Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan – Easy Meals To Cook
It's a warm evening, and you're hosting friends for dinner. You want to impress them, but you also don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter the Hawaiian chicken sheet pan: a dish bursting with tropical flavors, packed with nutritious ingredients, and so simple to prepare that you’ll wonder why you didn't make it sooner.
This delightful dish isn’t just another meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, share good food, and create memories.
So, what makes this dish your new favorite? Let's unravel the layers of flavor and ease that accompany Hawaiian chicken, shall we?
What is Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?
Hawaiian chicken sheet pan is a one-pan wonder that combines juicy chicken with colorful vegetables and sweet pineapple, drizzled with a tangy BBQ sauce that packs a punch. With ingredients that sing together, this recipe captures the essence of the islands while keeping your kitchen clean and your taste buds happy. You prep it in a snap; the oven does the heavy lifting.
The Flavor Profile of This Dish
Let’s talk flavor. The sweet and savory combination of pineapple, chicken, and a delightful BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The bright flavors of lime juice and ginger add a refreshing zing that ties everything together.
As the chicken roasts, it absorbs the caramelized goodness from the veggies and drips of sauce, creating a beautiful symphony of taste. You’ll experience a delightful balance where the savory richness of chicken meets the sweetness of tropical fruit.
Why You’ll Love This?
You’ll love Hawaiian chicken sheet pan for a multitude of reasons:
- Convenience: It's one pan, one mess. More time to chill out instead of scrubbing dishes!
- Flavor: Tropical vibes in each bite, making your taste buds dance.
- Healthiness: Packed with protein, colorful vegetables, and the goodness of pineapple.
- Flexibility: It’s easy to adapt with ingredients you have on hand or what’s in season.
- Minimal effort: Prep takes minutes, and dinner cooks itself!
Ingredients
Let’s get you on your way to Hawaiian chicken bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
- 1 to 1 ½ lbs of diced chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ medium red onion, cut into sizeable pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- ½ cup of Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Fresh cilantro and white sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s roll up those sleeves and get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s like getting the stage set for a fantastic show. A hot oven guarantees a good roast.
Step 2: Prep Your Chicken and Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with avocado oil, BBQ sauce, ginger, lime juice, honey, and sea salt. Toss everything until the chicken is well coated. The honey adds a nice depth while the ginger kicks in a fresh bite.
Next, chop your veggies. The more colorful your plate, the more appealing it looks—and who doesn’t love to eat with their eyes first? Toss the red onion, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and pineapple pieces into the bowl. A vibrant mix is about to happen!
Step 3: Arrange on the Pan
Spread the chicken and veggie mixture evenly across a large sheet pan. This is where you become the culinary artist, ensuring a colorful layout. Don't overcrowd the pan; give everything a bit of space to breathe and roast nicely.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled sheet pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. This is the time to let the flavors mingle and the edges caramelize. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, teasing your taste buds.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken and veggies are golden and cooked through, pull the pan from the oven. Drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on it for that added layer of flavor. Top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Voilà! You’ve created a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to elevate your Hawaiian chicken sheet pan:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ginger and quality BBQ sauce. A homemade sauce could give it an extra boost if you’re up for it.
- Marinate Ahead: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for a couple of hours before cooking. This intensifies the flavors wonderfully.
- Veggie Substitutions: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Snap peas or zucchini can elevate the dish’s crunch.
- Make it Spicy: For those who like it hot, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the mix.
- Double the Recipe: Cooking for a crowd? Make a double batch! This dish reheats beautifully for leftovers.
How Can You Store This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan?
Leftovers are a wonderful bonus! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion out meals and freeze in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Alternatives
What if you’re missing some items? Don't worry! You can make substitutions:
- Chicken Alternatives: Tofu or tempeh can be great vegetarian substitutes. They soak up flavors beautifully and provide protein.
- Pineapple: If fresh pineapple isn't available, use canned pineapple. Just make sure to drain it well!
- BBQ Sauce: If you don't have Primal Kitchen’s sauce on hand, feel free to use any store-bought BBQ sauce or whip up a quick homemade version using ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
Conclusion
Hawaiian chicken sheet pan brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with minimal effort. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavors, this dish is a must-try whether you’re cooking for family or friends. The vibrant colors, mouthwatering aromas, and juicy chicken will surely leave everyone smiling—and asking for more.
So, next time you’re searching for an easy yet impressive meal, think of your culinary journey to Hawaii while preparing this dish. Gather your ingredients, pop them in a pan, and get ready to savor every delightful bite. Bon appétit!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
As summer rolls in, it's that time of year when the grilling season kicks into high gear. But for those of us who value simplicity and flavor, there’s nothing quite like throwing everything onto a sheet pan and letting the oven do the work. With Hawaiian chicken sheet pan, you can transport your taste buds straight to the islands without leaving your kitchen. Let's dive into this delicious dish that pairs effortlessly with sides like coconut rice or a vibrant cucumber salad.
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
- 1-1 1/2 lbs of diced chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 medium red onion, cut into sizeable pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup of Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 of lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Fresh cilantro and white sesame seeds for garnish
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s like getting the stage set for a fantastic show. A hot oven guarantees a good roast.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with avocado oil, BBQ sauce, ginger, lime juice, honey, and sea salt. Toss everything until the chicken is well coated. The honey adds a nice depth while the ginger kicks in a fresh bite.
Next, chop your veggies. The more colorful your plate, the more appealing it looks—and who doesn’t love to eat with their eyes first? Toss the red onion, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and pineapple pieces into the bowl. A vibrant mix is about to happen!
- Spread the chicken and veggie mixture evenly across a large sheet pan. This is where you become the culinary artist, ensuring a colorful layout. Don't overcrowd the pan; give everything a bit of space to breathe and roast nicely.
- Place the filled sheet pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. This is the time to let the flavors mingle and the edges caramelize. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, teasing your taste buds.
- Once your chicken and veggies are golden and cooked through, pull the pan from the oven. Drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on it for that added layer of flavor. Top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Voilà! You’ve created a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 294kcal
- Calories from Fat 98kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11.2g18%
- Saturated Fat 2.2g12%
- Cholesterol 68mg23%
- Sodium 442mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ginger and quality BBQ sauce. A homemade sauce could give it an extra boost if you’re up for it.
- Marinate Ahead: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for a couple of hours before cooking. This intensifies the flavors wonderfully.
- Veggie Substitutions: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Snap peas or zucchini can elevate the dish’s crunch.
- Make it Spicy: For those who like it hot, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the mix.
- Double the Recipe: Cooking for a crowd? Make a double batch! This dish reheats beautifully for leftovers.
I’m Kelly Blackford, a registered dietitian and the creator of Easy Meals to Cook. My passion is helping busy individuals and families create simple, nutritious meals without the stress of complicated techniques. Through my blog, I share easy, budget-friendly recipes designed to make home cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.