Looking for a bright, no-fuss weeknight dinner that practically transports you to a sun-drenched patio? Youโre going to fall in love with this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Mealโa beautiful medley of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies, all tossed in tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce and baked to perfection in one pan. Itโs truly a meal that brings big flavors with minimal effort and maximum cheer!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything roasts together on a single sheet, making cleanup a total breezeโyou might actually want to cook more just for that reason!
- Bold Tropical Flavors: The magical combo of Hawaiian BBQ sauce and juicy pineapple gives this meal irresistible sweet and savory notes youโll crave again and again.
- Colorfully Nutritious: Packed with bell peppers, onions, and lean chicken, this is a dinner that looks as cheerful as it tastesโthink vitamin-packed and oh-so-satisfying.
- Super Adaptable: Whether youโre meal prepping, serving a crowd, or swapping sides for dietary needs, the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal flexes beautifully to suit your table.
Ingredients Youโll Need
Letโs talk ingredients! The magic of this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal rests in a handful of vibrant, delicious componentsโeach chosen for flavor, texture, and a pop of color to brighten your plate. Trust me, you donโt need anything fancy here, just a short grocery list and an appetite for something craveable.
- Chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs: Go with your favorite; thighs stay juicy and flavorful, while breasts offer a leaner optionโboth soak up that delicious Hawaiian BBQ sauce perfectly.
- Red bell pepper: Adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color; slice into chunks for the perfect bite.
- Orange bell pepper: For even more sweetness and tropical sunshine on your sheet panโmixing colors keeps things festive.
- Red onion: Gives a gentle, aromatic kick and softens beautifully as it roasts.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned both work! The quick burst of juicy pineapple is signature to this mealโdonโt skip them.
- Primal Kitchen Hawaiian BBQ Sauce: This sauce is the heart of the recipe, adding bold, tangy sweetness; feel free to use your favorite Hawaiian-style BBQ if you prefer.
- Avocado oil: Helps everything roast evenly and adds a buttery richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Elevates every elementโdonโt forget to season as you prep.
- Lime juice: Finishing with a squeeze of fresh lime wakes up the whole dish and balances all that tropical sweetness.
- Cilantro and white sesame seeds: A final sprinkle for fresh, herbal flavor and a touch of crunchโtotally optional, but highly recommended for flair!
Variations
This is one of those recipes you can tweak a hundred ways and it always works! The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is perfect for customizing based on whatโs in your fridge, dietary choices, or even your moodโso feel free to make it your own with these easy swaps and ideas.
- Swap out the veggies: Try zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli if you want to change up the produce or use what you have on hand.
- Paleo & Whole30-Friendly: Serve with cauliflower rice to keep things grain-free or low-carbโjust skip the sesame seed garnish if youโre strict.
- Make it spicier: Toss in sliced jalapeรฑos or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Different protein: Shrimp, tofu, or even pork tenderloin cubes work beautifully if youโre looking for something unique.
- Different sauce: If Hawaiian BBQ isnโt available, try a blend of traditional BBQ sauce with a splash of pineapple juice for that sweet-and-tangy twist.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
Step 1: Prep Your Sheet Pan and Preheat
Start by cranking your oven up to 350ยฐF and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Give it a quick spray with avocado oilโthis step keeps cleanup simple (no sticky BBQ sauce mess!) and helps everything roast up golden and gorgeous.
Step 2: Season and Toss the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken to a large bowl and sprinkle over the salt and a little extra cracked black pepper if you like. Drizzle with avocado oil to lock in moisture, then toss it all together so every piece gets a little love and flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Veggies and Sauce
Now for the fun part! Add your chopped red and orange bell peppers, red onion, and pour in that irresistible Hawaiian BBQ sauce. Donโt be shyโuse your hands to gently mix until everything is beautifully coated and glistening.
Step 4: Get Roasting
Spread the chicken and veggie mixture in an even layer on your prepared sheet pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutesโit will start to smell amazing as the sauce caramelizes and the veggies soften.
Step 5: Add Pineapple and Finish Cooking
After 20 minutes, carefully take out the pan and scatter your pineapple chunks over the top. Return it to the oven for another 10โ20 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through (165ยฐF if you use a thermometer). The pineapple will get just a bit caramelizedโpure joy!
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once everything is tender and golden, pull your sheet pan out and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish. Sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro and white sesame seeds for a final hit of flavor and crunch. Thatโs itโyouโre ready to serve your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal!
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
- The Power of a Preheated Pan: Let your sheet pan heat in the oven while you prep; this gives your chicken and veggies a head start on caramelization and keeps them from steaming.
- Cut Evenly, Roast Evenly: Try to chop your chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks through at the same time and you avoid overcooked edges.
- Sauce it Up at the End: Reserve a little extra Hawaiian BBQ sauce to drizzle over everything just before servingโthis amps up the sauciness and shine.
- Donโt Overcrowd: Spread ingredients into a single layer on your pan for the best browning; if things look crowded, use two pans and rotate halfway through baking.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
Garnishes
Go all out with the finishing touches! A flourish of chopped cilantro adds fresh, herbal notes, while white sesame seeds offer a gentle crunch and a pretty, polished look. If you want a little extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced scallions work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
The Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is practically a one-stop shop, but itโs delicious over fluffy white rice for a classic, gluten-free dinner, or with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option. Stir-fried greens or coconut rice are also fabulous, island-inspired accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Spoon the chicken and pineapple mixture into roasted bell pepper โboats,โ or serve in cabbage cups for a fun, hand-held option at parties. For family-style, set the whole tray at the table and let everyone dig inโso festive and easy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep so well! Once cooled, simply transfer the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3โ4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making tomorrowโs lunch even tastier.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze it! For best results, let everything cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating; just know the veggies may lose a bit of their crunch after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers in a 350ยฐF oven for 10โ15 minutes or microwave until hot, adding a little extra BBQ sauce or fresh lime juice if things need a flavor boost. The meal reheats beautifully for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken or vegetables in this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your chicken completely and pat everything dry to prevent extra moistureโthis helps with caramelization so you still get that classic roasted texture. Frozen veggies can go right on the pan but may release more liquid; increase the oven temperature a bit or use convection if you have it to help them roast up nicely.
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What can I use if I donโt have Hawaiian BBQ sauce?
No worries! Mix together your favorite BBQ sauce with a splash of pineapple juice and a dash of soy sauce or coconut aminos for a quick DIY version that brings those sweet and tangy flavors to the party.
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How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and surest way is to use a meat thermometer: poke it into the thickest chicken piece, and it should read 165ยฐF. Alternatively, check that the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
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Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the veggies and chicken, and even toss everything with the sauce up to a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, then spread on a sheet pan and bake when youโre ready. This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal fits beautifully into any meal prep routine!
Final Thoughts
I canโt wait for you to bring a little sunshine to your table with this vibrant Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal! Itโs one of those dishes thatโs as welcoming and fun as it is easyโperfect for sharing with loved ones or brightening up your midweek routine. Give it a try, and let the flavors whisk you away!
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is a colorful and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare. Tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and bell peppers are coated in a tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce, then baked to perfection on a sheet pan. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds add a fresh finish to this vibrant meal.
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian Chicken:
- 1โ1.5 lbs chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tbs avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- Cilantro and white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with avocado oil.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and avocado oil in a mixing bowl.
- Coat with BBQ sauce: Add diced bell peppers, red onion, and Hawaiian BBQ sauce to the chicken. Mix well to coat.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Add pineapple chunks and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Finish: Squeeze lime juice over the sheet pan. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, paleo/Whole30 option, or with white rice for a gluten-free meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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