Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Save this recipe on:

When I first made this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan, I was aiming for something that blended tropical flavors with the simplicity of weeknight cooking. What I ended up with was so much more than a quick meal. The sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and colorful bell peppers turned a simple dinner into a mini vacation on a plate.

This recipe became an instant favorite in my house. My kitchen was filled with the scent of caramelizing pineapple juice mingling with garlic and soy sauce. Watching everything roast together into a juicy, golden medley made me excited to share this dish with anyone who loves easy but impressive meals.

The real beauty of this recipe is how everything happens on a single sheet pan. It’s minimal mess, maximum flavor, and honestly, it feels like cheating. You get something that tastes like you fussed for hours, but it’s on the table in under an hour. If you’re into smart cooking and bold flavors, this one deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. If you love one-pan wonders, you might also enjoy my creamy garlic chicken breasts or this hearty shipwreck dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

This sheet pan dinner is vibrant, flavorful, and wonderfully easy. It balances sweet, savory, and tangy elements in one cohesive dish. The pineapples bring in natural sweetness, which plays beautifully against the salty soy marinade and the mild heat of red pepper flakes. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills to pull this off, yet the result looks and tastes like something out of a restaurant. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs are the heart of this recipe, bringing in juicy, rich flavor and staying moist during baking.

Pineapple chunks, whether fresh or canned, add a juicy sweetness and a hint of tropical brightness that sets this dish apart.

Red and yellow bell peppers lend crunch and vibrant color, balancing the sweet and savory elements.

Red onion gives a subtle sharpness that mellows out in the oven and deepens the overall flavor.

Soy sauce provides that savory umami base, essential for tying the sweet and salty notes together.

Garlic adds depth and a kick of aromatic warmth to the marinade.

Honey boosts the caramelization and adds a rich, sweet glaze to the final result.

Olive oil ensures everything roasts evenly and prevents sticking.

Red pepper flakes introduce just a touch of heat to balance all the sweetness.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you want maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sheet Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Spread out the chopped bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks.

Step 3: Assemble Everything

Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the vegetables and pineapple. Drizzle any remaining marinade over everything on the pan.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized on the edges. Toss the vegetables once halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is golden and sizzling, remove from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Spoon it over rice or quinoa, or just enjoy it straight from the pan.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a leaner option, you can swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so they don’t dry out. If you’re looking to go meatless, tofu or even cauliflower florets work beautifully with the marinade and roasting method. Want extra heat? Toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha. And if fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) are a perfect stand-in.

Vegetables are flexible here—zucchini, snap peas, or even broccoli can be added or substituted based on what’s in your fridge. Just chop everything to a similar size for even roasting. You can also try teriyaki sauce instead of soy-honey mix for a different twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is hearty enough to serve on its own, but pairing it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice brings out its tropical soul. For a lighter touch, serve it with a side salad with citrus vinaigrette. Roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob also make tasty, texture-rich companions. If you’re entertaining, pair it with a chilled white wine like Riesling or a pineapple mojito.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring halfway. Avoid freezing this dish as the bell peppers and pineapple can become soggy once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?

Absolutely. Just cut them to uniform sizes and reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out. They still soak up the marinade well.

What type of pineapple is best for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?

Fresh is best for texture and flavor, but canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) work well too and save prep time.

Can I prep Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and chop all the veggies a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before baking.

Is Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. For more spice, add jalapeños or sriracha. For a milder version, simply omit the flakes.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved the sweet and savory harmony in this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan, then you’ll definitely want to try my creamy garlic chicken breasts. It’s just as easy and comforting. Or switch it up with the bold flavors of my creamy Tuscan sausage pasta or this veggie-packed giant zucchini parmesan.

Save and Share for Later

Don’t let this flavorful one-pan dinner slip away! Pin this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest so you can always come back to it. Share it with friends who love quick meals packed with bold flavors. Whether you post it on Facebook, drop the link in a group chat, or print it for your recipe binder, spreading the love makes every bite even better.

Save this recipe on: