Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a delightful dinner that’s as colorful as it is delicious, let me introduce you to my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. This dish has quickly become a favorite in our household! It combines juicy chicken breast with sweet pineapple and vibrant bell peppers, all coated in a savory-sweet marinade that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this meal is perfect for any occasion.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You can have a wholesome dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Delicious Leftovers: Enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day—if there are any left!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you need:

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 Garnish

• 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. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha in the marinade.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped cashews or peanuts before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything well ensures that each piece of chicken gets coated in that delicious marinade. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes; this step is crucial for infusing flavor into the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While your chicken marinates, spread out the diced red and yellow bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple chunks evenly on a large sheet pan. This colorful mix not only adds vibrant flavors but also makes your dish look appealing.

Step 3: Assemble Everything on the Sheet Pan

Once marinated, place the chicken pieces over your vegetable bed on the sheet pan. Don’t forget to pour any leftover marinade over everything; it will create a lovely sauce while baking!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Give everything a gentle stir halfway through cooking so that all ingredients roast evenly. To ensure that your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If needed, add another 5–10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done baking, let your dish rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve warm over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up all those wonderful flavors. Enjoy every bite of this tropical delight!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Making the perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is easy, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your dish to new heights!

• Marinate Longer for Enhanced Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This extra time lets the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

• Cut Uniformly for Even Cooking: Ensure that your chicken pieces and vegetables are cut into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly, so you won’t have some pieces undercooked while others are perfectly done.

• Experiment with Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add other colorful veggies like snap peas or carrots. They not only add nutrition but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish, making it even more inviting.

• Use Fresh Pineapple if Possible: While canned pineapple is convenient, using fresh pineapple can bring a brighter flavor profile and an enjoyable texture to your meal. Plus, it’s always fun to work with fresh ingredients!

• Save Leftovers Creatively: If you have any leftovers, try mixing them into a salad or wrap for lunch the next day. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish in a whole new format!

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Serving this vibrant Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is all about presentation and complementing flavors. Here are some ideas that will make your meal even more delightful!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling some chopped green onions on top adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.

• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty crunch and an elegant touch to your plate, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant aroma of jasmine rice pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory chicken. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes provides freshness and adds a healthy twist to your meal.

• Roasted Broccoli: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli while offering a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and pineapple.

• Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with mangoes, kiwis, and strawberries can serve as a bright contrast to the savory elements of your dinner while keeping with the Hawaiian theme.

Enjoying this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is not just about nourishment; it’s an experience filled with flavors that transport you straight to Hawaii!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze portions for later use. Here are some tips to help you enjoy this dish throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

• Let the chicken and vegetables cool down before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. Just ensure they have similar cooking times so everything cooks evenly.

How do I know when my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked!

Can I marinate the chicken overnight for my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

Yes! Marinating overnight enhances the flavors even more. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge.

What can I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad for extra crunch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner! It’s not only simple and quick but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal or prepping for busy weekdays, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!