HAWAIIAN CHICKEN SHEET PAN β Sweet, Savory & So Easy! ππ
The tropical weeknight dinner you didnβt know you needed β ready in 40 minutes with minimal cleanup!
πΊ A Taste of the Islandsβ¦ From Your Oven
Imagine this: golden, juicy chicken infused with soy, honey, and garlic, roasted alongside caramelized pineapple chunks and colorful peppers β all in one pan. This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor, but don’t want a sink full of dishes afterward.
With a sweet-savory glaze, vibrant colors, and tropical aroma, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings sunshine to your dinner table β no matter the season.
π Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained and patted dry)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into thick wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 fresh garlic clove, minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
β± Quick Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
π¨βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
1οΈβ£ Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2οΈβ£ Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
This quick marinade balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors beautifully.
3οΈβ£ Coat Chicken and Veggies
Add the chicken thighs, bell peppers, onion wedges, and pineapple chunks to the bowl. Toss until everything is well coated in the marinade.
π Tip: If time allows, let everything marinate for 15β30 minutes in the fridge to deepen the flavor.
4οΈβ£ Bake
Spread everything evenly on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow for caramelization.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165Β°F/74Β°C). The vegetables should be tender and lightly charred at the edges.
5οΈβ£ Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
π Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Coconut rice for an extra tropical touch
- A crisp green salad or cucumber-lime slaw for contrast
- Warm pita or flatbread for a fusion-style meal
β Mistakes to Avoid
π« Overcrowding the pan β This causes everything to steam instead of roast. Use two pans if needed.
π« Skipping the marinade β Even 10 minutes of marinating makes a big difference in flavor depth.
π« Using undrained canned pineapple β The excess moisture prevents caramelization. Pat dry with a paper towel before using.
π₯ Pro Tips for Success
π‘ Want extra flavor? Add a splash of pineapple juice or a dash of chili flakes to the marinade.
π‘ Feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients and use two sheet pans β rotate halfway through baking.
π‘ Low-carb option? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve over a bed of greens.
ποΈ Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan meal is proof that bold flavor doesnβt have to mean complicated cooking. Itβs tropical comfort food at its easiest β juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and veggies all roasted together in harmony. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this recipe brings a little island magic to your plate.