Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

If you want a weeknight winner that’s both easy and delicious, look no further than SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN. This vibrant dish marries juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and bell peppers in a tangy, tropical sauce that caramelizes to perfection in your oven. Every bite bursts with color and flavor, making it a runaway favorite whether you’re serving family or friends. The best part? Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor—what’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN lies in its harmonious blend of simple, fresh ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, from the tender chicken to the punchy sauce and colorful veggies that soak up every drop of flavor.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and the perfect blank canvas for all the bold, saucy goodness.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful pop of color to your pan.
• Orange or Yellow Bell Pepper: For even more bright sweetness and a rainbow-like presentation.
• Red Onion: Brings slight sharpness that mellows and sweetens as it roasts.
• Pineapple (fresh or canned): Sweet, juicy bursts that make every bite taste like a tropical escape.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Forms the salty, savory backbone of your sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully in the oven.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami, balancing out the sweetness with a little tang.
• Pineapple Juice: Reinforces that zesty, island flavor—use the juice from your canned pineapple or freshly squeezed if using fresh.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings deliciously to every morsel.
• Olive Oil: Keeps everything moist and helps veggies soften and roast just right.
• Fresh Ginger (minced or paste): Brings a gentle, spicy warmth that elevates the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Gives that classic aromatic boost—fresh is best if you have it!
• Crushed Red Pepper: Just a touch for a gentle kick; adjust to your heat preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the sweet and savory elements.
• Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish): Optional, but it adds freshness and makes your finished dish extra inviting.

How to Make SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400℉ and lining a large sheet pan with foil. This step is all about setting yourself up for fast, fuss-free cleanup later, and it ensures nothing sticks—giving you more beautiful caramelization and fewer dishes to scrub.

Step 2: Assemble the Chicken and Veggies

In a large bowl, toss your bite-sized chicken cubes with the sliced peppers and onions. This combination will look like a party in a bowl, and it’s this medley that makes SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN so satisfying and colorful.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Tangy Hawaiian Sauce

In a smaller bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, pineapple juice, cornstarch, olive oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, bringing every component together in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zingy.

Step 4: Coat and (Optionally) Marinate

Pour about half of your finished sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture, saving the rest for later. Toss everything to coat thoroughly. If you have extra time, let it marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours; otherwise, move right on. Marinating deepens the flavors but isn’t strictly necessary when you’re short on time.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Spread the coated chicken and veggies evenly across your prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The high heat helps caramelize the sugars in the sauce and gives the veggies those irresistible golden edges.

Step 6: Add Pineapple for That Signature Sweetness

After 20 minutes, remove the pan and scatter your diced pineapple over everything. Slide the pan back into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. The pineapple gets perfectly warm and caramelized, and the chicken finishes cooking through—aim for an internal temp of 165℉.

Step 7: Thicken the Remaining Sauce

While the chicken finishes in the oven, pop your reserved sauce in the microwave for about 45 to 60 seconds. A quick zap is all it takes for the cornstarch to work its magic, thickening the sauce until it’s ready for drizzling.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove the sheet pan and drizzle your luscious, thickened sauce all over the chicken, pineapple, and veggies. This final glaze brings everything together, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for that little extra flourish.

How to Serve SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN

Garnishes

Garnishing your SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN isn’t just about looks—it’s about adding bursts of freshness and flavor. A generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley brightens the plate, while a squeeze of lime over the top can tuck in a welcome zesty note. For a little crunch, try toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions.

Side Dishes

This dish loves good company. Spoon SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN over steaming white rice, tender brown rice, or fluffy coconut rice. For a lighter touch, try serving it atop quinoa or with roasted cauliflower rice. Steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad alongside the dish help round out the meal without overshadowing its starring flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, why not turn your SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN into vibrant wraps? Pile everything into warmed tortillas with a bit of slaw, or heap onto toasted buns Hawaiian-style for an open-faced sandwich. You can even skewer the cooked chicken and veggies for fun party skewers—kids and adults both love them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the sauce clings so well, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers a serious lunch upgrade.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled chicken, veggies, and pineapple into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the sauce separately and combine when reheating—you’ll taste that signature tangy-sweet flavor all over again.

Reheating

You can warm up leftovers in the microwave for quick meals, or heat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a spoonful of water or pineapple juice to loosen things up and bring back that perfect glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN and bring even more juiciness. They may take a minute or two longer in the oven, but you’ll end up with equally delicious results.

What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?

No worries—canned pineapple is a fantastic and convenient option. Use chunks or tidbits packed in juice, and be sure to reserve that juice for your sauce to capture all the tropical sweetness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, add extra crushed red pepper to the sauce or finish with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. A few slices of fresh jalapeño on top can also add a lively kick without overpowering the signature sweet-and-tangy profile.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

While traditional SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN stars chicken breast, you can easily swap in firm tofu or even chickpeas for a plant-based take. Just be sure to press the tofu well and toss everything in that craveable Hawaiian sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, double up the ingredients and spread them over two sheet pans for best results. Rotate the pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

Final Thoughts

Gather your sheet pan and get ready for a dinner that’s guaranteed to spark some joy. SHEET PAN HAWAIIAN CHICKEN deserves a spot on your weeknight menu—not only is it easy and vibrant, but it’s also loaded with big, sunny flavor in every bite. Give it a try and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request from your crew!

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