A Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a delightful and vibrant meal that brings the taste of the islands to your kitchen. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken breast with sweet pineapple and colorful bell peppers, marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and roasted to perfection. It’s not just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s also ideal for gatherings or special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures will impress your family and friends alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation – This dish requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients – The sweet and tangy marinade enhances the chicken and vegetables, delivering a taste sensation.
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, which means less cleanup for you!
- Healthy Option – Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this meal is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions – Serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce, or enjoy it on its own.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet – Provides ample space for even cooking of all ingredients at once.
- Mixing bowl – Ideal for marinating chicken thoroughly to enhance flavor.
- Meat thermometer – Ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly, reaching a safe internal temperature.
Ingredients
A vibrant and easy sheet pan meal combining tender chicken breast with sweet pineapple and colorful bell peppers. This flavorful Hawaiian-inspired dish is marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and roasted to perfection. Perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner served over rice or quinoa.
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
For Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your food cooks evenly when placed in the oven.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces evenly.
3. Set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
On a large baking sheet:
1. Spread out the diced red and yellow bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple chunks evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Place the marinated chicken pieces over the vegetables on the baking sheet:
– Pour any leftover marinade on top to maximize flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Put the sheet pan in your preheated oven:
– Bake for 25–30 minutes.
– Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even baking.
Step 6: Check Doneness
Use a meat thermometer:
– Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
– If not done, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes as needed.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven:
– Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
– Garnish with fresh cilantro.
– Serve warm over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious sauce!
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Serving the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a delightful experience filled with vibrant flavors and colorful presentations. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that pairs well with the savory sauce, allowing you to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your meal.
With Quinoa
- Fluffy Quinoa: This protein-packed alternative adds a unique texture and complements the tropical flavors well.
In Tacos
- Taco Style: Serve the chicken and vegetables in corn or flour tortillas topped with fresh cilantro and avocado for a fun twist.
As A Salad
- Chicken Salad: Toss the cooked chicken and veggies with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad option.
With Noodles
- Rice Noodles: For an Asian-inspired twist, serve the chicken over rice noodles tossed in soy sauce or sesame oil.
With Fresh Fruit Salsa
- Fruit Salsa: A mango or pineapple salsa can add an extra layer of flavor and freshness to your plate.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
To ensure your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.
- Bold Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. This enhances flavor depth.
- Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables make a significant difference in taste compared to dried or canned options.
- Bold Stir Halfway Through: Stirring halfway ensures even cooking and prevents uneven browning of the chicken and vegetables.
- Bold Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Bold Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute for moist chicken.
- Bold Customize Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or broccoli based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent choices that complement its tropical flavors:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the sweetness of the dish.
- Coconut Rice: Cooking rice in coconut milk gives it a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread makes for a tasty accompaniment to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet pineapple.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the pineapple while adding heartiness to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn is always a crowd-pleaser that brings summer vibes to your dinner table.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites of this flavorful dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate means missing out on flavor. Marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to enhance taste.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many ingredients on one sheet pan can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there is enough space between pieces for proper roasting.
- Ignoring vegetable cuts: Cutting vegetables unevenly can result in inconsistent cooking times. Aim for similar sizes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Not checking doneness: Failing to use a meat thermometer can lead to undercooked chicken. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Using fresh pineapple: While fresh pineapple is delicious, canned pineapple chunks hold up better during roasting and add sweetness without excess moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- This meal can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until warmed, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and sauté until heated through, stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also add a side salad for extra freshness.
Is Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe includes lean protein from chicken and plenty of vegetables with natural sweetness from pineapple, making it nutritious and balanced.
Can I customize the vegetables in my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini or snap peas based on your preference or what you have on hand.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy at all! However, if you enjoy some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or adjust the sweetness level according to your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Discover the vibrant flavors of the islands with this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. This easy-to-make, one-pan meal features tender chicken breast marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, complemented by juicy pineapple and colorful bell peppers. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish offers a delightful blend of tastes and textures that will impress everyone at your table. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy a nutritious dinner that’s packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, all roasted to perfection. Serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium red onion
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- On a baking sheet, arrange bell peppers, onion wedges, and drained pineapple.
- Place marinated chicken on top; pour any leftover marinade over it.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest before serving; garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize veggies based on what’s in season. For added heat, incorporate red pepper flakes into the marinade.