Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a burst of tropical sunshine to your dinner table, this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining tender cubes of chicken with vibrant bell peppers, sweet pineapple chunks, and a lip-smacking Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce, this dish is a celebration of bold flavors and effortless cooking. It’s one of those recipes that promises maximum flavor with minimum fuss, all baked together on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup and unbeatable convenience. Trust me, once you try this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan, it’ll become a staple for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor profile and appealing texture. From the fragrant spices to the colorful vegetables, you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to transform an ordinary meal into something special.

• Chicken breasts (1.5 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes): The lean protein that soaks up all the incredible seasoning and sauce.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the spices cling to the chicken and prevents sticking while roasting.
• Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
• Coriander powder (2 tsp): Brings a subtle citrusy-earthy flavor to enhance the tropical vibe.
• Ginger powder (2 tsp): Compliments the sweetness of the pineapple with a slight zing.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• Red, yellow, and green bell peppers (1 each, diced): Adds a beautiful rainbow of color and a sweet crunch.
• Red onion (1, cut into chunks): Offers a mild sharpness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce (½ cup): The star ingredient providing that smoky-sweet tang signature to this dish. (Primal Kitchen is a great dairy-free choice!)
• Pineapple chunks (1 cup, drained if canned): Juicy bursts of sweetness that roast to perfection on top.
• Fresh lime (1, juiced): Adds a bright, zesty finish that lifts all the flavors.
• Sesame seeds: For a nutty garnish that also looks fantastic sprinkled on top.
• Cilantro (chopped): Brings a fresh herbaceous note to round out the dish.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Step 1: Prepare for Roasting

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a large baking sheet with oil. This ensures everything stuck to the pan releases easily later and helps the chicken crisp up nicely without drying out.

Step 2: Spice and Toss the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, coriander powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. Adding the chicken cubes, toss them until every piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial because the spices penetrate the meat, creating a deeply flavorful base for your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Sauce

Next, fold in the diced bell peppers, red onion chunks, and generous Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce. I highly recommend using your hands here—not only do you get a better mix, but it’s also just kind of fun and gets you involved in the process. Make sure every piece is coated with that luscious sauce.

Step 4: Roast and Add Pineapple

Spread everything out in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes to let all those gorgeous flavors meld and the chicken start cooking. When the timer goes off, pull out the pan and dot the top with pineapple chunks. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, drizzle fresh lime juice over the whole pan, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. These final garnishes add freshness and a slight crunch, making your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan visually appealing and endlessly delicious.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Garnishes

Beyond the lime juice, sesame seeds, and cilantro, you can also add a few red chili flakes if you like a little heat, or some thinly sliced green onions for extra crunch and color. These simple additions really brighten up the dish and make each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce. For something lighter, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuff it into warm tortillas for a fun twist on tacos. You can even turn the leftovers into a vibrant grain bowl topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal that’s just as tasty, if not better.

Freezing

You can freeze your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan leftovers by placing the cooled contents in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive the flavors and texture, reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Microwaving works too but beware of sogginess, so add a quick sear in a pan if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to stay juicy and tender, making your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan even more flavorful.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mixture, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Fresh garlic can work, but since it’s a sheet pan recipe, garlic powder ensures an even distribution without burning. If you use fresh garlic, mince it finely and toss it with the chicken just before baking.

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

No worries! You can substitute with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and add a splash of pineapple juice to capture that tropical essence.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, as long as you choose a dairy-free BBQ sauce like the Primal Kitchen brand, this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is perfect for dairy-free diets.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe has everything you want in a weeknight meal: simplicity, vibrant colors, bold tropical flavors, and minimal cleanup. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again because it just hits all the right notes. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bring a little island magic to your dinner table tonight!

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