Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe

I absolutely love this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe because it brings that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy all on one pan — making dinner both delicious and amazingly easy. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the pineapple chunks caramelize alongside the tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers, creating a flavor combo that feels like a mini escape to the islands.

This recipe works wonderfully for busy weeknights when you want something quick but also impressive enough for family or guests. You’ll find that tossing everything together on one sheet pan means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor without needing to fuss over multiple pots or pans.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe is in how simple and fresh the ingredients are. Each component plays a role in giving you that perfect tropical, savory bite every time — and you don’t need anything fancy.

• Chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness but breasts work well if you like leaner meat.
• Red and orange bell peppers: Offers sweetness and crunch, plus they roast beautifully.
• Red onion: Adds a mild sharpness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned both work, but fresh really enhances the tropical flair.
• Hawaiian BBQ Sauce: I use Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce—it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and gluten-free.
• Avocado oil: Neutral with a high smoke point, perfect for roasting without burning.
• Salt: To bring out all the natural flavors.
• Lime juice: Adds a zesty finish that brightens each bite.
• Cilantro and white sesame seeds: Fresh garnishes that add color and texture.
• Cauliflower rice or white rice: Great for serving—choose based on your preference or diet.

Variations

I often switch things up with this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what flavors I’m craving — it’s such a flexible canvas that I encourage you to make it your own.

• Swap the Protein: I’ve tried turkey or pork tenderloin cubes instead of chicken, and they all soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of chili flakes or using a spicier BBQ sauce gives it a fun kick if you like heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Serving with cauliflower rice keeps it Paleo and Whole30-friendly.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, then give it a quick spray of avocado oil so everything roasts evenly without drying out.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss your cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and avocado oil to make sure each bite is flavorful and juicy. Then add the diced red and orange bell peppers, red onion chunks, and Hawaiian BBQ sauce. Give everything a thorough toss so the sauce coats the chicken and veggies evenly—this is where the flavor magic begins!

Step 3: Bake and Layer the Pineapple

Spread the chicken mixture onto your prepared sheet pan in an even layer and pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes. After that, pull it out to scatter the pineapple chunks evenly across the pan. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until the chicken hits an internal temp of 165°F. That pineapple will start to caramelize and add such a wonderful sweetness.

Step 4: Finish with Lime and Garnishes

Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice all over the sheet pan to add a bright, tangy twist. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and white sesame seeds on top for that pop of fresh flavor and a bit of nutty crunch — trust me, these garnishes make all the difference!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with lots of fresh chopped cilantro and white sesame seeds. The cilantro adds a vibrant, herbal brightness, and the sesame seeds bring just a little nutty crunch that plays so well with the sweet and savory flavors. Sometimes I throw on thinly sliced green onions for extra freshness, too.

Side Dishes

Serving this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe with steamed white rice is a classic choice, but cauliflower rice is my go-to when I’m aiming for a lower-carb meal. You could also pair it with a simple mixed green salad or some grilled veggies for extra crunch and color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during dinner parties, I’ve served this dish carved out on pineapple boat halves—just scoop out the pineapple flesh and use the shell as a serving dish. It’s a little extra effort but makes for a playful presentation that guests love, and it really embraces that island vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch even tastier. I always make sure to separate the chicken and veggies from the rice to keep the textures intact.

Freezing

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers without the rice, as rice doesn’t hold up well frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To maintain that tender chicken and slightly caramelized pineapple, I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or lime juice to bring back moisture. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it tends to dry things out. A quick sauté brings everything back to life beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dinners because it’s quick, satisfying, and packed with those irresistible island flavors. I’ve made it for quiet weeknights and for lively gatherings alike, and it never fails to impress. Give it a try—you won’t believe how easy it is to create something so flavorful with just one pan and minimal fuss. I’m cheering you on in your kitchen for this one!

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