If you’re craving a dish that brings together vibrant colors, tropical sweetness, and mouthwatering savory flavors all on one easy sheet pan, you’re going to love this Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a fun culinary escape without any fuss. Juicy chicken mingles with sweet pineapple and crisp bell peppers, roasted to perfection with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze that creates a harmony of flavors and textures you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a simple but perfectly balanced lineup of ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every component adds brightness, depth, or a juicy bite that makes the dish pop both in taste and appearance.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Choose your favorite cut, diced into pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season the chicken and bring out all the natural flavors.
- Bell peppers (2, cut into chunks): Add a crunchy, colorful touch with slight sweetness that complements the pineapple.
- Red onion (1, roughly chopped): Brings mild sharpness that softens beautifully when roasted.
- Fresh or canned pineapple chunks (1 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the dish with juicy sweetness and tropical vibrancy.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): Adds a smoky, tangy glaze that ties all the ingredients together.
- Garlic cloves (2, grated): Provides pungent warmth and depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Rice for serving: The perfect neutral base to soak up all those delicious juices.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F. Getting the oven nice and hot ensures that your chicken and veggies roast up golden and tender, locking in all those fabulous flavors.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Cut the bell peppers into chunks and roughly chop the red onion. If you’re using fresh pineapple, get it chopped into juicy chunks too. Having everything prepped makes the assembly a breeze.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This simple step is key to enhancing the natural taste of the meat and building layers of flavor throughout the dish.
Step 4: Combine in One Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the seasoned chicken, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, chopped onion, the zingy BBQ sauce, and grated garlic. Mix everything thoroughly so every bite is rich with that delightful, tangy BBQ goodness and pineapple sweetness.
Step 5: Prepare the Sheet Pan
Line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup or spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. Spread your chicken and veggie mixture evenly across the pan to ensure everything cooks uniformly and gets that perfect roast.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the sheet pan into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender yet retain some bite. The pineapple will caramelize slightly, adding even more flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your gorgeous roasted pineapple chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or another favorite base. The rice will soak up all those tasty juices, making each forkful a delicious experience.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions on top creates a refreshing contrast and sprinkle of color. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the dish further and enhance the tropical vibes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, coconut rice for an extra layer of sweetness, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Steamed greens or a crisp side salad also work wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, scoop everything onto plates family-style. For a fun twist, serve the chicken and pineapple mixture in warm tortillas or lettuce cups for handheld bites bursting with flavor. You can even turn leftovers into a vibrant wrap or salad topping the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meals even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture for up to 2 months. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the chicken moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because they stay juicy and tender while roasting. Just cut them into pieces similar in size to the breasts for even cooking.
Do I have to use fresh pineapple?
Nope! Both fresh and canned pineapple chunks are great for this dish. Fresh gives a little more texture and brightness, but canned works perfectly in a pinch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy meal option for those avoiding gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and crowd-pleasing, focusing on sweet and savory flavors. If you love heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the BBQ mixture to kick things up.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Recipe stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Recipe is an absolute gem for anyone craving a fuss-free yet flavorful meal bursting with tropical flair. Its colorful presentation, sweet and savory balance, and easy cleanup make it a winner any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple at your dinner table!
Print
Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Sheet Pan Pineapple Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces roasted with sweet pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and red onion, all coated in a zesty BBQ sauce. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is served best over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces
Vegetables & Fruit
- 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
Others
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cut the bell peppers into chunks and roughly chop the red onion. If using fresh pineapple, cut into chunks.
- Season chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the seasoned chicken with pineapple chunks, chopped bell peppers, red onion, BBQ sauce, and grated garlic until everything is well coated.
- Prepare the sheet pan: Line a sheet pan with foil or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange mixture: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly across the sheet pan in a single layer for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the pineapple chicken hot over cooked rice or your preferred base.
Notes
- Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for juicier results, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Fresh pineapple adds a sweeter, tangier flavor, but canned pineapple works well too.
- Feel free to substitute BBQ sauce with teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for variation.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and doneness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
