Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

If you’re searching for an easy weeknight dinner that bursts with tropical flavor and vibrant colors, the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is about to become your new best friend. This dish brings together tender chicken cubes soaked in a fragrant blend of spices with the juicy sweetness of pineapple and colorful bell peppers, all baked together on one convenient sheet pan. It’s the perfect marriage of savory, sweet, and tangy — a dish that’s not only simple to make but also feels like a mini vacation on your plate. Trust me, every bite will have you dreaming of sunny shores.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan lies in its fresh and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role: from the tender chicken providing protein, to the spices creating a warm depth of flavor, the bell peppers adding crunch and color, and pineapple delivering that unmistakable tropical sweetness.

• Chicken breasts (1.5 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes): Use fresh chicken for tender chunks that soak up all the spices and sauce beautifully.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps to meld the spices together and keeps everything moist during baking.
• Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Adds a rich savory foundation without overpowering the other flavors.
• Coriander powder (2 tsp): Brings a subtle citrusy and floral note that enhances the tropical vibe.
• Ginger powder (2 tsp): Offers a gentle warmth, complementing the pineapple’s sweetness perfectly.
• Salt (½ tsp) and Black pepper (¼ tsp): Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors in the dish.
• Red, yellow, and green bell peppers (one each, diced): A colorful, crunchy trio that adds sweetness and freshness.
• Red onion (1, cut into chunks): Adds a subtle sharpness and caramelizes beautifully when roasted.
• Hawaiian-style BBQ Sauce (½ cup): This is the heart of the dish’s signature flavor; pick a quality sauce or opt for a dairy-free version like Primal Kitchen.
• Pineapple chunks (1 cup, drained if canned): Sweet and juicy, these burst with tropical flavor after baking.
• Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime): Adds a bright finish that wakes up all the savory and sweet elements.
• Sesame seeds: A delightful nutty crunch and pretty garnish.
• Cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbal notes that add brightness and color.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly oiling a large baking sheet. This first step ensures your ingredients won’t stick and everything roasts to perfection with minimal clean-up.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a big bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, coriander powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add your cubed chicken, and toss with loving hands or a spoon until every piece is generously coated in this fragrant spice blend. This step is where the flavors start getting excited.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and BBQ Sauce

Now it’s time to bring in all those colorful bell peppers and red onion chunks. Pour in the Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce and toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are luxuriously coated. Don’t be shy about digging in with your hands — it helps the sauce cling better and gets the flavors mingling beautifully.

Step 4: Bake and Add Pineapple

Spread your mixture evenly across the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes to let the chicken start cooking and the veggies soften. Then, carefully remove the pan and scatter pineapple chunks across the top in all the nooks. Pop it back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges have that irresistible caramelized finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, drizzle fresh lime juice over everything, and sprinkle sesame seeds along with chopped cilantro for a final burst of flavor and color. This last touch really elevates the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan to something special and restaurant-worthy.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like sesame seeds and cilantro add both texture and eye-catching color. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the dish and balances every sweet and savory element perfectly. Don’t skip these final touches — they transform the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or coconut rice to soak all those delicious juices. For a low-carb option, serve it atop cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp green salad. The fresh veggies and pineapple keep things light but satisfying, so you have plenty of options to make it your own.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan in lettuce wraps for handheld bites or pile it into warm tortillas for quick taco-style meals. You can even spoon it over a bed of quinoa for a protein-packed bowl. This recipe’s versatility makes it perfect for casual dinners or weekend entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so next-day lunches or dinners taste even better. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigeration to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save extras, this dish freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to retain that great roasted texture. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally, but baking keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce?

No worries! You can use any sweet and tangy BBQ sauce or even mix your own using ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a splash of soy sauce for that tropical twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You certainly can swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and keep all the veggies and pineapple. Adjust the baking time accordingly, since tofu cooks faster and you want it to absorb all those gorgeous spices.

How spicy is the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?

This recipe leans towards mild and sweet with warm spices like ginger and coriander, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little kick.

Final Thoughts

Give this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan a spot in your weekly meal rotation and watch it quickly become a favorite that your family and friends ask for again and again. It’s full of bright, balanced flavors and effortless to prepare, making it the kind of dish you feel great about serving any day of the week. Go ahead, bring a slice of island sunshine right to your kitchen table!

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