There’s just something about a Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner that makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation, even if I’m just at home. The combination of sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies takes me straight to the beach with a refreshing drink in hand. I first tried this recipe during a summer BBQ with friends, and everybody was raving about it. It’s quick, easy, and the cleanup is a breeze since it all cooks on one sheet pan—my kind of dinner!
What makes this dish extra special is how versatile it is. You can throw in any vegetables you have on hand, and the delicious marinade makes everything sing in harmony. Plus, the colors are so vibrant that it feels like a party on your plate. Trust me, once you make this meal, it will become a go-to in your weeknight rotation!
What’s in Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?
Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, I prefer using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their tenderness and rich taste. They soak up the marinade beautifully!
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned, these add a sweet and tropical flair to the dish. If you’re using canned, make sure to get the ones packed in juice instead of syrup for a healthier option.
Bell Peppers: I love vibrant bell peppers—red, yellow, green—you name it! They not only add color but also maintain a satisfying crunch when roasted.
Red Onion: For a touch of sweetness and savory flavor that mellows as it cooks. Plus, that purple hue adds to the aesthetic!
Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil helps everything caramelize nicely and adds a rich depth of flavor.
Soy Sauce: This umami-rich ingredient is a must for marinating the chicken and bringing all the flavors together.
Brown Sugar: Just a bit to amplify the sweetness of the pineapple and give the chicken a lovely glaze.
Garlic: Freshly minced, garlic boosts the flavor profile and infuses your chicken with that delightful aroma we all love!
Is Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish packs a punch of both flavor and nutrition.
Chicken Thighs: They are a great source of protein, and having skin-on keeps them moist and satisfying.
Pineapple: Loaded with vitamins such as C and B6, pineapple also aids in digestion thanks to an enzyme called bromelain.
Bell Peppers: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, they not only support your immune system but are also beneficial for skin health.
Red Onion: They provide antioxidants and may support heart health due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Keep in mind, though, that the soy sauce does contain sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or use less to taste.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1-2 bell peppers (any colors you love), sliced
– 1 red onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium is a great choice)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
*Serves 4*
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, place the chicken thighs and pour the marinade over them, making sure they’re well coated. Let this marinate while you prep your veggies—ideally for at least 20 minutes.
4. On a sheet pan, toss the pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, and red onion with a little salt and pepper.
5. Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the veggies on the sheet pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the veggies are tender.
7. To get a perfectly crispy skin on the chicken, broil for an additional minute or two at the end if desired (just keep an eye on it!).
8. Serve hot and enjoy your Hawaiian getaway right at your dinner table!
Tropical Twists and Serving Suggestions
– Feel free to add more veggies like snap peas or carrots for extra crunch!
– You could swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer white meat—it will just cook a little quicker, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
– Serve this with some fluffy rice or a vibrant quinoa salad to soak up all that delicious marinade!
I can’t stress enough how fun this meal is to prepare and indulge in. It’s a blast of flavor that transports you straight to the islands with every bite. I encourage you to give this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner a try, and I bet it’ll become a beloved dish in your home, just like it is in mine. Share what you think after you whip it up — happy cooking!
