Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is one of those recipes that makes me fall in love with weeknight cooking all over again. It’s bright, colorful, flavorful, and best of all, incredibly easy. I’m so grateful you’re here with me to explore this dish. Whether you’re a long-time follower or stumbled across this page looking for quick dinner ideas, thank you for stopping by. This recipe is a celebration of ease, flavor, and the tropical flair that brings smiles to any dinner table.

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner features juicy chicken breast, roasted pineapple chunks, and vibrant vegetables all tossed in a simple yet wildly flavorful 5-ingredient marinade. It’s one-pan cooking at its finest — fewer dishes, less stress, and a wholesome, satisfying meal that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a sunny island getaway.

What Is Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a one-pan baked dish inspired by the sweet and savory flavors commonly associated with Hawaiian-style cooking. While not traditional Hawaiian cuisine, it takes cues from the island’s love for pineapple, grilled meats, and bold sauces. This version is all about simplicity. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan in the oven, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.

The chicken breast cubes are marinated in a flavorful blend of barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and olive oil — then baked alongside pineapple, bell peppers, and red onions until perfectly tender and caramelized. It’s the kind of dish that comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day working on it.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner has quickly become a staple in my house:

• It’s made in one pan — minimal cleanup required
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Customizable with the veggies and proteins you have on hand
• Naturally gluten-free with the right sauces
• Kid-approved, adult-adored
• A fantastic meal prep option for lunches throughout the week
• Brings that sweet-and-savory tropical flavor we all crave

What Does It Taste Like?

The flavor of Hawaiian Chicken is like a party on your plate. You’ve got juicy, tender chicken that soaks up every drop of the bold marinade. The sweetness of the pineapple plays beautifully with the tangy barbecue sauce and the umami of the soy. Honey adds a smooth caramelized note while the garlic provides a savory edge. When you roast it all together, the natural sugars in the pineapple and sauce caramelize slightly, creating crispy, golden bits that make every bite irresistible. It’s one of those meals where you keep going back for “just one more bite” — even when you’re already full.

Benefits of This Recipe

This dish doesn’t just taste amazing — it’s got a lot going for it nutritionally and practically:

• High in protein from lean chicken breast
• Full of vitamins and antioxidants thanks to the colorful vegetables
• Pineapple offers a good dose of vitamin C and bromelain, a natural enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties
• Quick cook time — on the table in 45 minutes
• Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully
• Can be adapted for different dietary needs (gluten-free, low carb, dairy-free)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, well-drained)

5-Ingredient Marinade

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite variety)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder

Necessary Tools for Preparation

You don’t need anything fancy to pull this together. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large sheet pan
• Mixing bowls (one for the marinade, one for tossing the ingredients)
• A whisk or fork for mixing the marinade
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Tongs or a spatula for flipping halfway through cooking

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile, and you can swap or add ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

Additions

• Zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli for extra vegetables
• Jalapeños or red chili flakes for a spicy kick
• Fresh ginger for more depth in the marinade
• Cashews or macadamia nuts tossed in during the last few minutes for a bit of crunch

Substitutions

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more juiciness
• Substitute teriyaki sauce for the barbecue sauce for a different sweet-savory flavor
• Use maple syrup in place of honey for a more earthy sweetness
• Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free
• Try shrimp, pork, or even tofu instead of chicken if you want to switch things up

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, barbecue sauce, honey, olive oil, and garlic until fully combined.
3. In a large bowl, add the cubed chicken, pineapple chunks, chopped bell pepper, and red onion. Pour the marinade over the mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Try to leave space between the pieces so the chicken and vegetables can brown rather than steam.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the ingredients halfway through for even cooking. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the veggies to be tender with golden edges.
6. For extra flavor, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. This step caramelizes the edges and gives the dish a lightly charred finish that’s absolutely delicious.

What to Serve With Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Steamed white rice – A classic, neutral base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
• Coconut rice – Add richness and a subtle tropical flavor.
• Cauliflower rice – Great for a low-carb option.
• Quinoa or soba noodles – If you’re looking for a protein-packed grain.
• Fresh salad or slaw – Something crisp to balance the warm sweetness of the chicken.

And while you’re at it, why not pair this with a refreshing mocktail? These fruity drinks make a perfect companion to tropical chicken dishes:

• Try the Frosty Berry Fusion Mocktail for a vibrant, cooling berry blast.
• The Cotton Candy Mocktail adds a whimsical touch to your dinner table.
• Or channel bold citrusy vibes with the Loki Mocktail — a fun and unique pairing for the smoky-sweet flavors of this dish.

Tips for Making the Best Hawaiian Chicken

• Cut everything evenly so it cooks uniformly. Large chunks of chicken or onion can take longer to cook through.
• Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan. Give each piece some room for that golden brown roast.
• Use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
• Let it marinate. While this recipe works even with a quick toss in the sauce, letting it sit for 30 minutes before baking deepens the flavor.
• Broil at the end for that magical caramelized finish.
• Double the batch for meal prep or to freeze half for another night.

Storage Instructions

This dish stores well and makes excellent leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Warm in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep it moist.

General Information

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, depending on portion size. It can be easily doubled — just make sure to use two sheet pans and rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. It’s a fantastic recipe to prep in the morning and pop into the oven when you’re ready for dinner. It also works great as a meal-prep lunch option, paired with rice or a grain bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen pineapple?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained. Extra moisture will make the dish soggy.

What if I don’t like barbecue sauce?
You can substitute it with teriyaki sauce, hoisin, or even a homemade sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess moisture and ensure crispier edges.

Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s quite mild. If you want to add heat, include some red chili flakes or diced jalapeños.

Will this work with other meats?
Definitely. Pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even salmon would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a game-changer for busy weeknights, weekend meal preppers, and anyone who loves big flavor with little effort. It’s juicy, sweet, savory, and kissed with that oven-roasted magic that makes sheet pan meals so satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and endless ways to customize, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

And if you’re looking for more ways to keep the tropical vibes going strong, don’t miss these favorites:

• Frosty Berry Fusion Mocktail
• Cotton Candy Mocktail
• Loki Mocktail

They’re perfect sippers for this breezy island-inspired meal.

Share Your Kitchen Creations

Did you make this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner? I’d love to see it! Leave a comment below to tell me how it turned out, or share a photo on Pinterest or social media using the hashtag #mmmrecipes. Your creations seriously make my day!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 720mg

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