Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Editor's Choice Sheet Pan Dinners.
A super simple, vibrant one-pan meal with juicy chicken thighs, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies, all roasted in a tangy glaze.
I remember the first time I made this. The kids were little, and we were dreaming of a beach vacation we couldn't quite take. So, I decided to bring the vacation to us. We chopped up pineapple, red peppers, and onions—a beautiful, messy rainbow on the cutting board. Roasting it all together, watching the colors deepen and the edges get all caramelized... it felt like a small, creative act. It’s become a go-to for us, a reminder that sometimes the simplest things hold the most warmth and flavor. It's not just a meal; it's the feeling of an easy, happy evening.
Why This Recipe Feels Like a Hug
- •One Pan, Zero Fuss: The beauty is in the simplicity. Everything cooks together, and cleanup is an absolute breeze.
- •A Symphony of Flavors: It's that perfect dance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It just wakes up your taste buds.
- •So Vibrant and Happy: Look at those colors! It's a visually beautiful meal that just feels cheerful and nourishing.
- •Family-Friendly Favorite: It's one of those rare meals that everyone at the table agrees on. No complaints, just happy sighs.
Wow, just wow. I made this for dinner last night, and my family devoured it. The cleanup was a dream, and the flavors were absolutely incredible. It felt like a gourmet meal with barely any effort. This is definitely going into our regular rotation.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Thighs: I really prefer chicken thighs for this. They stay so much juicier and more tender than breasts when roasted at a high heat. But of course, use what you have!
- Canned Pineapple: Using canned pineapple in its own juice is key here. You need that juice for the glaze! Fresh pineapple is lovely, but you'll miss out on the base for that incredible sauce.
Complete Cooking Process
- Gather & Chop: Get all your ingredients ready. The chopping is the most 'work' you'll do, and it's honestly quite meditative.
- Toss & Spread: Combine the chicken, veggies, and pineapple with oil and seasonings, and arrange them on the prepared pan.
- Initial Roast: A quick 15-minute bake to get everything started on its journey to tenderness.
- Whisk & Glaze: While it's in the oven, mix your simple but flavorful glaze.
- Final Roast: Pour on the glaze and finish cooking until everything is perfectly cooked and beautifully caramelized.
- Serve Simply: Spoon over rice and enjoy the peace of having only one pan to wash.
Your Questions, Answered
→Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You absolutely can! Just be mindful of the cooking time. Chicken breasts can dry out faster, so I'd cut them into slightly larger chunks and check on them a few minutes earlier.
→What other vegetables would work well in this?
Oh, so many! Broccoli florets, snap peas, or even some chunks of zucchini would be wonderful. Just add them according to their cooking time—harder veggies first, softer ones later.
→Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop all the veggies and chicken and whisk the glaze a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just toss it all together on the pan. It makes a weeknight dinner even faster.
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Transport your taste buds with this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe! Juicy chicken thighs in a tangy pineapple glaze. Easy one-pan meal!
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Veggies
- 011.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 021 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 031 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 041 red onion, cut into wedges
- 051 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve the juice!)
- 062 tablespoons olive oil
- 07Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Glaze
- 011/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 021/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 032 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 041 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 051 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 062 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
First things first, let's get cozy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Honestly, this is the secret to an easy cleanup, so don't skip it!
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces, bell peppers, red onion, and drained pineapple chunks with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Just use your hands to get everything nicely coated. Spread it all out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
Slide the pan into the oven and roast for about 15 minutes. The veggies will just start to get tender.
While that’s roasting, let's make the magic happen. In a small bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients: the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. The smell is just... so good.
Okay, carefully pull the sheet pan out of the oven. Pour about half of that beautiful glaze over everything and give it a gentle toss right on the pan. Pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges of the veggies and pineapple are wonderfully caramelized.
Let it rest for a minute. I love to serve this right over a bed of fluffy rice, with a little extra glaze drizzled on top. A sprinkle of sliced green onions or sesame seeds is a nice touch, too. Look at that—dinner is done.
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking. Add a little more honey for a sweeter sauce or a bit more vinegar for extra tang.
- 2This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. If your pineapple chunks or pepper pieces are a little bigger or smaller, it's okay. Imperfection is part of home cooking!
Tools You'll Need
- •Don't overcrowd the pan! Give everything enough space to roast, not steam. Use two sheet pans if you need to.
- •Parchment paper is your best friend for this recipe. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup almost non-existent.
- •Reserve some of the glaze for drizzling at the end. It adds a fresh punch of flavor.