Experience the vibrant flavors of the tropics with our Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. This delightful dish combines juicy chicken thighs with sweet pineapple chunks and a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory soy-honey glaze. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that’s sure to transport your taste buds to an island paradise.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy and delicious meal without the fuss. Serve it alongside steamed rice or your favorite side to soak up the flavorful sauce, and enjoy a taste of Hawaii from the comfort of your home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Arrange chicken thighs on the sheet pan. Surround them with pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, red onion, and broccoli florets.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Toss the vegetables gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish.
- Serve immediately, pairing with steamed rice or your preferred side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner: A Sweet and Savory One-Pan Wonder
History and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Hawaiian cuisine is deeply influenced by a mix of Polynesian, Asian, and American flavors, bringing together a unique combination of sweet, savory, and umami tastes. This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is inspired by the traditional use of pineapple in Hawaiian cooking, which adds a natural sweetness that complements the richness of the chicken. Pineapple has long been a staple ingredient in Hawaiian dishes like Huli Huli Chicken, Loco Moco, and Kalua Pork, often balancing smoky, salty, and spicy flavors.
This sheet pan recipe is a modern, convenient twist on the classic Hawaiian chicken and pineapple combination, making it perfect for home cooks looking for a fuss-free yet flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
✔ Balanced Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of juicy pineapple, honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates an irresistible glaze.
✔ Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and natural sweetness from the pineapple.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat well, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
✔ Customizable: Swap out veggies, adjust seasonings, or use boneless chicken for a different texture.
Ingredient Breakdown
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a delicious balance of flavors:
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, bone-in thighs bring out deeper flavors and stay moist while baking.
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness, slight acidity, and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers provides crunch and sweetness.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and enhances the dish with its slight sweetness when roasted.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds a boost of nutrients and a nice contrast to the soft pineapples.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the salty umami base for the glaze.
- Honey: Enhances the sweet elements and creates a sticky, caramelized coating.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic & Ginger: Classic Asian-inspired aromatics that elevate the dish with warmth and spice.
- Chili Flakes (Optional): A hint of heat balances out the sweetness.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: For garnish, adding a pop of color and extra flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Use Fresh Pineapple for the Best Flavor – While canned pineapple can work, fresh pineapple offers better caramelization and a more natural sweetness.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor – If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Sheet Pan – Arrange the ingredients in a single layer to allow even roasting. If needed, use two sheet pans for better air circulation.
- Broil for the Last 2-3 Minutes – This step helps achieve a beautifully caramelized, golden finish on the chicken and pineapple.
- Pair It With a Side Dish – Serve this with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Options: Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Swaps: Try zucchini, snap peas, carrots, or asparagus for variety.
- Sauce Variations: Add teriyaki sauce, coconut aminos (for a soy-free version), or a splash of pineapple juice for more depth.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken and veggies for up to 2 months. However, fresh pineapple may become mushy after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes or reheat in a pan over medium heat. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs About Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Q: Can I use canned pineapple?
A: Yes! However, fresh pineapple gives the best texture and caramelization when roasted.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Absolutely! Increase the chili flakes, or drizzle with Sriracha for an extra kick.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
Ingredient Breakdown & Cooking Techniques
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
1. Chicken Selection
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are used for juiciness and deeper flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted, but they may require less cooking time.
2. The Pineapple Factor
- Fresh pineapple is highly recommended because it caramelizes well in the oven, enhancing the natural sweetness.
- Canned pineapple chunks (drained) can be used, but they may lack the same depth of flavor.
3. The Perfect Vegetable Mix
- Bell peppers add crunch and natural sweetness.
- Red onion gives a mild sharpness that balances the dish.
- Broccoli florets provide color and a nutritious boost.
- Alternative veggies: Try zucchini, sugar snap peas, or carrots for variety.
4. Flavorful Sauce
- Soy sauce – Adds umami and depth.
- Honey – Provides natural sweetness and enhances caramelization.
- Sesame oil – Infuses a nutty aroma.
- Garlic & Ginger – Essential aromatics for warm, deep flavors.
- Chili flakes (optional) – A hint of spice balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the bell peppers and red onion.
- Cut the fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
- Mince the garlic and grate fresh ginger.
- Make the Sauce
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
- This sauce will act as both a marinade and a glaze.
- Assemble on a Sheet Pan
- Arrange chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, and vegetables on the pan.
- Drizzle with the prepared sauce and toss the veggies lightly.
- Bake to Perfection
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for the finishing touch.
- Serve hot, alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice.
Expert Cooking Tips for Best Results
✅ Let the Chicken Marinate – If time allows, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
✅ Use Fresh Pineapple for Caramelization – Fresh pineapple develops a golden caramelized crust, adding depth of flavor.
✅ Avoid Overcrowding the Sheet Pan – Ensure everything is spread out evenly to allow proper roasting instead of steaming.
✅ Broil for Extra Crispiness – Turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin and caramelize the edges.
✅ Pair with the Right Side Dish – Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
✔ Make it Vegetarian – Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use a soy-based marinade.
✔ Switch Up the Protein – Try shrimp, pork tenderloin, or salmon for a different twist.
✔ Use Coconut Aminos – A great soy sauce alternative for a gluten-free and lower sodium option.
✔ Add Extra Spice – Drizzle with Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal, serve this dish with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – A fluffy, fragrant base to soak up the sauce.
- Coconut Rice – Enhances the tropical flavors with its creamy coconut undertones.
- Garlic Butter Noodles – A simple yet flavorful pairing.
- Grilled Pineapple Slices – Intensifies the caramelized pineapple notes.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet bread that complements the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
✔ Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ Freeze cooked chicken and vegetables for up to 2 months (pineapple may soften when thawed).
✔ Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.
✔ Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Chop all the vegetables, make the sauce, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry first to prevent excess moisture from affecting the roasting process.
Q: What other flavors can I add?
A: Try adding a splash of pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, or hoisin sauce for extra depth.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is an incredibly flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the tropics straight to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, one-pan convenience, and customizable ingredients, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal in advance, this recipe is sure to be a hit!