Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe with juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables. This easy one-pan tropical dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and bursting with island flavors.
There’s something magical about bringing the tropical flavors of Hawaii right into your kitchen, and this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe does exactly that! As someone who’s spent countless evenings searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience, I can confidently say this dish has become a staple in our household rotation.
The beauty of this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan lies in its simplicity – everything cooks together on one pan, creating layers of flavor while keeping cleanup to an absolute minimum. The sweet and savory combination of tender chicken, caramelized pineapple, and perfectly roasted vegetables transports you straight to the islands with every bite.
Why This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe Works
What makes this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe truly special is how the ingredients complement each other during the cooking process. The natural sugars from the pineapple caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy coating on the chicken while the bell peppers and red onions develop their own sweet, smoky notes.
I’ve tested this recipe countless times, adjusting cooking temperatures and timing to ensure the chicken remains juicy while the vegetables achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture. The key is understanding how each component cooks at different rates – that’s why we add the pineapple chunks later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (thighs stay more tender than breasts)
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained – but fresh tastes infinitely better)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Hawaiian Glaze:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds the perfect tangy note)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for those who like a gentle kick)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me on the parchment paper – it makes cleanup so much easier and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Create the Hawaiian Glaze In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk vigorously until the brown sugar completely dissolves – this usually takes about a minute of good whisking. The glaze should be smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for getting that beautiful golden color. Cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, bell pepper strips, and red onion wedges.
Step 4: Coat Everything in Flavor Pour about ¾ of the Hawaiian glaze over the chicken and vegetable mixture, reserving the remaining ¼ for later. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss everything until every piece is beautifully coated with that gorgeous glaze. The chicken should glisten, and you should be able to smell those amazing aromatics already.
Step 5: Arrange on the Sheet Pan Spread the glazed chicken and vegetables in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd – if needed, use two sheet pans. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, and we want those beautiful caramelized edges.
Step 6: First Bake Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll start to hear gentle sizzling sounds, and your kitchen will begin to smell absolutely incredible.
Step 7: Add the Pineapple Remove the pan from the oven and quickly scatter the pineapple chunks over the partially cooked chicken and vegetables. The timing here is important – adding the pineapple too early results in mushy fruit, but this timing gives you perfectly caramelized, tender chunks.
Step 8: Final Bake Return to the oven for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender with slightly crispy edges. The pineapple should be golden and caramelized around the edges.
Step 9: Add the Finishing Touches Remove from the oven and immediately brush or drizzle the reserved glaze over everything. The hot chicken and vegetables will help the glaze caramelize slightly. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
After making this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference:
Choose the Right Chicken: I always recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs over breasts for this recipe. Thighs stay incredibly moist and tender, even if you accidentally overcook them slightly. They also absorb the Hawaiian glaze flavors more effectively.
Don’t Skip the Parchment: Parchment paper isn’t just for convenience – it actually helps the bottom of the chicken develop a beautiful golden color without sticking or burning.
Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: While canned pineapple works in a pinch, fresh pineapple chunks elevate this dish to restaurant quality. The natural enzymes help tenderize the chicken, and the flavor is incomparably bright and sweet.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F. This high temperature is essential for getting those gorgeous caramelized edges on both the chicken and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions and Internal Links
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan pairs beautifully with various sides and accompaniments. For a complete tropical feast, consider serving it over coconut rice or alongside some of our other favorite preparations:
- Perfect rice dishes from our Perfect Sides collection complement the bold flavors
- Tropical marinades for grilling season can be found in our Flavored Dips & Marinades section
- Refreshing pineapple drinks from our Refreshing Beverages category complete the island experience
- Coconut-based snacks in our Tasty Snacks section make great appetizers
- More one-pan dinner ideas can be found in our Hearty Main Dishes collection
- Hawaiian-inspired salads from our Fresh Vibrant Salads category pair wonderfully
- Tropical desserts in our Irresistible Desserts section finish the meal perfectly
- Additional weeknight dinner solutions are available in our Dinner Delights category
- Morning meal prep versions can be found in our Breakfast Favorites for meal planning enthusiasts
Storage and Meal Prep
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors often improve overnight as everything melds together.
To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave, which can make the vegetables soggy. You can also enjoy the leftovers cold over salad greens for a completely different but equally delicious meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond being absolutely delicious, this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan provides excellent nutrition. The chicken thighs offer high-quality protein, while the colorful bell peppers provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion, and the minimal oil used keeps the dish relatively light despite its rich flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe has honestly transformed my weeknight cooking routine. It’s become the dish I turn to when I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and perfectly roasted vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that never gets old.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan delivers every single time. The best part? Everyone always asks for the recipe, and I love sharing it because I know it’ll become a favorite in their kitchen too.
Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. The tropical flavors, easy cleanup, and consistently delicious results make it a true winner!
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken sheet pan, one-pan chicken dinner, tropical chicken recipe, easy weeknight meals, sheet pan dinners, pineapple chicken, Hawaiian glaze chicken
