Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers

Craving a tropical twist on your dinner routine? This Hawaiian Chicken Skillet is the perfect way to bring bold, sweet, and savory island flavors right into your kitchen. Bursting with colorful bell peppers, juicy pineapple chunks, and tender chicken thighs tossed in a tangy homemade Hawaiian sauce, this dish is quick, easy, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this irresistible Hawaiian Chicken, from ingredients and instructions to tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

This dish is more than just delicious—it’s:

• Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners.

• One-pan friendly: Minimal cleanup!

• Balanced flavors: Sweet pineapple meets savory soy and tangy vinegar.

• Customizable: Add spice, swap veggies, or serve it your way.

• Healthy and colorful: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this vibrant, flavor-packed meal is sure to win everyone over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Hawaiian Chicken Skillet, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients:

  For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 red onion, sliced

• 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

• Cooked rice, for serving

  For the Hawaiian Sauce:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Skillet

Making Hawaiian Chicken at home is a breeze. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

  Step 1: Prepare the Hawaiian Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the following:

• ½ cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Set this sauce mixture aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. In another small cup, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce later.

  Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken chunks and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

3. Cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Toss in the chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with the red onion.

3. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

  Step 4: Add Pineapple and Sauce

1. Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet with the vegetables.

2. Pour in the prepared Hawaiian sauce and stir to combine everything.

3. Bring to a simmer, then slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry.

4. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

  Step 5: Combine and Finish

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.

2. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat everything through.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of flavor and color. Serve the Hawaiian Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.

Tips for Success

Make your Hawaiian Chicken skillet dish even better with these helpful tips:

  Choose the Right Chicken

• Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts work well too if preferred—just be careful not to overcook.

  Use Fresh Pineapple if Possible

• Fresh pineapple adds brightness and natural sweetness. If using canned, be sure to drain it thoroughly.

  Adjust the Sweetness

• Prefer a less sweet sauce? Reduce the brown sugar slightly or add more vinegar to balance.

  Make it Spicy

• Add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

  Serve with Variety

• Pair with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for different textures and flavors.

Variations to Try

This Hawaiian Chicken Skillet is endlessly adaptable! Try these variations:

1. Add More Veggies

• Include snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for more color and crunch.

2. Make It Vegetarian

• Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian soy sauce.

3. Grill It

• Grill marinated chicken and veggies, then toss with the Hawaiian sauce for a smoky twist.

4. Turn It Into Kabobs

• Thread chicken, peppers, onion, and pineapple onto skewers, brush with sauce, and grill.

What to Serve With Hawaiian Chicken

While this dish shines on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can make it a complete meal:

  Rice Options

• Steamed white or brown rice

• Coconut rice for extra island flavor

• Fried rice for a heartier dish

  Sides

• Asian slaw or a light cucumber salad

• Garlic green beans

• Egg rolls or spring rolls

  Beverages

• Pineapple iced tea

• Coconut water

• A chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc for wine lovers

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish stores and reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

  Storage

• Let leftovers cool completely.

• Transfer to an airtight container.

• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  Reheating

• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice.

Make Ahead Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop the veggies and make the sauce a day in advance to save time.

• Marinate the Chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of the sauce (minus the cornstarch) for 1–2 hours before cooking.

FAQs About Hawaiian Chicken

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the chicken, veggies, and sauce on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, Hawaiian Chicken freezes well. Let it cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Chicken Skillet is a beautiful blend of tropical sweetness and savory satisfaction. Easy to make, full of vibrant colors and textures, and endlessly customizable, it’s a dinner that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.

Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches or just need a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe brings a taste of paradise right to your plate.

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