Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Do you want a fast, delicious, and simple-to-prepare dinner that everyone will enjoy? This One-Pan Hawaiian Chicken is your solution! With juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers, this recipe gives you a tropical twist on your classic sheet pan dinner. The best part? It needs minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this savory and sweet Hawaiian chicken, have the following fresh and simple ingredients at hand:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium as recommended)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup pineapple juice from canned pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional to have some spicy flavor
- For the Sheet Pan Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (canned or fresh, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make One-Pan Hawaiian Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk the soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet, tangy, and umami-rich flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces into a big ziplock bag or a shallow plate. Pour marinade over chicken and coat the chicken evenly. Cover and keep refrigerated at least 30 minutes, ideally marinating 2-3 hours.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and set a large-sized baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or a thin spray of cooking spray for nonstick purposes.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
In a big bowl, toss together the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the seasoning.
Step 5: Assemble the Sheet Pan
Drain the chicken from the marinade (discard excess marinade). Place the chicken pieces, pineapple, and vegetables in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to roast evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature is 165°F (75°C)) and the vegetables are lightly caramelized.
Step 7: Broil for Extra Char
For that nice charred flavor, put the oven to broil mode and broil for 2-3 more minutes. Monitor it to prevent burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
After cooking, take out of the oven and top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over white or brown rice for a filling meal.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Serve with a side of Hawaiian rolls for a true island flair.
- Drizzle with homemade teriyaki sauce for an added flavor boost.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Chicken
- Marinate the chicken for a longer time for a richer flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple for a sweetness and texture that’s natural.
- Cut vegetables to an even size for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan for even roasting.
- Try other proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a change of pace.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pan Convenience: Simple cleanup and fewer dishes.
- Balanced Flavors: Perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Customizable: Quickly modify spices, protein, and veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and provide added juiciness to the dish.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate and prepare the chicken ahead of time. Then, just assemble and bake when ready.
May I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) in the oven until warmed through.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Sauté marinated chicken in a large pan over medium heat until cooked through. Add veggies and cook until tender.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious, hassle-free meal that brings a taste of the tropics straight to your dinner table. With its simple preparation, bold flavors, and easy cleanup, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a sweet and savory meal with minimal effort!
