen vegetables can work in a pinch, fresh bell peppers and onions provide better texture and vibrant colors, enhancing both the appearance and taste of the dish.

• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snap peas or carrots. This not only adds variety but also boosts the nutritional value of your meal!

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s enough space between chicken and vegetables on the sheet pan. Proper spacing allows for even roasting, giving everything that lovely caramelization.

• Check Doneness with a Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is key to ensuring your chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out. This guarantees food safety while keeping your meal juicy.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Serving this colorful Hawaiian-inspired dish can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a festive occasion! Here are some creative ideas to make it shine at your table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top just before serving for an aromatic touch that brightens up the flavors.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side; a squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully, making it an excellent base for your chicken and veggies.
• Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad tossed with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch to your meal.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the savory elements of this dish, offering a hearty side option.
• Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the warm chicken and vegetables, adding balance to your plate.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a well-rounded meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with family or friends for a taste of paradise right at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week with minimal effort. You can easily store leftovers or even make it ahead of time to save precious moments during busy weekdays.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that any rice or quinoa is stored separately if possible, to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave until warmed through (about 2-3 minutes).
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help enhance your cooking experience!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, snap peas, or carrots. Just ensure they have similar cooking times to keep everything perfectly cooked.

How do I make my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner healthier?

You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and substitute honey with a natural sweetener of your choice. Adding more vegetables can also boost nutritional value!

What is the best way to serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up all those delicious juices. Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal!

How long does it take to prepare a Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

With just 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in under an hour!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that brings warmth to your table and makes weeknight dinners special. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—it’s easy, healthy, and simply delicious. Happy cooking!