Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. This recipe combines juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and sweet pineapple into one convenient sheet pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish stands out with its vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup. Enjoy a deliciously healthy dinner without breaking the bank!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything on a single sheet pan means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, pineapple, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out vegetables or adjust seasoning to suit your family’s preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet ensures even roasting and prevents spills.
- Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows enough room to mix all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the can)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that you achieve perfectly roasted chicken and vegetables in no time.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
The cubed chicken
The chopped bell peppers
The onion wedges
The drained pineapple chunks
Mix them together gently to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Pineapple juice
Cornstarch
Garlic powder
Ginger
Red pepper flakes (if using)
This sauce will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Spread on Sheet Pan
Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are tender. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan!
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a delightful dish that brings tropical flavors to your dining table. With its vibrant colors and tasty ingredients, it’s perfect for various serving occasions.
Family Dinner
- Serve the dish hot right from the oven for a comforting family meal.
- Pair with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Casual Get-Togethers
- Use this dish as a centerpiece during casual gatherings or potlucks.
- Offer toothpicks for guests to enjoy bite-sized pieces of chicken and veggies.
Meal Prep
- Divide leftovers into meal prep containers for a quick lunch option throughout the week.
- Add fresh greens to create a Hawaiian chicken salad for a refreshing twist.
BBQ Parties
- Serve alongside grilled meats and other summer favorites for a Hawaiian-inspired BBQ.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
To achieve the best results with your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan, follow these helpful tips.
- Cut uniform pieces: Ensure all chicken and vegetable pieces are cut to roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Marinate: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- High heat cooking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the sugars in the sauce, enhancing the dish’s sweetness.
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh bell peppers and pineapple for better taste and texture.
- Stir halfway through: Give everything a gentle toss halfway through baking to ensure even roasting.
- Rest before serving: Let it sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This allows flavors to settle.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
Serving side dishes with your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant choice that balances out the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
- Coconut Rice: Adds a touch of creaminess and pairs wonderfully with pineapple notes.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus offers a crisp texture that complements the softness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate while adding some crunch.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that keeps your meal light and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can offer crunch and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the chicken.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness enhances the overall tropical vibe of your dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple mistakes when preparing the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven for optimal results.
- Overcrowding the Pan: If you pile ingredients too closely, they will steam instead of roast. Spread everything out in a single layer for better caramelization.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Different ovens have varying heat levels. Check your chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted vegetables can affect flavor and texture. Always select fresh produce for the best outcome.
- Forgetting to Reserve Pineapple Juice: This juice adds flavor to your sauce. Don’t discard it; make sure to keep some for the recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts until hot.
- Stovetop: Sauté over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan.
Can I use different vegetables in my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?
Yes! Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas based on your taste preference.
How can I customize my Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?
You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar or even adding honey. Experiment with other spices like paprika or cumin for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan makes great leftovers and is perfect for meal prep. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
What should I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?
Pair this dish with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also serve it over greens for a refreshing salad option.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is an easy, flavorful dish that combines delicious ingredients into one satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and allows plenty of room for customization. Try adding your favorite veggies or adjusting flavors to suit your taste!
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transports your taste buds to the tropics. This delightful one-pan meal features juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and a savory sauce that melds beautifully during roasting. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, it offers a hassle-free cooking experience with minimal cleanup. Your family will love the mouthwatering combination of flavors, and it’s an excellent way to enjoy a healthy dinner without straining your budget.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 red onion (wedged)
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks (drained)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- garlic powder
- ginger
- cornstarch
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic powder, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and toss well.
- Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
