Tropical Hawaiian Chicken – My Favorite Sheet Pan Dinner with Pineapple and Peppers

Introduction

Dreaming of a warm, breezy escape? Let your dinner take you there with this Tropical Hawaiian Chicken on a Sheet Pan. It’s a bright, balanced, and low-effort meal that brings together juicy chicken breasts, sweet pineapple chunks, and colorful veggies—all roasted to perfection in one pan. The tangy, garlicky marinade ties it all together for a dish that’s equal parts simple and sensational.


Why I Love This Recipe

Sheet pan dinners are lifesavers, and this one’s a standout. It’s fast, packed with nutrients, and bursting with tropical flavors from pineapple, honey, and a hint of ginger. Cleanup is minimal, and the presentation? Colorful and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend dinner, this recipe delivers sunshine on a plate.


Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

  • Chicken Thighs: Use boneless thighs for a juicier bite—just increase cook time by 5–7 minutes.
  • Veggie Add-Ins: Add zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
  • Spicy Option: Swap chili flakes for Sriracha or a diced jalapeño for a fiery kick.
  • Grill-Friendly: This same marinade works beautifully on skewers for a BBQ twist.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  3. Prepare the Pan: Place chicken breasts on a greased sheet pan. Pour the marinade over them, turning to coat.
  4. Add Veggies & Pineapple: Scatter pineapple chunks, sliced red pepper, and red onion around the chicken.
  5. Roast: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (75°C) and veggies are tender.
  6. Finish: Garnish with chopped cilantro if using. Serve warm with rice or over greens.

Tips for Success

  • Marinate Ahead: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for 30 minutes to overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Use Foil or Parchment: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
  • Slice Chicken After Resting: Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve this dish over steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or quinoa. It also pairs beautifully with a refreshing drink like This Blueberry Lemonade. Round out your tropical spread with:


Storage and Leftover Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 325°F until heated through.
  • Repurpose: Shred chicken for tacos, wraps, or tropical grain bowls.

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Final Thoughts

Tropical Hawaiian Chicken on a Sheet Pan is the kind of dinner that feels like a mini vacation—bright, quick, and packed with feel-good flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder that checks all the boxes: easy, healthy, delicious, and beautiful.

Made it? Tell us how it turned out in the comments and follow for more sunshine-on-a-plate recipes! 🍍🍗🌺