Hаwаiian сhicken is a bright dish that takes you to sunny Hawaiian beaches , with a fun mix of sweet pineapple , salty soy and warm spices
People love making it on a sheet раn cause it save time and cuts down on dishes . You just put chicken , veggie and pineapple chunks on one pan and bake . The flavors blend nice while everything roasts together
In this guіde you get the full recipe for Hawaiian chicken sheet pan , plus easy cooking tips and answers to questions . It works great as a quick weekday meal or a dish to show off , and most folks will ask for seconds
What is Hawaiian Chicken?
Hawaiian chicken is a simple meal that shows how different cultures came together in Hawaii . They marinate chicken in a mix of soy sauce , pineapple and spices , then grill or bake it . The result is juicy meat with bits of caramelized pineapple and a sauce that’s sweet yet salty
The secret is fresh ingredients like ripe pineapple , ginger and garlic . When those flavors hit the chicken they make a sauce that coats every bite . You can toss in colorful peppers or onion so it looks as good as it tastes
Some home cooks turned this into a one-pan dinner by roasting everything together . It’s almost foolproof — just arrange the chicken , veggies and fruit , pop it in the oven and dinner is served
The Benefits of Using a Sheet Pan
One big plus of sheet pan cooking is time . You dont have to juggle pots or pans because everything cooks together , so dinner is ready sooner
You also get more veggie nutrition since roasting makes them sweet and tender . And cleanup is a breeze — just wash one pan instead of a mountain of dishes
This method is versatile too . You can swap in different veggies or change spices to keep things interesting . It’s ideal for meal prep or feeding a family with little fuss
Essential Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Main Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay moist but breasts work if you like leaner meat
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned , for sweetness and that tropical vibe
- Bell peppers: Red , yellow or green for color and crunch
- Red onion: Adds mild sharpness when roasted
Marinade Ingredients
- Soy sauce: Gives salty umami
- Brown sugar: Balances the salt with sweetness
- Garlic: For depth and aroma
- Ginger: Adds warm zing
- Sesame oil: Gives nutty aroma
Optional Ingredients
- Scallions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for crunch and looks
Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
Marinade Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
Directions
1. Make the marinade
Whisk soy sauce , brown sugar , garlic , ginger and sesame oil in a bowl till sugar dissolves .
2. Marinate the chicken
Put chicken in a bowl or zip bag and pour marinade over it . Cover or seal and chill for at least 30 minutes , up to 4 hours .
3. Prep the veggies
Chop peppers into chunks and slice onion . Set them aside .
4. Assemble on the sheet pan
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) . Place chicken in center of pan and scatter peppers , onion and pineapple around it .
5. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes , or till chicken hits 165°F (74°C) inside . If you want extra char , broil for 2–3 minutes at end .
6. Serve
Let rest a few minutes , then top with scallions and sesame seeds . Serve with rice , salad or your favorite sides .
Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
- Use meat thermometer: Check chicken temp to avoid dryness
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give ingredients space so they roast instead of steam
- Let it rest: Resting keeps the juices inside
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Steamed jasmine rice: Soaks up the sauce
- Fresh green salad: Adds crunch and balance
- Grilled corn on the cob: Echoes tropical flavors
Beverages: Pineapple juice or iced tea work great
Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge up to 3 days . Reheat in microwave or skillet gently .
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx 380
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
Consider gluten-free soy sauce or low-sodium options if needed .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes , boneless cooks faster . Just adjust baking time .
2. What if I dont have soy sauce?
You can swap in tamari or coconut aminos .
3. How long are leftovers good?
They last 3 days in fridge in tight container .
4. Can I add other veggies?
Sure , zucchini , broccoli or snap peas work well .
5. Is marinating required?
Marinating adds flavor but you can brush sauce on right before baking if pressed for time .
Conclusion
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal is easy , tasty and great for busy nights or dinner parties . Give it a try and see how it brightens up your table . Enjoy and share your thoughts !
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 sheet pan
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 oven mitts
- 1 tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks or canned
- 1 each red bell pepper sliced
- 1 each yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 each red onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- as desired green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they are completely coated in the marinade. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes for better flavor absorption.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers and the red onion.
- On a large sheet pan, arrange the marinated chicken thighs in the center, and arrange the sliced vegetables and pineapple chunks around the chicken.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables for added flavor.
- Bake the sheet pan in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.