I absolutely love this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe because it’s like a mini tropical vacation right in your kitchen. The vibrant bell peppers and sweet pineapple perfectly complement the tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful Hawaiian BBQ sauce. It’s a colorful and delicious one-pan meal that makes dinner both easy and exciting.
You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious, satisfying, and quick to put together. Plus, it’s super forgiving, so you can customize it based on what you have on hand. Once I discovered this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe, it quickly became a go-to in my rotation for feeding my family with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pan Prep: Toss everything on a single sheet pan and let your oven do the work—no extra pots or pans to clean.
- Balanced Flavors: The tangy BBQ sauce, sweet pineapple, and vibrant veggies create an irresistible combo.
- Customizable: You can swap veggies or protein to fit your family’s taste or dietary preferences.
- Family Favorite: My kids ask for this meal regularly—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that encourages everyone to eat their veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients combine classic Hawaiian flavors with fresh veggies for a bright, tasty sheet pan meal. Look for ripe pineapple chunks and fresh bell peppers to really make this pop.
- Chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work great too.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- Orange bell pepper: For that tropical, colorful vibe.
- Red onion: Adds a mild zing that balances the sweet elements.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned works—just make sure to drain canned well.
- Hawaiian BBQ Sauce: I use Primal Kitchen’s for the authentic flavor and clean ingredients.
- Avocado oil: Great for high heat roasting and subtle flavor.
- Salt: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Juice of lime: Adds brightness and a fresh finish.
- Cilantro and white sesame seeds: Perfect garnishes to add freshness and texture.
- Cauliflower rice or white rice: The perfect base to soak up all those delicious juices.
Variations
I love that this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe is so versatile. Feel free to make it your own by swapping in your favorite veggies or trying a different protein. That’s part of what makes this recipe such a keeper in my kitchen.
- Add more veggies: I sometimes add zucchini or cherry tomatoes near the end for an extra boost of color and flavor.
- Swap protein: If you want to go lighter, shrimp works beautifully, and I’ve even tried tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like it sweeter, drizzle a little honey over the chicken before baking.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha mix into the BBQ sauce adds a fun heat that my husband adores.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with avocado oil to prevent sticking. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the chicken from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Cut your chicken into bite-sized cubes, then toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, and avocado oil. Next, add your diced red and orange bell peppers, red onion chunks, and the Hawaiian BBQ sauce. Mix everything really well so each piece is coated in that delicious sauce.
Step 3: Bake Then Add Pineapple
Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Bake it for 20 minutes, then pull it out and scatter pineapple chunks over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 10 to 20 minutes, until the chicken hits that safe internal temperature of 165°F. The pineapple will soften and caramelize slightly, making every bite juicy and sweet.
Step 4: Finish with Lime and Garnishes
Right after you take the pan out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over everything. This brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and white sesame seeds on top to add a fresh herbal note and a bit of crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
- Even Cooking: Cut your chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly and finishes at the same time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your ingredients room to roast properly — crowded pans can steam instead of roast.
- Fresh Lime Juice Finish: Adding the lime juice off the heat preserves that fresh brightness without cooking it away.
- Pineapple Timing: Adding pineapple halfway through prevents it from getting too mushy and ensures it stays juicy and fresh.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with plenty of chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds. The cilantro brings a fresh herbal element that pops, and the sesame seeds add a little crunch and a nutty flavor. If you like, a few lime wedges on the side brighten each bite even more.
Side Dishes
Serving this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe over fluffy white rice is a classic move, but I’m a big fan of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. A simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, I’ve served this in hollowed-out pineapple halves—talk about eye-catching! It’s a great way to impress guests and keep the tropical vibe alive. I’ve also layered the chicken over rice in colorful bowls topped with extra cilantro and lime wedges for easy family-style serving.
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. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated servings even tastier the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe before with good results. Just make sure it’s fully cooled and pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. When thawed and reheated, it still holds onto that delicious flavor without becoming dry.
Reheating
My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water to keep things moist. Microwaving works for convenience, but I recommend adding a small drizzle of oil or a squeeze of lime after heating to freshen everything up.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken so it cooks evenly with the veggies and pineapple. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it fully in the fridge before prepping to ensure safe and even cooking.
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What can I substitute for Hawaiian BBQ sauce?
If you can’t find Hawaiian BBQ sauce, try a mix of your favorite BBQ sauce with a bit of pineapple juice or teriyaki sauce to get that sweet and tangy flavor. Adding a touch of ginger or garlic powder can also mimic the profile well.
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Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Include chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the mix before baking to add heat. I like to keep it mild for my family but spice it up when we’re having friends over.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce. It’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe has become one of those dishes I trust to deliver on flavor, ease, and family approval every single time. I love how easy it is to throw together after a busy day and how the combination of sweet and savory always hits the spot. If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free meal that feels a bit special, give this one a try—you’ll be glad you did!
PrintHawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken cubes with colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple chunks, and a tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce. Baked together on a single sheet pan, it’s an easy and wholesome meal perfect for a quick dinner. Garnished with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, and served alongside cauliflower or white rice, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian Chicken:
- 1–1.5 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 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- Cilantro and white sesame seeds for garnish
For Serving:
- Cauliflower rice or white rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and avocado oil. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Coat with sauce: Add the diced red and orange bell peppers, chunks of red onion, and the Hawaiian BBQ sauce to the bowl with the chicken. Mix everything thoroughly so the sauce evenly covers all the ingredients.
- Bake: Spread the coated chicken and vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to start cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Add pineapple: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven and scatter the pineapple chunks over the chicken and veggies. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Finish and garnish: Once baked, squeeze the juice of one lime over the entire sheet pan meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle white sesame seeds on top to add freshness and a bit of crunch.
- Serve: Plate the Hawaiian chicken mixture alongside cauliflower rice or white rice, drizzling extra Hawaiian BBQ sauce if desired for more flavor.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding other favorite veggies such as zucchini or cherry tomatoes to add variety.
- Adjust the seasoning and amount of BBQ sauce according to your personal taste preferences.
- Using chicken thighs will keep the meat juicier, whereas chicken breasts will provide a leaner option.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg