Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple

This hearty Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan brings the taste of the islands straight to your kitchen, combining juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and sweet pineapple in one easy meal. The caramelized pineapple and savory chicken create that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise.

I first made this dish during a particularly cold winter when my family needed something bright and cheerful. The tropical flavors instantly brightened our mood, and it has since become our go-to recipe whenever we need a taste of sunshine.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: Creates the protein foundation for the dish. Choose fresh, boneless pieces for best texture
• Bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and vitamin C. Select firm peppers with bright, shiny skin
• Red onion: Provides aromatic sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Look for firm onions with tight, dry outer skins
• Pineapple chunks: The star ingredient that brings tropical sweetness. Fresh pineapple will give the most vibrant flavor
• Soy sauce: Creates the savory base for the marinade. Use low sodium if you prefer less salt
• Olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly. Extra virgin adds the best flavor
• Minced garlic: Adds essential aromatic depth. Fresh gives more punch than pre-minced
• Cooked rice: Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce. Jasmine or basmati work wonderfully
• Green onions: Adds fresh crunch and color as garnish. Choose bright green, firm stalks
• Sesame seeds: Provides nutty flavor and visual appeal. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature ensures proper caramelization of the pineapple and vegetables while keeping the chicken juicy inside. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Combine The Main Ingredients:

In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces, sliced bell pepper, red onion slices, and pineapple chunks. Make sure all pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. The colorful combination not only looks beautiful but provides a range of nutrients and textures.

Create The Marinade:

Whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. This simple marinade creates the perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors that will coat every piece of chicken and vegetable.

Coat Everything Evenly:

Pour the marinade over the chicken mixture and use your hands or tongs to toss until everything is thoroughly coated. Take your time with this step to ensure each piece gets some of that flavorful sauce. The oil helps everything roast properly while the soy sauce adds umami depth.

Arrange On Baking Sheet:

Spread everything in a single even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding as this will cause steaming rather than roasting. If necessary, use two pans to give everything enough space to caramelize properly.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the vegetables are tender with caramelized edges. The pineapple will develop gorgeous golden brown spots that intensify its sweetness.

Garnish And Serve:

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These finishing touches add freshness, crunch, and visual appeal. The heat from the pan will slightly wilt the green onions, releasing their flavor.

Complete The Meal:

Serve hot over fluffy cooked rice which will absorb all the wonderful juices. The contrast between the caramelized sheet pan ingredients and the soft rice creates the perfect texture combination that makes this dish so satisfying.

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Fresh pineapple truly elevates this dish to another level. While I've made it with canned in a pinch, nothing compares to the intensely sweet flavor that develops when fresh pineapple caramelizes in the oven. I learned this one summer when my neighbor shared a perfectly ripe pineapple from her garden, and our Hawaiian Chicken that night was absolutely unforgettable.

Storage Tips

This Hawaiian Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in airtight containers. I often make a double batch specifically for leftovers, as the flavors actually improve after a day of marrying together. If you're meal prepping, store the chicken mixture separately from the rice to maintain the best texture for both components.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing without the rice and fresh garnishes. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the vegetables won't maintain the same roasted texture.

Perfect Pairings

This tropical dish pairs wonderfully with complementary sides that enhance its island flavors. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet chicken. For a more authentic Hawaiian meal, serve with a scoop of traditional macaroni salad, which offers creamy richness alongside the tangy chicken.

For beverages, tropical options really shine here. A cold pineapple coconut smoothie, sparkling water with lime, or even a light fruity white wine like Riesling complements the sweet-savory balance. During summer months, I love serving this with homemade pineapple iced tea garnished with mint for a truly refreshing meal experience.

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Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand. The chicken breast can be replaced with chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor, or even with firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since thighs need slightly longer and tofu needs less time.

No fresh pineapple? Canned chunks work fine just drain them well before using. Any color bell pepper will work beautifully, so use what you have or create a rainbow effect with mixed colors. For a different flavor profile, try swapping the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce or adding a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for additional sweetness.

If you're watching carbs, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute for traditional rice. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. The beauty of sheet pan meals lies in their flexibility, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences and pantry inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes Hawaiian chicken unique?

Hawaiian chicken combines sweet pineapples with savory soy-garlic flavors, creating a well-balanced, tropical-inspired dish.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds a noticeable vibrancy and sweetness that enhances the dish, especially when roasted.

→ What side dishes pair well with Hawaiian chicken?

Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, mixed greens, or even a creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time for deeper flavor. Cooked leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

→ How can I adapt this recipe for dietary needs?

Swap regular rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.

→ What’s the best way to achieve a caramelized texture?

Use high heat (400°F/200°C) to roast the ingredients evenly, and spread them out on the baking sheet to avoid crowding.