If you’re craving a dinner that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup, Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is the perfect meal. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are paired with colorful vegetables and roasted to perfection with a tangy-sweet Hawaiian-inspired sauce. This dish combines the perfect balance of savory chicken and sweet pineapple, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a delicious meal for guests, this sheet pan dinner is a simple and satisfying option. The combination of savory soy sauce, tangy pineapple, and zesty ginger makes each bite mouthwatering. Best of all, it’s all cooked on one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is an easy and flavorful dinner that features chicken thighs, roasted vegetables, and pineapple, all coated in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian sauce. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the vegetables caramelize in the oven, making for a well-rounded, one-pan meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and satisfying without a lot of hassle.
With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a family-friendly dinner that’s both healthy and indulgent. The sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and vegetables, creating a dinner that everyone will love.
Exciting Story:
I first made Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan when I was craving something tropical and flavorful, but didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. I had some chicken thighs in the fridge and thought they would pair perfectly with a Hawaiian-inspired sauce. After adding in pineapple and some simple vegetables, I threw it all on one sheet pan and roasted it, hoping for a simple yet delicious dinner.
When I served it, my family went crazy over the sweet and savory flavors. The pineapple caramelized beautifully in the oven, and the chicken was juicy and full of flavor. Since then, this sheet pan dinner has become one of my go-to meals for busy nights and special occasions. It’s quick, easy, and full of tropical flavors that transport me straight to an island getaway!
Why This Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan:
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the pineapple and savory soy sauce creates a delightful contrast with the juicy chicken and roasted vegetables.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something tasty without a lot of effort.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have in your fridge, or use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its bold flavors and simple ingredients, making it great for families or gatherings.
What You Need For Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan:
For the chicken and veggies:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup baby carrots (optional)
For the Hawaiian sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. - Prepare the chicken:
Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place them on one side of the prepared baking sheet. - Prepare the vegetables:
On the other side of the baking sheet, arrange the sliced bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and baby carrots (if using). Add the pineapple chunks to the vegetables. - Make the Hawaiian sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. - Coat the chicken and veggies:
Brush the chicken thighs with a generous amount of the Hawaiian sauce, and drizzle the remaining sauce over the vegetables and pineapple. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly in the sauce. - Roast the chicken and veggies:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender. - Serve and enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Serve the chicken and vegetables hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips for Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan:
- For crispy chicken skin: If you prefer crispy skin on the chicken, place the chicken thighs skin-side up and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after roasting.
- Use fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple will add a nice burst of flavor, but canned pineapple works just as well. Just be sure to drain it if using canned.
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to swap out vegetables for your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, asparagus, or broccoli would also work well in this recipe.
- Add a kick: For some heat, add a few red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, you can use them in place of thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. You can press the tofu to remove excess moisture and then cut it into cubes to roast.
- Pineapple Substitute: If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can swap it out with mango or another tropical fruit for a different flavor.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the salt content in the dish.
- Lean Protein: Swap the chicken thighs for skinless chicken breasts or turkey breast for a leaner option.
- More Veggies: Add extra veggies like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or green beans to increase the fiber and nutrients in the dish.
Closing for Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan:
And there you have it! Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with tropical flavors and healthy ingredients. With just one pan and minimal cleanup, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables makes for a meal everyone will enjoy. Serve it with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete, satisfying dinner. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions For Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they will cook faster. Reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. - Can I use frozen vegetables?
It’s best to use fresh vegetables for this recipe, but if you use frozen vegetables, make sure they’re thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture. - Can I make this dish without pineapple?
Yes, you can substitute the pineapple with mango, or leave it out altogether for a more savory dish. - Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. - Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or a ginger soy sauce if you prefer. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. - Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! You can add more spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes for extra flavor. - Can I cook this dish in a regular baking pan?
Yes, you can use any baking pan, but a sheet pan works best for roasting and allows the chicken and vegetables to cook evenly. - Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with pork tenderloin or tofu for a different protein option. - Can I serve this dish with rice?
Yes, serving it with rice or quinoa makes it a more filling meal and complements the tropical flavors perfectly.
Sweet and Savory Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tropical flavors with minimal effort!