Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple (Easy One-Pan Meal)

This Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple recipe is a simple, flavorful, and wholesome one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pieces of chicken, juicy pineapple chunks, and optional colorful vegetables all roasted in a savory teriyaki glaze, this dish offers the ideal combination of sweet and savory. Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and a crowd-pleasing taste make this a go-to meal for families and anyone craving a healthy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks

• 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks

• ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)

• ½ red onion, sliced (optional)

• 1 cup snap peas (optional)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for veggies)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Slice any vegetables you plan to include for even roasting.

2. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the teriyaki sauce. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

3. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

4. Assemble the Sheet Pan
   Arrange the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, and vegetables (if using) on the prepared pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the top.

5. Roast the Dish
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   For extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve warm over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving (based on 4 servings, without rice):

• Calories: ~280–320 kcal

• Protein: ~25g

• Carbohydrates: ~18g

• Fat: ~10g

• Fiber: ~2g

• Sugar: ~12g

• Sodium: ~700mg (depends on teriyaki sauce)

Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients, serving sizes, and added vegetables or sides.

Why Sheet Pan Meals Are the Ultimate Weeknight Solution

There’s a reason sheet pan dinners have taken off in popularity in recent years—they simplify the cooking process without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. With just one pan to clean and everything roasting together in the oven, these meals eliminate stovetop babysitting and offer a “set it and forget it” style of cooking.

This teriyaki chicken and pineapple version is especially appealing because it brings together multiple elements—protein, fruit, and optional veggies—into a cohesive dish that’s both family-friendly and guest-worthy.

For busy households, having a collection of go-to sheet pan recipes means fewer decisions to make during the week, fewer pots and pans to clean, and more time to relax after dinner.

The Appeal of Teriyaki and Pineapple Together

The magic of this recipe lies in the irresistible pairing of teriyaki sauce and pineapple. Teriyaki sauce, known for its rich, umami-forward blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sweeteners like honey or brown sugar, provides a robust base that clings to the chicken beautifully during roasting.

Pineapple brings a bright, juicy sweetness that not only contrasts with the savory marinade but also caramelizes as it cooks, adding texture and depth. This combination is often featured in Asian-inspired dishes and has global appeal thanks to its complex yet comforting flavors.

In short, it’s a balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and savory—something that tickles all parts of the palate and keeps people coming back for seconds.

A Nutrient-Rich, Balanced Meal

Aside from taste and convenience, this meal has the bonus of being nutritionally well-rounded. Chicken is a lean source of protein that supports muscle repair and helps you feel full longer. Pineapple contributes essential vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support the immune system and aid digestion.

Adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or red onions elevates the nutritional content even further, packing in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These additions don’t just boost health benefits—they add color and texture to the dish, making it visually appealing and more enjoyable to eat.

When served with a side of steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa, it becomes a complete meal that hits all the essential macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best aspects of sheet pan meals is their versatility for meal prep. This teriyaki chicken dish stores well in airtight containers and can be refrigerated for up to four days. The flavors even deepen as they sit, making leftovers arguably more delicious than the original meal.

If you’re into batch cooking for the week, this recipe works beautifully. You can double the quantity and roast it all at once or split the portions into lunch-sized servings for grab-and-go weekday meals.

Plus, it reheats easily in the microwave or oven without losing its texture—especially if you include a splash of water or a drizzle of fresh sauce before reheating.

Customizing the Dish to Your Preferences

Another great benefit of this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can adjust it to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you already have on hand:

• Protein Swaps: Prefer dark meat? Chicken thighs stay extra juicy. For a pescatarian twist, swap in chunks of salmon or shrimp.

• Vegan Version: Substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken, and use a plant-based teriyaki sauce.

• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a bit of heat.

• Add Crunch: Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions just before serving for added flavor and presentation.

The simplicity of the recipe makes it a great canvas for experimentation while still delivering consistent results.

Entertaining Made Easy

While it’s perfect for weeknights, Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple is also a great option for casual entertaining. The vibrant colors, sweet aroma, and sticky-glazed finish make it feel a bit more elevated than your average baked chicken dish.

You can serve it family-style on the same pan or transfer it to a large platter garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, or sesame seeds for a polished look. Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or chilled soba noodles, and you have a party-worthy spread with minimal effort.

Tips for Success

To get the most out of this recipe, keep the following tips in mind:

• Don’t skip the marinating time—even 30 minutes makes a difference in flavor.

• Cut everything into even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.

• Use parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

• Broil at the end for that irresistible caramelized edge, but watch closely to avoid burning.

• Use fresh pineapple if possible—it holds up better in the oven and adds more natural sweetness compared to canned varieties.

Conclusion: The Ideal Go-To Recipe for Flavor and Ease

In a world where time is short and demands are high, having a recipe like Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple in your back pocket is a lifesaver. It brings together the best of both worlds: bold, satisfying flavor and an easy, streamlined cooking process. With nutritious ingredients, minimal cleanup, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s the kind of dish that makes dinner feel less like a chore and more like a joy.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends on a casual night in, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible—just what every modern kitchen needs.