Picture juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and red onion all mingling together in a tangy-sweet sauce, baked to perfection on a single sheet pan. This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake is your ticket to a tropical-inspired, hassle-free meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. I promise, this will become a new weeknight favorite because it is one of those fast easy healthy dinner for family recipes that you will turn to again and again!
Ingredients for your Tropical Escape
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice!)
- 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced (optional, but adds great crunch!)
For the Hawaiian Sauce:
- ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time is Key
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the Pan: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze! Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
- Chop and Dice: Chop the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking. Also, chop your bell peppers and red onion into similar-sized pieces.
Making the Magic Sauce
- Whisk it Up: In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure there are no lumps!
Assembling the Sheet Pan
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, bell peppers, red onion, pineapple chunks, and water chestnuts (if using).
- Sauce it Up: Pour the Hawaiian sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture. Toss everything together until well coated. Make sure every piece is getting some love from that delicious sauce!
- Spread it Out: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the ingredients instead of roasting them.
Baking to Perfection
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Broil (Optional): For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This step is totally optional, but it adds a beautiful color and enhances the flavor.
- Rest: Let the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Twists
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Hawaiian Chicken Bake, but what do you serve with it? The possibilities are endless! Serve this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake over rice (white, brown, or even coconut rice would be amazing!), quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli, a simple salad, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert! Think of this as your new go-to for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is crucial! Overcrowding will steam the ingredients instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy chicken and vegetables. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure to cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables that you enjoy, such as zucchini, carrots, or snap peas. This is a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge!
- Make it Ahead: You can prep the chicken and vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine everything just before baking. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
- Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Making this a Fast Easy Healthy Dinner For Family
One of the best things about this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake is how easily it fits into a healthy lifestyle. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables. Plus, it’s a relatively low-fat meal, especially if you use skinless chicken breasts. This is the kind of Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection, but so much simpler. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences. For example, you can use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal. The sheet pan method also means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book, especially when trying to put together Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection.
Easy Cabin Dinners and Meal Planning
This recipe is also perfect for Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection and Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection . If you’re planning a cabin trip or a week of easy meals, this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake should definitely be on your list. The ingredients are easy to transport, and the recipe requires minimal equipment and effort. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so everyone will be happy! This fits perfectly into Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection or your Hawaiian Chicken Bake rotation.
Wic Dinners Ideas
Looking for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, or even Hawaiian Chicken Bake that are budget-friendly and nutritious? This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake is a great option! It uses affordable ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple, and it provides a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. By planning your meals ahead of time and using ingredients that are on sale, you can easily create healthy and delicious meals for your family without breaking the bank. Plus, this recipe is easy to adapt based on what you have on hand, making it a great option for using up leftover ingredients. This can become part of your Hawaiian Chicken Bake.
Easy Meal Plans For The Week Families
Creating Hawaiian Chicken Bake and easy meal plans for the week can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Start by choosing a few recipes that you know your family will enjoy, like this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake. Then, make a list of the ingredients you’ll need and go shopping. On Sunday, spend a few hours prepping the ingredients for the week’s meals. This might involve chopping vegetables, marinating chicken, or cooking grains. During the week, simply assemble the meals and cook them according to the recipes. This will save you time and stress during the busy weeknights. And don’t forget to involve your family in the meal planning and preparation process. This is a great way to teach them about healthy eating and cooking.
Enjoy Your Tropical-Inspired Meal!
So there you have it – an easy, delicious, and versatile Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an easy cabin meal, or a budget-friendly option for your family, this recipe has you covered. So go ahead and give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Can I prepare the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine everything just before baking. This is great for busy weeknights.
What can I serve with the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake?
This dish is great served over rice (white, brown, or coconut), quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad.
What if I don’t want the dish to be too sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper on the baking sheet?
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is highly recommended as it makes cleanup much easier.
Easy Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Chopped green onions for garnish, optional
- Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Chop the chicken into 1-inch cubes, and chop the bell peppers and red onion into similar-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, bell peppers, red onion, pineapple chunks, and water chestnuts (if using).
- Pour the Hawaiian sauce over the chicken and veggie mixture. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning (optional).
- Let the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Bake rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.