Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

If you’re in the mood for a tropical twist on a classic weeknight dinner, look no further than this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe. Combining tender chicken breasts with vibrant bell peppers, red onion, and sweet pineapple, this dish offers a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors. The easy-to-make sauce, featuring soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of ginger, ties everything together perfectly. This one-pan meal is not only full of flavor but also incredibly convenient, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut into 1-Inch Cubes
• 1 Large Red Bell Pepper, Cut into 1-Inch Pieces
• 1 Large Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper, Cut into 1-Inch Pieces
• 1 Red Onion, Cut into Wedges
• 1 (20 oz) Can Pineapple Chunks, Drained (Reserve Juice)
• 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
• 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Pineapple Juice (From the Can)
• 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ginger
• 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C)
   • Set your oven to preheat while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures that the sheet pan is ready for baking as soon as the chicken and vegetables are seasoned.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
   • In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks. Toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
3. Make the Sauce
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the olive oil and whisk until the sauce is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
   • Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Spread on Sheet Pan
   • Spread the coated chicken and vegetable mixture in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Ensure that the ingredients are spread out to promote even cooking.
6. Bake
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Stir halfway through baking for even roasting.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Garnish for Extra Flavor:
   • For an added touch of freshness and flavor, garnish your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions before serving. A squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the tropical flavors.
2. Pair with a Side:
   • Serve the sheet pan meal over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side of simple steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Accompanying Sauces:
   • Consider offering extra soy sauce or a drizzle of sweet chili sauce on the side for those who like a bit more sauce or heat with their meal.
4. Family-Style Serving:
   • Keep the meal family-style by serving it straight from the baking sheet at the table. This casual serving method makes it easy for everyone to help themselves and adds to the relaxed vibe of the meal.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store leftover Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation.
2. Freezing:
   • For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating:
   • To reheat, place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-2 minute intervals until warmed. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
4. Avoid Overcooking:
   • When reheating, avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Keep an eye on it and heat just until warmed through.

These serving and storage tips will help you get the most out of your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan, ensuring that it remains delicious and convenient for future meals.

Variations:

1. Add More Vegetables:

• Customize your sheet pan by adding other vegetables such as snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all vegetables are tender.

2. Swap Pineapple:

• For a different flavor profile, try using diced mango or peaches instead of pineapple. These fruits add a unique twist and complement the savory chicken beautifully.

3. Change the Protein:

• Substitute chicken with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Alternatively, you can use cubed tofu or shrimp for a variation in protein.

4. Spice It Up:

• Add a bit of heat by including sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust the level of spice according to your taste preference.

5. Use Different Sauces:

• Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki sauce or a homemade honey garlic sauce. These variations will change the flavor profile while keeping the dish interesting.

6. Add Nuts:

• For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle some toasted cashews or chopped peanuts over the top just before serving. This addition gives a delightful texture contrast.

7. Try Different Cheeses:

• Mix in or substitute the mozzarella cheese with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Each cheese will give the dish a different flavor and melt beautifully.

8. Herb Variations:

• Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary into the dish. Add them to the sauce or sprinkle them over the top before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

9. Citrus Twist:

• Add a splash of citrus by incorporating lime or orange zest into the sauce. This will brighten up the dish with a fresh, zesty flavor.

10. Sweet and Savory:

• Enhance the sweet and savory balance by drizzling a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the chicken and vegetables before baking. This will add a caramelized sweetness to the dish.

These variations allow you to adapt the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan to suit different tastes and preferences, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious recipe in a variety of ways.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

• Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures that it cooks evenly and reaches the appropriate internal temperature.

2. What if I don’t have cornstarch?

• If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Alternatively, you can omit it if you don’t mind a slightly thinner sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to bake to avoid soggy vegetables.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the brown sugar and any other ingredients are gluten-free.

5. Can I use a different type of fruit?

• Yes, you can substitute pineapple with other fruits like mango, peaches, or even apples. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as different fruits have varying moisture content.

6. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

• If you need a substitute, you can use coconut aminos for a soy-free option or tamari if you prefer a gluten-free alternative.

7. Can I add extra spices to the dish?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add extra spices such as smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to enhance the flavor of the dish according to your taste preferences.

8. How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?

• To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and no longer. Basting the chicken with the sauce during baking can also help retain moisture.

9. Can I use other vegetables?

• Yes, you can use other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

10. How should I store leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

These FAQs should help address common questions and provide additional tips for making the most of your Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan recipe.

This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a perfect example of how easy and delicious a one-pan meal can be. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce, makes for a dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe offers a delightful taste of the tropics with every bite. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this meal, and let the Hawaiian-inspired flavors transport you to a sunny paradise.