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Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal delivers a complete dinner featuring tender cubed chicken, vibrant bell peppers, red onion, and sweet pineapple, all coated in a savory Hawaiian BBQ sauce.
Cooked on a single sheet pan, it makes for a straightforward and flavorful weeknight dinner
Our focus is on making your dinner prep as easy and effective as possible.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this sheet pan meal is simple, focusing on fresh produce and quality chicken. This combination provides a colorful and balanced base for the Hawaiian BBQ sauce.
- 1–1.5 pounds chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Cilantro, for garnish
- White sesame seeds, for garnish
You can choose between chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, both cut into cubes, which ensures even cooking alongside the vegetables. The bell peppers and red onion add both flavor and texture. Pineapple chunks are a key part of the Hawaiian flavor profile, and the Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce brings everything together. A finishing squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro and white sesame seeds brighten the dish and add a fresh touch.
How to Make It
Preparing this Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal involves a few simple steps, designed to get a complete dinner on the table with minimal fuss. The key is to follow the baking sequence to ensure all ingredients cook properly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut your chosen chicken (breast or boneless, skinless thighs) into uniform cubes. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, a dash of pepper to your taste, and 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the diced red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and red onion chunks to the bowl with the chicken. Pour in 1/2 cup of Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce.
- Use your hands to thoroughly coat all the chicken and vegetables with the sauce. Ensure everything is well combined.
- Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture in a single layer onto the prepared sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the sheet pan for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Evenly scatter the 1 cup of pineapple chunks over the chicken and vegetables.
- Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the entire dish, which adds a refreshing, bright counterpoint to the savory and sweet flavors.
- Garnish the finished meal generously with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds before serving.
For more easy dinner ideas, explore our dinner meal prep recipes. You might also enjoy our sheet pan chicken and vegetables for another colorful option.
When to Add Pineapple
A specific step in this recipe is adding the pineapple chunks only after the first 20 minutes of baking. This timing is important to prevent the pineapple from becoming overly soft or potentially burning while the chicken and vegetables are still cooking.
By introducing the pineapple later, it retains a pleasant texture and its juiciness, integrating perfectly with the rest of the meal without dominating the dish too early in the cooking process.
Adding it too soon can result in a different texture and flavor contribution, which is not what this recipe intends.
Check the Chicken
Ensuring your chicken is cooked to the proper temperature is crucial for food safety and flavor. For this chicken sheet pan meal, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
While the recipe suggests a total cooking time of around 30 to 40 minutes (20 minutes initially, then 10 to 20 more minutes after adding pineapple), oven temperatures can vary.
Using a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken is the most reliable way to confirm it’ done. Focus on the internal temperature rather than solely relying on visual cues or strict timing, as this ensures both safety and tenderness.
How to Serve It
This flavorful pineapple chicken sheet pan meal offers flexibility in serving. To complement the vibrant flavors and make it a complete meal, consider serving it alongside either cauliflower rice or white rice.
Pairing it with cauliflower rice generally aligns with a lower-carb approach, and can often be suitable for those following paleo or Whole30 eating plans, depending on confirmed sauce ingredients.
If you prefer a traditional and satisfying base, serving it with white rice makes for a naturally gluten-free option. Keep your serving simple to let the main dish shine.
Freshness Notes
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the chicken is tender, the vegetables are vibrant, and the pineapple is perfectly warmed through. The simple composition of chicken, vegetables, pineapple, and sauce means it is intended for a delicious dinner right after cooking.
While many recipes offer detailed storage and reheating guidance, this particular recipe focuses on delivering a fresh, satisfying meal for immediate consumption. We do not provide specific instructions for multi-day storage, reheating, or freezing to maintain the integrity of the recipe’s intended outcome.
For other convenient chicken dinners, take a look at our lemon garlic chicken sheet pan meal or this delicious Greek sheet pan chicken dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I add the pineapple?
The pineapple chunks are added to the sheet pan after the initial 20 minutes of baking. This ensures the chicken and vegetables get a head start on cooking before the fruit is introduced.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, the recipe specifically allows for either chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Both options should be cut into cubes for even cooking.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken cube to confirm doneness.
What can I serve with Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal?
You can serve this meal with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb and paleo/Whole30 friendly option, or with white rice for a gluten-free complete dinner.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal offers a practical and flavorful solution for dinner, combining tender chicken, crisp bell peppers, and sweet pineapple with a savory Hawaiian BBQ sauce. The straightforward baking process, including the specific timing for adding pineapple, helps ensure a delicious and well-cooked result. Finishing with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro and white sesame seeds elevates this simple dish, making it a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Print
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Meal
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Unrestricted
Description
A vibrant sheet pan meal loaded with tender chicken, bell peppers, pineapple, and sweet Hawaiian BBQ sauce. One-pan cooking ensures juicy results and bold flavors in minutes.
Ingredients
1–1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 cup Primal Kitchen Foods Hawaiian BBQ Sauce
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
White sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F
Line sheet pan with parchment paper and brush with avocado oil
Combine chicken cubes, bell peppers, and onion in a bowl
Season with avocado oil, salt, and pepper
Mix in 1/2 cup Hawaiian BBQ sauce until evenly coated
Spread mixture in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan
Bake 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway
During last 5 minutes, add pineapple chunks to preserve texture
Remove from oven, squeeze lime juice over dishes, and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken with sauce overnight
Avoid overcooking pineapple to maintain its sweetness
Check chicken temperature (165°F internal) before serving
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
