I absolutely love how this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe comes together so effortlessly. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate, with juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers all roasting together in harmony. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how simple it was to prep and how the flavors just melded beautifully in the oven.
You’ll find that it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, satisfying, and quick without losing flavor. Plus, having everything on one pan means fewer dishes, which is always a win in my book. The keyphrase “Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe” really does justice to this crowd-pleaser that I’m excited to share with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, meaning minimal prep and cleanup.
- Burst of Tropical Flavors: The combination of pineapple, bell peppers, and lime juice creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile that feels fresh and exciting.
- Customizable and Healthy: You can tweak veggies or swap chicken cuts to suit your nutritional needs or preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers or planning ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe makes use of fresh, vibrant ingredients that balance sweetness, savoriness, and a little zing from the lime. When I shop for these, I always look for ripe pineapples and firm chicken to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Orange bell pepper: Brings a lovely pop of color and flavor contrast.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- Pineapple chunks: The star that gives the Hawaiian twist – use fresh or canned (drained) pineapple for best results.
- Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce: This brand has a great flavor blend, but feel free to use your favorite Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce.
- Avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat roasting and adding a mild, buttery note.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Lime juice: I love squeezing fresh lime on top at the end for a zesty finish.
- Cilantro and white sesame seeds: For garnish – they add freshness and a little crunch.
- Cauliflower rice or white rice: To serve alongside and soak up the delicious juices.
Variations
I love to tweak this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. Don’t be shy about personalizing it to your own tastes – that’s part of the fun!
- Zucchini or Cherry Tomatoes: Adding zucchini or cherry tomatoes gives extra veggies and freshness; my kids actually ask for zucchini now after I added it once!
- Spicer Version: A dash of red chili flakes or a little sriracha mixed into the BBQ sauce gives it a nice kick without overpowering the sweetness.
- Chicken Thighs vs. Breast: I find thighs stay more tender if you have time to prep ahead, but breasts work best for fast meals.
- Vegan Option: Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and you’ve got a plant-based, tropical dinner that’s just as satisfying.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — I always do this to avoid sticking and for easier cleanup — and lightly spray it with avocado oil. This simple prep sets the stage for a stress-free cooking experience.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
In a bowl, season your chicken cubes with salt and toss them with avocado oil so they stay juicy and get a nice roast. Then, add diced red and orange bell peppers, chunks of red onion, and the Hawaiian BBQ sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. This mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is the heart of your dish.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken and Veggies
Spread the coated chicken and veggie mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven too often — you want that nice roast— but if you like, give it a gentle toss halfway through for even cooking.
Step 4: Add Pineapple for Sweetness
After 20 minutes, take out the sheet pan and scatter the pineapple chunks over the chicken and veggies. Then return the pan to the oven for another 10–20 minutes. The pineapple roasts gently, releasing juiciness, and the chicken finishes cooking to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. The sweet caramelization that happens here is absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Lime and Garnishes
Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice all over the chicken and veggies to brighten the flavors right before serving. Sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro and white sesame seeds for a fresh herbaceous punch and a bit of crunch. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in the final taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal with warm cauliflower rice or classic white rice to soak up all those tropical juices. Trust me, the rice plus those savory-sweet pan drippings will make you want to come back for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
- Choosing the Right Chicken Cut: I prefer boneless skinless thighs as they stay tender and juicy even when baked longer, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- Don’t Skip the Pineapple Timing: Adding the pineapple halfway prevents it from overcooking and turning mushy, keeping that perfect bite.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Squeezing fresh lime at the end brightens the whole dish and balances the sweetness of the pineapple and sauce.
- Check Internal Temperature: I always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken hits a safe 165°F without drying out — it’s the easiest way to get perfect texture every time.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dish with fresh cilantro and white sesame seeds — they add a little herbal brightness and a nice crunch. Sometimes I toss on sliced green onions or even a few thin slices of red chili for a slight heat kick if we’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or classic fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. I’ve also served this with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to round out the meal with some fresh greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe in warm pineapple bowls — hollowed-out pineapple halves. It’s a fun, festive touch that guests always love and instantly adds to the tropical vibe. You can also sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts on top for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they stay tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I sometimes find the second-day meal even better than the first.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. When thawed, it reheats nicely, but the pineapple can get a bit softer, so I enjoy it fresh when possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F to keep the chicken moist and avoid drying it out. Microwaving works too but be careful not to overcook — a quick blast is usually enough.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen pineapple for this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pineapple chunks, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to avoid extra moisture making the chicken soggy. Fresh pineapple gives the best texture and sweetness, but frozen is a convenient fallback.
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What are good substitutions for the Hawaiian BBQ sauce?
If you can’t find Hawaiian BBQ sauce, a mix of regular BBQ sauce with a little pineapple juice or teriyaki sauce works well. You can also add a touch of honey and soy sauce to mimic that sweet-savory flavor.
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Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work well, but chicken thighs stay moister and more tender during baking, especially if you’re cooking a bit longer. Breasts are leaner and cook slightly faster, so they’re great for quick meals.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even snap peas complement the flavors nicely. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything roasts evenly without overcooking delicate veggies.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe reheats well, making it perfect for packing lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something tasty, vibrant, and stress-free. It brings a little sunshine to your dinner table — perfect for any day you want to shake up your routine without a lot of fuss. I truly hope you enjoy making this as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple for your family, too. Give it a try, and don’t forget to serve it with lots of love and maybe a squeeze of extra lime!
PrintHawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cubes baked with colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple chunks, and a zesty Hawaiian BBQ sauce. Perfectly balanced with tangy lime juice and garnished with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, this easy-to-make recipe is great served over cauliflower rice or white rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian Chicken:
- 1–1.5 lbs chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, plus extra for spray
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- Cilantro and white sesame seeds for garnish
For Serving:
- Cauliflower rice or white rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and avocado oil. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Coat with sauce and vegetables: Add the diced red and orange bell peppers, red onion chunks, and 1/2 cup of Hawaiian BBQ sauce to the bowl with the chicken. Toss everything well to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the sauce.
- Bake the chicken mixture: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add pineapple: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and scatter the pineapple chunks over the chicken mixture. Return the sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is cooked through.
- Finish and garnish: Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the entire dish, then garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds for added color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian chicken hot with a side of cauliflower rice or white rice for a delicious and wholesome meal experience.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding other favorite veggies such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning and the amount of Hawaiian BBQ sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will provide a juicier result, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg