If you crave a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all coming together in one easy dish, this Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is made just for you. With tender chicken breasts, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple chunks baked to perfection, every bite bursts with freshness and tropical charm. It’s a hassle-free, all-in-one meal that combines simple ingredients with vibrant flair, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners when you want something exciting on your plate without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is all about using straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor and texture. From the tender chicken to the zingy homemade sauce, every element is essential to bring that sweet and savory magic right to your table.
- 2 lbs chicken breasts: Dice into bite-sized pieces for quick, uniform cooking and juicy texture.
- 1 red pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
- 1 orange or yellow pepper: Brings a bright, cheerful color and natural sweetness to the dish.
- 1 small red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch that complements the chicken and pineapple perfectly.
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce: Provides umami depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds tang and a touch of tomato sweetness that ties the sauce together.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens the dish naturally and helps caramelize the chicken for a lovely glaze.
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice: Infuses the chicken with tropical brightness and a subtle tart note.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers necessary acidity to balance the sweetness in the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a wonderful savory aroma that enhances every bite.
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger: Adds zing and warmth, elevating the tropical flavor profile.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flake: Gives a gentle kick of heat to balance the sweet elements.
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the chicken and veggies.
- 4 cups fresh pineapple, diced: The star tropical ingredient delivering juicy bursts and natural sweetness.
How to Make Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F while lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step saves cleanup time and ensures the chicken cooks evenly without sticking, setting the stage for that perfect sheet pan meal.
Step 2: Chop Chicken and Veggies
Dice the chicken breasts, red and orange bell peppers, and red onion into roughly 1-inch cubes. Keeping them similarly sized helps everything cook uniformly, giving each bite the ideal blend of protein and veggies.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, ketchup, honey, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flake in a glass measuring cup. Whisk these vibrant flavors together until well blended, then stir in arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the sauce over the diced chicken and vegetables in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly until every piece is fully coated in the glossy, flavorful mixture. This ensures the sauce infuses the ingredients deeply as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake and Add Pineapple
Spread the coated chicken and veggies evenly across the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Then scatter the fresh pineapple chunks on top, toss gently to coat with sauce again, and bake for another 15 minutes. The pineapple adds delightful juiciness and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Broil for Crispiness
Switch your oven to broil and cook the sheet pan contents for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This quick broil gives the chicken a slightly crisp, caramelized topping without drying it out—ready to serve hot and delicious!
How to Serve Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or cilantro adds a punch of fresh color and brightness that complements the rich, sweet sauce beautifully. For an extra tropical touch, add a few toasted sesame seeds to bring subtle nuttiness and a lovely crunch to your dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the saucy goodness. You can also serve it alongside coconut rice for a richer flavor, or even garlic butter noodles for a comforting twist. Steamed greens or a crisp Asian slaw will add freshness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive experience, serve your Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in pineapple halves or bowls, turning the fruit into a natural, edible serving vessel. Alternatively, pile it atop lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held option perfect for casual get-togethers or family dinners with a tropical vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for delicious next-day lunches or dinners. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken for up to 2 months. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal fix.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. To revive some crispiness, finishing with a quick broil or sauté in a pan is a great trick. Remember to stir occasionally so the sauce warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and make sure your ketchup contains no gluten ingredients. The rest of the dish is naturally gluten-free and will taste just as fantastic.
Can I substitute fresh pineapple with canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well in a pinch. Choose chunks packed in juice rather than syrup to avoid excess sweetness. Drain slightly before adding them during the baking process for best results.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes just a touch of red pepper flakes, which adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down depending on your heat preference.
What should I do with the extra sauce left on the pan?
Don’t throw it away! That extra saucy liquid is packed with flavor and perfect for drizzling over rice or spooning back over the chicken when serving. It keeps each bite juicy and extra luscious.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is one of those magical weeknight dinners that feels special but is incredibly simple to pull together. Bursting with tropical flavors and vibrant colors, it’s the perfect meal to brighten up any day. I can’t wait for you to make it, enjoy every juicy bite, and maybe even find yourself coming back for seconds—and thirds. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
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Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
This Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts and vibrant vegetables baked together with a tangy, sweet pineapple sauce. Perfectly balanced with soy, honey, and fresh ginger, this colorful one-pan meal is easy to prepare, full of bright tropical flavors, and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish is finished with a broil to add a crispy, caramelized topping and is best served over steamed rice.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups fresh pineapple, diced
Sauce
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or substitute cornstarch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts and all vegetables — red pepper, orange/yellow pepper, and red onion — into approximately 1-inch cubes. Combine them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate glass measuring cup, whisk together the reduced sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk in the arrowroot powder until fully incorporated to help thicken the sauce.
- Toss Chicken and Veggies: Pour the prepared sauce over the diced chicken and vegetables. Toss everything thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
- Bake: Spread the chicken and vegetables evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Then, add the diced pineapple chunks on top, and gently toss everything again to coat the pineapple with the sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a crispier topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian chicken hot over freshly steamed rice. Save any extra saucy liquid from the pan to drizzle on top of the rice and chicken for additional moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Arrowroot powder can be substituted with cornstarch if unavailable.
- The broil step is optional but helps create a caramelized and crispy finish on top.
- Using reduced sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish without compromising flavor.
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or zucchini for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian