Introduction:
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the tropics to your dinner table. This one-pan meal features tender chicken thighs or breasts, roasted with a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, all drenched in a tangy, sweet Hawaiian-inspired glaze. The combination of savory chicken and tropical fruit makes this dish a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal clean-up.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Hawaiian Glaze:
1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh or 100% juice)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
Vegetables:
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned if fresh isn’t available)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for veggies)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs or breasts.
Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and add it to the simmering sauce, stirring until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Prepare the Vegetables: Toss the sliced bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the baking sheet with the vegetables. Drizzle some of the glaze over the chicken.
Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), and the vegetables are tender.
Final Glaze: Halfway through the roasting, drizzle more of the glaze over the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven. Serve the chicken with the roasted vegetables and pineapple, and drizzle with the remaining glaze.
Description:
This Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan meal is a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The glaze gives the chicken a rich, tropical flavor, while the roasted vegetables add a crisp texture. The pineapple brings a hint of freshness and juiciness to the dish, making each bite a burst of tropical goodness. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan dinner that’s ideal for busy nights when you still want something delicious and healthy.
Tips:
For Crispy Skin: If using chicken thighs with skin, make sure the skin is facing up while roasting to get it nice and crispy.
Customize Veggies: You can swap in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even sweet potatoes for a variation in texture and flavor.
Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the glaze for a couple of hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Extra Flavor: For an added touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish before serving.
Gluten-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Variations:
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the glaze if you like a bit of heat with your sweet and savory combo.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
Grilled Version: Instead of baking, grill the chicken and vegetables for a smoky flavor.
Corrections:
If the glaze is too thin, you can increase the cornstarch by a little (1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon) to achieve the perfect consistency.
You can also adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more honey or pineapple juice, depending on your personal preference.
Enjoy!
Serve this Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan hot, accompanied by steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and ease of preparation.