Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken – Easy Dinner Recipe for the Whole Family!

Total Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

Sweet, savory, and bursting with tropical color, Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken is the kind of dinner that instantly lifts the mood the moment it comes out of the oven. Juicy chicken pieces caramelize alongside golden pineapple chunks, glossy bell peppers, and tender onions, all coated in a sticky, lightly tangy sauce that smells irresistible as it bakes. The edges get beautifully browned, the sauce bubbles into a glaze, and every bite balances sweetness, saltiness, and warmth.

What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it delivers bold, vacation-worthy flavor with everyday ingredients and almost no cleanup. Everything cooks together on one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or relaxed weekend meals when you still want something fun and flavorful. Kids love the sweetness, adults appreciate the savory depth, and everyone enjoys the colorful presentation. It’s also naturally gluten-free adaptable and easy to customize.

Serve it over rice, tuck it into bowls, or enjoy it straight from the pan. With an estimated 450–500 calories per serving depending on sides, this dish feels indulgent without being heavy, making it a reliable go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Key Ingredients

Before you start, gather these flavor-building ingredients that work together to create that signature Hawaiian-inspired balance of sweet, savory, and lightly smoky goodness.

Chicken thighs or breasts – The hearty protein base; thighs stay extra juicy while breasts offer a leaner bite.
Fresh pineapple chunks – Provide natural sweetness, acidity, and caramelized edges when roasted.
Red bell pepper – Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the pan.
Green bell pepper – Brings mild bitterness and balance to the sweeter elements.
Red onion – Softens as it roasts, adding sweetness and depth.
Soy sauce – Forms the salty backbone of the sauce and enhances umami.
Honey or brown sugar – Creates glossy caramelization and balances the savory notes.
Rice vinegar – Adds brightness and prevents the sauce from tasting too heavy.
Garlic cloves – Infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and savory complexity.
Fresh ginger – Brings subtle heat and classic island-style freshness.
Sesame oil – Adds nutty richness and a toasty aroma.
Olive oil – Helps everything roast evenly and prevents sticking.
Cornstarch – Slightly thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to every bite.
Salt – Enhances and sharpens all the flavors.
Black pepper – Adds gentle heat and balance.
Green onions – A fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the finished dish.
Sesame seeds – Optional, but add light crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy cleanup and even roasting.

Cut the chicken into evenly sized chunks, about 1½ inches, so they cook uniformly. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them brown rather than steam. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This sauce should look glossy and lightly thickened.

Add the chicken to the bowl and toss until every piece is well coated. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This short rest allows the flavors to soak in without overpowering the chicken.

Cut the pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion into similar-sized chunks. Spread them evenly across the sheet pan, creating a colorful base layer. Nestle the marinated chicken among the vegetables, then drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Look for caramelized edges, tender vegetables, and bubbling sauce. If you want extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely. Let the pan rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle and the sauce thickens slightly.

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Serving Suggestions

This Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and fun gatherings. One of the most classic ways to enjoy it is over a bed of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice. The grains soak up the extra sauce, creating a comforting bowl that highlights every sweet and savory note. For a heartier presentation, try coconut rice, which subtly echoes the tropical flavors and adds a creamy undertone. You can arrange everything family-style on a large platter, piling the rice in the center and spooning the chicken, pineapple, and vegetables generously over the top. Finish with a scatter of green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style look.

For something more interactive and playful, turn this dish into a build-your-own bowl or wrap night. Serve the Hawaiian chicken alongside warm tortillas, lettuce cups, or even naan bread. Add small bowls of extras like sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, cucumber ribbons, or a drizzle of spicy mayo for contrast. Kids especially love customizing their own plates, and it’s an easy way to accommodate different preferences. You can also portion it into individual bowls for meal-prep lunches, layering rice, chicken, and vegetables neatly for a colorful, satisfying midday meal that reheats beautifully.

Storage + Meal Prep

Leftover Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken stores exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for planned leftovers or weekly meal prep. Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Keep the rice separate if possible to maintain the best texture. The flavors actually deepen overnight as the sauce continues to soak into the chicken and vegetables, making day-two servings even more delicious. If you plan to freeze it, store the chicken and vegetables without rice in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Pineapple holds up well to freezing, though it may soften slightly when reheated.

When reheating, the microwave works well for quick meals, but add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent dryness. For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and lightly sizzling. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freshen up leftovers with newly chopped green onions, a squeeze of lime, or an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving. These small touches bring back brightness and make reheated portions feel freshly cooked rather than leftover.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken is proof that simple ingredients and smart cooking can create something truly joyful. From the first sweet-savory bite to the last sticky spoonful of sauce, this dish delivers comfort, color, and crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your weeknight rotation because it’s reliable, flexible, and genuinely fun to eat.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving a tropical twist on classic roasted chicken, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs. Don’t be afraid to tweak the vegetables, adjust the sweetness, or add a little heat to make it your own. If you give it a try, share how you served it and what custom touches you added—your kitchen might just become everyone’s favorite dinner destination.