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This hearty Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan has become my tropical flavor escape on busy weeknights. With juicy chicken chunks, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables all roasted to perfection, this dish brings island vibes straight to your dinner table without the travel.
I first created this recipe during a particularly gray winter when we were all craving sunshine and tropical flavors. My family immediately declared it their favorite "vacation dinner" and now it appears on our table at least twice a month when we need a mental getaway.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast Provides lean protein and serves as the perfect canvas for absorbing all those delicious flavors. Look for plump pieces without discoloration.
- Bell pepper Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch. Choose firm peppers with shiny skin for best results.
- Red onion Offers a mild sharpness that mellows beautifully when roasted. Select firm onions with tight outer skins.
- Pineapple chunks Delivers that signature Hawaiian sweetness. Fresh pineapple works best but drained canned chunks work well in a pinch.
- Soy sauce Creates the savory foundation of the dish. Use low sodium if watching salt intake.
- Olive oil Helps everything roast properly and creates delicious caramelization. Extra virgin gives the best flavor.
- Minced garlic Adds aromatic depth. Fresh garlic provides the most robust flavor.
- Salt and pepper For basic seasoning that enhances all other flavors. Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference.
- Rice for serving Provides the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce. Jasmine or basmati rice complements the tropical flavors wonderfully.
- Green onions Adds fresh color and gentle onion flavor as garnish. Look for crisp, bright green stalks.
- Sesame seeds Provides subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal as garnish. Toast them lightly beforehand for enhanced flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F. This temperature is crucial for getting those beautiful caramelized edges while keeping the chicken juicy. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper which prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Mix Your Main Ingredients
- Combine the chicken pieces, bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple in a large bowl. Make sure to cut everything into similar sizes about 1 inch chunks so they cook evenly. The chicken should be bite sized to ensure it cooks through at the same rate as the vegetables.
- Create The Flavor Base
- Whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined. This simple mixture creates magic as it cooks down into a glaze. The soy sauce provides saltiness, the oil helps with caramelization, and the garlic infuses everything with aromatic flavor.
- Coat Everything Thoroughly
- Pour your sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then toss until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time with this step using tongs or clean hands to really work the sauce into all components. This ensures consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Arrange For Perfect Roasting
- Spread everything in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause steaming rather than roasting, so use a large sheet pan or divide between two pans if needed. Make sure pineapple pieces are scattered throughout to let their juices flavor the chicken as they cook.
- Bake To Perfection
- Place in your preheated oven and bake for 20 25 minutes. You will know it is done when the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining and the vegetables are tender with caramelized edges. The pineapple will have deepened in color and released its sweet juices.
- Garnish And Serve
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds while still hot. The residual heat will slightly wilt the green onions and release the aromatic oils from the sesame seeds. Serve over warm rice which will absorb all the amazing juices from the pan.
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The pineapple is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when roasting it alongside chicken completely by accident. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the meat while its sugars caramelize to create an amazing depth of flavor. My husband who typically avoids fruit in savory dishes requests extra pineapple whenever I make this now.
Storage and Reheating
This Hawaiian chicken stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight as all the ingredients continue to mingle. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The chicken stays remarkably juicy even when reheated thanks to the pineapple and sauce mixture.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
While this recipe is perfect as written, it welcomes creative adaptations. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast for even juicier results. Substitute mango for pineapple for a different tropical twist. Add a tablespoon of honey and sriracha to the sauce for a sweet heat variation that many of my friends prefer. For a deeper flavor profile, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the marinade which creates an almost teriyaki like result.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant dish over steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious juices. For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well. Add a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a complete meal. For special occasions, start with a small bowl of miso soup and end with coconut ice cream for a full Asian inspired menu that never fails to impress guests.
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Common Recipe Questions
- → What makes this Hawaiian Chicken unique?
The sweet pineapple chunks get all caramelized while cooking, and the mix of sweet with savory tastes creates that special island vibe everyone loves.
- → Can I use a different protein?
Sure thing! Try it with tofu, shrimp, or even pork if you want to switch things up.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Just pop any extras in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it up in your microwave or oven when you're ready to eat again.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You bet! The chicken and veggies can sit in the marinade overnight in your fridge. Just bake everything when you're ready to eat.
- → What side dishes pair well with this?
White or brown rice works great as the traditional choice. But you can't go wrong with some quinoa or a crisp green salad on the side too.