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Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

If you’re craving something vibrant, flavorful, and downright easy to make, then this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how the sweet and tangy pineapple sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and colorful veggies, all roasted on a single pan for minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back for that irresistible tropical flavor and “set it and forget it” convenience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Ease: Everything cooks together, which means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.
  • Tropical Flavors: The pineapple and tangy sauce bring a bright, fresh flavor that makes every bite special.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or adjust sweetness and spice to your liking.
  • Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish — it’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic Hawaiian chicken vibe—juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tangy pineapple-based sauce that you’ll love spooning over rice. A few simple pantry staples are all you need to nail the flavors.

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe - Ingredients
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty umami base without overpowering the sweetness.
  • Pineapple juice: Adds authentic tropical brightness; concentrate works great here.
  • Brown sugar (or honey): Balances the tartness with natural sweetness—brown sugar adds depth.
  • Ketchup: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and thickens the sauce.
  • Rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that brightens the whole dish.
  • Garlic powder: A quick way to add garlicky warmth without chopping fresh garlic.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to everything.
  • Chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking; you can swap with thighs or breasts if needed.
  • Red and yellow bell peppers: They add sweetness and pop of color, plus a nice crunch.
  • Red onion: Gives just the right amount of sharpness and caramelizes well.
  • Pineapple chunks: Fresh is ideal, but canned or thawed frozen work perfectly.
  • Olive oil: For coating everything evenly and encouraging a lovely roast.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring balance and highlight those vibrant ingredients.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a big fan of switching up this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe now and then to keep dinner nights interesting. You can totally make this your own by mixing in whatever veggies you have on hand or kick up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

  • Swap chicken cuts: I’ve used boneless skinless thighs for extra juiciness, and it worked like a charm.
  • Veggie swaps: Feel free to add zucchini, snap peas, or even broccoli. I once threw in some shredded carrots — such a nice crunch!
  • Heat it up: Adding a spoonful of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce gives it a spicy kick that my family enjoyed.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the rich flavor without gluten.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavorful Hawaiian Sauce

This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, so take a moment here. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and cornstarch. I like to bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat—keep stirring so it thickens nicely without sticking. When it’s glossy and coats your spoon, remove it from heat. You’ll notice that the sauce gets even better as it clings to the chicken later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies for Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a big baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup—trust me, this step makes your life so much easier. Toss the chicken tenderloins, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks into the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and give everything a good mix to coat evenly. Spread it out in a single layer so everything roasts evenly and gets those lovely caramelized edges.

Step 3: Roast and Then Glaze with Sauce

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then, pull it out, drizzle the sauce over the chicken and veggies, and toss everything gently so that each piece is bathed in that delicious Hawaiian sauce. Spread it out again before returning it to the oven.

Step 4: Finish Baking Until Tender and Juicy

Pop the pan back in and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through—it should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. The veggies will be tender but still have a bit of bite, and the sauce thickens further, clinging to everything. When I make this, I sometimes broil for just a minute at the end for extra caramelization, but that’s totally optional.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

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Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

  • Sauce Thickness: Simmer the sauce first to thicken—it helps it stick better rather than running off the chicken and veggies.
  • Even Cooking: Cut chicken and veggies into similar sizes for uniform cooking; I cut my peppers into strips and keep chicken tenderloins intact.
  • Sheet Pan Prep: Foil-lined pans make cleanup a breeze—no stuck-on sauce to scrub.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices and keep it tender.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top to add a bit of crunch and nuttiness, plus fresh cilantro for vibrant color and a burst of freshness. Lime wedges on the side add a zesty pop that you can squeeze over to brighten up each bite—this little touch really elevates the whole dish.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is simple steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice—it soaks up all that sauce so beautifully. Sometimes, I serve it with a crisp side salad or even some roasted sweet potatoes for added texture and a hint of natural sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe in pineapple boats—hollowed-out pineapple halves that add an extra fancy touch and amp up the island vibe. It’s a fun way to impress guests and makes the meal feel festive without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they last up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so if you plan to eat it for lunch the next day, you’re in for a treat. Just be sure to keep the chicken and veggies covered well so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen the chicken and vegetable mixture—just let it cool first, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It stays good for about 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I like warming them gently on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water or extra pineapple juice to prevent drying. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving works too—just cover to keep moisture—and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins for the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe?

    Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but I recommend cutting them into strips or smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the veggies. Just watch the cooking time to avoid drying out the chicken—thinner pieces will cook faster.

  2. How do I make the Hawaiian sauce less sweet?

    If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey by about half. You can also add a bit more rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness with acidity.

  3. Can I prepare this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can make the sauce and prep the chicken and veggies up to one day ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking to keep the textures fresh and vibrant.

  4. What can I serve with Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe for a complete meal?

    Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice is a classic pairing. You can also add a fresh side salad or lightly steamed vegetables like green beans or snap peas for a balanced plate.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe quickly became one of my favorite meals to whip up after a long day. It’s flavorful without being fussy, quick enough for weeknights, and impressive enough to serve to guests. The best part? You get that tropical escape right at home with juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tangy sauce all in one easy pan. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

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Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Description

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple chunks, and a tangy homemade Hawaiian sauce. Baked together on a single sheet pan, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.


Ingredients

Hawaiian Sauce Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice, from concentrate
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Chicken and Vegetables:

  • 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, deseeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 1½ cups pineapple chunks, fresh or canned, drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to prepare for baking.
  2. Make the Hawaiian Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and cornstarch until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Transfer the chicken tenderloins, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced red onion, pineapple chunks, olive oil, salt, and pepper onto the prepared baking sheet. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly and spread them out into a single, even layer.
  4. First Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes to begin cooking the chicken and soften the vegetables.
  5. Add Sauce and Toss: Remove the pan from the oven, drizzle the prepared Hawaiian sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and toss everything thoroughly to coat. Arrange the ingredients back into an even layer on the sheet pan.
  6. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
  7. Serve: Serve the Hawaiian chicken hot over rice and optionally garnish with lime wedges, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Sauce: Simmering the sauce before baking helps it thicken and cling to the chicken and vegetables. If making ahead, refrigerate the sauce for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Pineapple: Fresh pineapple provides the best texture, but canned (drained) or thawed frozen pineapple also works well.
  • Chicken Swaps: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts can be substituted for tenderloins; cut into strips for even cooking.
  • Vegetable Options: While bell peppers and onions are classic, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can also be added to vary flavors and textures.
  • Spice it Up: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or gochujang to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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