Easy Hawaiian Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Sheet Pan Dinner

Looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner with minimal cleanup? This Easy Hawaiian Chicken recipe delivers everything you need in one colorful sheet pan. Tender chicken breast, juicy pineapple chunks, and crisp roasted vegetables come together in a naturally sweet and savory glaze that tastes like a tropical vacation on a plate.

It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying, yet comforting and crave-worthy. With the vibrant contrast of caramelized pineapple, perfectly seasoned chicken, and veggies roasted to perfection, this dish isn’t just practical—it’s packed with feel-good flavor and nutrition.

Whether you’re new to chicken sheet pan recipes or already a fan of their convenience, this Hawaiian-inspired version is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Let’s get into the details that make this dish shine.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Pineapple and Veggies Roasted Together

This one-pan wonder is about to become your new favorite quick chicken breast dinner. Why? Because it checks all the boxes:

• Fast prep – Just 10 minutes of chopping and tossing
• Minimal dishes – One sheet pan means less cleanup
• Balanced meal – Protein, veggies, and fruit in one
• Flavorful and fun – Sweet pineapple + savory chicken = magic
• Versatile – Swap in your favorite veggies or add heat for a spicy kick

The combination of chicken with pineapple creates that irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor combo, while veggies roasted at high heat caramelize beautifully for extra depth.

Ingredients for This Quick Chicken Breast Dinner with Tropical Flavor

You only need simple, whole ingredients to make this easy Hawaiian chicken. Here’s what goes into the dish:

• 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1½ tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Optional add-ins: zucchini slices, sugar snap peas, or baby carrots—whatever you have on hand.

How to Make Easy Hawaiian Chicken Step-by-Step

This chicken sheet pan dinner comes together with ease. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prep the chicken and vegetables: Cube the chicken breast and chop all the vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, coconut aminos, honey, garlic, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss and coat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and onion. Pour the glaze over and toss to coat thoroughly.
5. Spread everything on the sheet pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—it helps everything roast rather than steam.
6. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden and the veggies and pineapple are tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Garnish and serve immediately with fresh herbs, rice, or your favorite grain bowl base.

This step-by-step method ensures evenly cooked ingredients and beautiful presentation—perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.

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Best Chicken Cuts for Sheet Pan Recipes: Chicken Breast or Thighs?

While this quick chicken breast dinner uses lean, high-protein breast meat, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut.

Chicken thighs hold up well to roasting and offer a richer bite. Just remember:

• Thighs may take slightly longer to cook (add 5 minutes)
• Adjust for size: cut into similar bite-sized chunks for even cooking

Both options work beautifully, so use what suits your taste and dietary needs.

Secrets to Perfect Caramelized Pineapple in the Oven

One of the standout elements of this dish is the caramelized pineapple—those golden, slightly crispy edges bring out its natural sugars and pair wonderfully with savory chicken.

To get that perfect caramelization:

• Use pineapple chunks, not crushed pineapple
• Pat them dry if using canned to reduce moisture
• Roast at high heat (400°F+) for browning
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—space encourages browning over steaming

When done right, the pineapple edges caramelize into sticky-sweet perfection, elevating your entire dish.

Veggies Roasted to Perfection: What to Pair with Hawaiian Chicken

The colorful veggies in this easy Hawaiian chicken aren’t just for looks—they add crunch, nutrition, and flavor.

Best veggies for roasting alongside pineapple and chicken include:

• Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• Onions (red, white, or yellow)
• Zucchini or summer squash
• Broccoli florets
• Snap peas or snow peas

The key is cutting everything to a similar size and roasting at a high temp. For even more flavor, toss veggies in a little extra marinade before baking.

Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinners

Want to take your chicken sheet pan skills to the next level? Keep these tips in mind:

• Marinate briefly before baking for deeper flavor
• Cut chicken evenly to prevent over- or undercooked pieces
• Don’t skip the parchment paper—it prevents sticking and helps with cleanup
• Flip halfway through to brown both sides
• Let it rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to retain juices

These small changes make a big difference in the taste and texture of your final dish.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas with Pineapple Chunks and Chicken

This easy Hawaiian chicken is perfect for weekly meal prep or prepping dinner ahead of time:

• Marinate everything in a resealable bag and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
• Bake and divide into containers with rice or cauliflower rice for grab-and-go lunches
• Freeze uncooked portions in freezer bags and bake directly from frozen (add extra time)

The combination of protein, fruit, and veggies holds up well for 3–4 days in the fridge, making this a great recipe for chicken fresh meal prep fans.

Healthy Swaps and Additions for Chicken Fresh Recipes

Looking to keep it clean and wholesome? Here are a few healthy swaps and add-ons:

• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for lower sodium
• Swap honey with date syrup or pureed pineapple for added fruit-based sweetness
• Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps instead of white rice
• Add leafy greens like spinach at the end for a nutrient boost
• Top with sliced avocado or toasted sesame seeds for extra texture

These tweaks keep your chicken fresh, satisfying, and aligned with clean-eating goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Chicken Sheet Pan Cooking

Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:

• Overcrowding the pan—leads to steaming instead of roasting
• Skipping the flip—can cause uneven cooking and color
• Cutting veggies too large or too small—cook time won’t match the chicken
• Using too much sauce—can cause sogginess
• Baking at low temperature—you’ll miss out on caramelization

Follow the technique, and you’ll get a perfectly balanced chicken sheet pan dinner every time.

Serving Suggestions: From Bowls to Lettuce Wraps and More

Not sure how to serve your easy Hawaiian chicken? Here are a few delicious ideas:

• Over steamed jasmine or coconut rice
• In lettuce wraps with chopped cashews and lime
• On a salad with romaine, cucumbers, and ginger vinaigrette
• In a grain bowl with quinoa, cabbage, and sliced avocado
• As tacos using grilled tortillas and a spicy pineapple salsa

However you plate it, this recipe shines as a main course or centerpiece for a tropical-inspired spread.

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Easy Hawaiian Chicken FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple chunks?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before roasting.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just ensure your soy sauce or coconut aminos is certified gluten-free.

Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu work well. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?
It’s optional, but even 10–15 minutes can boost flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Hawaiian Chicken recipe brings sunshine to your dinner table with its tropical flavors, bold colors, and no-fuss preparation. From caramelized pineapple and veggies roasted to perfection to juicy, seasoned chicken, every bite is full of flavor and freshness.

Whether you’re looking for a quick chicken breast dinner, an exciting new chicken sheet pan meal, or a family-friendly way to get dinner on the table fast, this dish fits the bill. It’s healthy, customizable, and perfect for clean eating or meal prepping your week ahead.

If you loved this recipe, share it with your fellow sheet pan fans, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more easy weeknight dinners, pineapple-packed meals, and wholesome comfort food recipes that actually deliver.

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