This Hawaiin chicken sheet pan lunch recipe is the kind of meal that saves your day when you want something flavorful, colorful, and easy without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks together on one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy a warm, satisfying lunch that feels like a mini tropical escape.
Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant vegetables are roasted together and coated in a glossy, sweet-and-tangy sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The balance of flavors is what makes this recipe shine—lightly sweet, gently savory, and just a touch zesty. It’s filling enough for lunch, yet light enough that it won’t slow you down for the rest of the day.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, cooking for family, or just need a dependable lunch recipe, this Hawaiin chicken sheet pan dish delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiin Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
- Perfect for lunch: Hearty protein, colorful vegetables, and fruit make this a balanced midday meal.
- One pan, no stress: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan.
- Bold tropical flavor: Sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with savory chicken.
- Great for meal prep: Stores and reheats well for weekday lunches.
- Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors everyone enjoys.
Ingredients (with Measurements)
Sauce
- 2 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice concentrate (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or additional rice vinegar for tang)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Hawaiin Chicken Sheet Pan Lunch
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan (approximately 18×13 inches) with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, pineapple juice concentrate, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, tamarind paste, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Sheet Pan
Add the diced chicken, bell peppers, and red onion directly onto the prepared sheet pan. Pour the sauce evenly over everything, then toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
Step 4: First Bake
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir everything to redistribute the sauce and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Add Pineapple
Scatter the fresh pineapple chunks evenly over the pan. Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and give everything one final toss to coat in the thickened sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Lunch Serving Ideas
This Hawaiin chicken sheet pan lunch recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Coconut rice for extra tropical flavor
- Quinoa for a protein-packed lunch
- Wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter option
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Fresh pineapple works best for roasting—its texture and flavor hold up much better.
- Start your rice before baking the chicken so everything is ready at the same time.
- For meal prep, divide into containers while warm so the sauce coats evenly.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen the sauce.
