Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh pineapple provides the best texture and flavor, canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup) work well too. Just drain them well, reserving some juice for the sauce, and add them as directed in the recipe. They're already soft, so they won't need as much cooking time to become tender.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and appear opaque throughout. With 1-inch cubes of chicken, the 25 minutes of total cooking time in this recipe should be sufficient, but if you're uncertain, use a meat thermometer to check a few pieces.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Yes, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons and use unsweetened pineapple juice. You can also increase the rice vinegar by a teaspoon to balance the sweetness with more acidity.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but it's simple to make gluten-free. Just substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce and verify that your ketchup is gluten-free (most are, but it's always good to check).

Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Name: Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breasts, diced; 1 red pepper, diced; 1 orange/yellow pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; 4 cups fresh pineapple, diced; 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp pineapple juice; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger; 1/4 tsp red pepper flake; 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (sub cornstarch)

This incredible Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken combines juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and a perfectly balanced sticky-sweet sauce that brings the flavors of the islands right to your dinner table. Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal cleanup, this tropical-inspired dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and hint of ginger creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too salty.
Versatile Family Meal: Kid-friendly while still sophisticated enough for adults, this dish pleases everyone at the table without requiring separate meals.
Meal Prep Champion: Makes excellent leftovers and can be prepped ahead of time for even quicker weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The protein foundation of this dish – they absorb the delicious sauce beautifully and cook quickly for a fast meal.
Bell peppers: Red, orange, or yellow peppers add vibrant color, sweet flavor, and nutritional value. Their sweetness complements the pineapple perfectly.
Red onion: Provides a mild sharpness that balances the sweet elements in the dish and adds another layer of flavor complexity.
Soy sauce: Use reduced sodium to control the salt level while still getting that rich umami flavor that forms the base of our sauce.
Ketchup: Contributes both sweetness and tanginess while helping to thicken the sauce and give it that appealing glaze.
Honey: Natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating sticky, glazed edges on the chicken and vegetables.
Pineapple juice: Infuses tropical flavor throughout the sauce and helps tenderize the chicken.
Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweet components with its subtle acidity.
Garlic and ginger: These aromatic ingredients are essential for authentic Asian-inspired flavors and add wonderful depth to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Provides just enough heat to balance the sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
Arrowroot powder: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating that perfect glaze consistency. Cornstarch works equally well as a substitute.
Fresh pineapple: The star ingredient that brings genuine Hawaiian flavor, natural sweetness, and juicy texture to the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try this recipe with boneless pork chops, shrimp, or firm tofu for a different protein experience. Each will absorb the delicious sauce differently but equally deliciously.

Vegetable Options

Add broccoli florets, zucchini chunks, or snap peas to increase the vegetable content. Just be mindful that softer veggies should be added later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Spice Adjustments

Dial up the heat by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy-sweet combination that really pops.

Sauce Modifications

For a teriyaki twist, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. For more tanginess, increase the rice vinegar by 1 tablespoon.

How to Make Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Dice the chicken breasts, bell peppers, and red onion into approximately 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

In a glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, honey, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Once combined, whisk in the arrowroot powder until there are no lumps. This creates a sauce that will thicken beautifully as it cooks.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Place your diced chicken, bell peppers, and red onion in a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with that flavorful sauce.

Step 4: First Bake

Transfer the coated chicken and vegetable mixture to your lined baking sheet, spreading everything out in a single layer. This ensures proper heat circulation and even cooking. Bake for 10 minutes to get the cooking process started.

Step 5: Add Pineapple and Finish Baking

After the initial baking time, add the fresh pineapple chunks to the sheet pan, gently tossing to coat them with the partially cooked chicken mixture and sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has started to caramelize.

Step 6: Broil for Perfect Finish

For an extra delicious finish, switch your oven to broil and cook for a final 3-4 minutes. This creates caramelized edges on the chicken and pineapple that add incredible flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Uniform Cutting: Keep your chicken and vegetable pieces similar in size to ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a large enough sheet pan to allow some space between ingredients. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, which prevents those delicious caramelized edges from forming.
Pineapple Strategy: Adding the pineapple later in the cooking process prevents it from becoming too soft and losing its shape.
Line Your Pan: Parchment paper isn’t just for easy cleanup – it prevents sticking and burning of the sweet sauce components.
Save That Sauce: The liquid that accumulates on the pan is liquid gold – don’t discard it! It’s perfect for drizzling over rice or keeping leftovers moist.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this Hawaiian chicken over steamed white rice or coconut rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Brown rice or quinoa offer healthier alternatives while still complementing the flavors beautifully.

Garnish Ideas

Sprinkle with sliced green onions, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped macadamia nuts for an extra Hawaiian touch and added texture contrast.

Complete the Meal

A simple side of steamed edamame or a light cucumber salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, sweet-savory main dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this dish sometimes even better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers, making sure to include some of the sauce, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch – cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh pineapple provides the best texture and flavor, canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup) work well too. Just drain them well, reserving some juice for the sauce, and add them as directed in the recipe. They’re already soft, so they won’t need as much cooking time to become tender.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and appear opaque throughout. With 1-inch cubes of chicken, the 25 minutes of total cooking time in this recipe should be sufficient, but if you’re uncertain, use a meat thermometer to check a few pieces.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Yes, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons and use unsweetened pineapple juice. You can also increase the rice vinegar by a teaspoon to balance the sweetness with more acidity.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but it’s simple to make gluten-free. Just substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce and verify that your ketchup is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to check).

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken recipe brings a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and that irresistible sticky sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner or meal prepping for busy days ahead, this versatile dish delivers big on flavor while keeping things simple in the kitchen. Give your dinner routine a tropical twist – your taste buds will thank you!