Craving something tropical and quick? This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe brings juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant veggies to your table in just one pan!
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The Story Behind Our Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Let’s be honest—we’ve all hit that weekday wall. You open the fridge, stare into the abyss, and wonder how you’re supposed to turn chicken into something exciting…again. That’s exactly how our Hawaiian chicken sheet pan recipe was born! After one too many bland dinners, we decided to shake things up with island-inspired flavors—and it worked. Sweet pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and tender, marinated chicken came together in one sizzling sheet pan. The best part? Dinner was done in under 40 minutes, and cleanup was basically nonexistent.
This hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal is our go-to when we want something bright and bold without the fuss. It’s full of juicy chicken that’s soaked up a flavorful sauce with hints of garlic, soy, and ginger—everything you’d expect from a good aloha-inspired dish. Two teaspoons of sesame oil, a drizzle of honey, and a touch of vinegar are all you need to bring this tropical recipe to life.
Plus, it plays well with pantry staples and freezer-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for last-minute dinner wins. We love it over rice, but it’s just as good tucked into lettuce wraps or served over noodles. It’s that kind of adaptable, easy dinner you’ll make on repeat. And if you’re into smart one-pan ideas, you’ll want to try our One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles or our zingy One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken next!
Whether you’re a sheet pan pro or just learning the magic of cooking everything on a single tray, this Hawaiian chicken is a foolproof favorite that never fails to impress.
Ingredients for the Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Everything You Need for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what to gather:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium for lighter salt)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sheet Pan Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1½ cups fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Pro Tip: You can prep everything the night before and keep it all in zip-top bags. This makes it even easier to toss onto a pan after work. For another prep-ahead favorite, check out our freezer-friendly One-Pot Taco Pasta that’s a total time-saver too.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan (Step-by-Step)
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Tropical Sheet Pan Dinner
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature (or up to overnight in the fridge).
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Pineapple
While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 425°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, spread out bell peppers, onion, and pineapple. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
Step 3: Add Chicken to the Sheet Pan
Remove chicken from marinade and arrange it evenly over the veggies and pineapple. Discard any remaining marinade.
Step 4: Roast Until Juicy and Charred
Roast in the preheated oven for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, and the veggies are slightly charred.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice, cauliflower rice, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
For a creative, high-protein side that’s just as fun, try our Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl. It pairs surprisingly well with these tropical flavors!
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 690mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary slightly based on exact ingredients and serving size.
Tips, Storage & Serving for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Tips for Success:
- Cut Evenly: Chop chicken and veggies into similar sizes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: For extra flavor and caramelization, go with fresh pineapple over canned.
- Double It: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and use two sheet pans for a no-stress party dish.
How to Store Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just keep the pineapple separate for best texture after thawing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it over steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Try it in lettuce wraps for a light, low-carb dinner
- Pile it onto warm tortillas with a scoop of Parmesan Smashed Potatoes for a fun fusion twist
FAQs About Hawaiian Chicken
What is Hawaiian chicken?
Hawaiian chicken typically combines savory and sweet ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple to create a tropical flavor profile. It’s often inspired by island flavors and cooked in various styles, including grilled, baked, or sheet pan.
Why is it called huli huli chicken?
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian. Huli huli chicken refers to a traditional Hawaiian dish where the chicken is continuously turned on a grill while being basted with a sweet soy marinade.
What is Hawaiian sauce made of?
A classic Hawaiian sauce includes ingredients like soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar or honey, garlic, and ginger. It creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
What is an aloha chicken?
“Aloha chicken” is often a catch-all term for chicken dishes that use tropical or Hawaiian-style ingredients. It typically includes pineapple, sweet sauces, and often a hint of spice or citrus.
Looking for more island-style inspiration? Check out our crowd-pleasing Spicy Lasagna Soup or the fun-to-share Crispy Chicken Salad that balances heat and crunch.
