Introduction
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a vibrant and easy-to-make dinner that combines the savory flavors of marinated chicken with the sweetness of pineapple and a medley of vegetables. It’s a one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of juicy chicken, tropical pineapple, and colorful veggies is bursting with flavor, and the best part? It’s all cooked on one sheet pan for a hassle-free dinner.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
1 bell pepper (sliced)
1 red onion (sliced)
1 zucchini (sliced)
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger (if using), sesame oil (if using), salt, and pepper until combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Prepare the Veggies: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. Set aside.
Assemble on the Sheet Pan: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange it on the prepared baking sheet. Add the sliced vegetables and pineapple chunks around the chicken. Drizzle a little extra marinade over the vegetables if desired, and season everything with salt and pepper.
Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately. Pair with rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish.
Description
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a delicious fusion of sweet and savory flavors that comes together with minimal effort. The tender chicken is marinated in a sweet soy-based sauce, and when baked with fresh pineapple and colorful veggies, it creates a vibrant and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for those who love tropical flavors and enjoy one-pan meals. The combination of juicy chicken, caramelized veggies, and pineapple makes it a family-friendly dinner that everyone will love.
Tips
Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. Just make sure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Grilled Chicken Option: If you prefer, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Just cook the chicken and vegetables separately and then assemble them together.
Rice or Noodles: Serve the dish with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pineapple Juice: If using fresh pineapple, don’t discard the juice—use it in the marinade or drizzle it over the chicken for added sweetness.
Variations
Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a bit of heat.
Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: For a quicker meal, you can stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in a pan instead of baking.
Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle shredded coconut over the chicken and vegetables before baking.
Sweet and Sour: Add a few tablespoons of sweet and sour sauce to the marinade for a tangy twist.
Corrections
Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it before marinating and cooking for even cooking results.
Enjoy!
Now that your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is ready, it’s time to enjoy this flavorful, one-pan meal! The sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and savory veggies come together perfectly in this easy, satisfying dinner. Whether served over rice or just as it is, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!