Let’s prepare this vibrant and easy sheet pan dinner:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A well-heated oven is key for getting good caramelization on the chicken and vegetables.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup (optional but highly recommended).
2. Create the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the diced chicken breast pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is well-coated.
- Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes (or even a few hours) to allow the flavors to deepen.
4. Prep Vegetables and Pineapple:
- While the chicken marinates, chop the bell pepper and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- If using fresh pineapple, cut it into even chunks. If using canned pineapple, drain it well.
5. Assemble on the Sheet Pan:
- Add the prepped bell pepper, red onion, and pineapple chunks to the bowl with the marinated chicken. Toss everything together gently until the vegetables and pineapple are lightly coated with the marinade as well.
- Spread the entire mixture (chicken, vegetables, pineapple, and any remaining marinade from the bowl) onto the prepared large sheet pan. Ensure everything is arranged in a single, even layer as much as possible – this is crucial for even roasting and prevents ingredients from steaming instead of browning.
6. Roast to Perfection:
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time (around 12-15 minutes), use a spatula to gently toss or stir the ingredients on the pan to ensure even browning and cooking.
- The dish is ready when the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C when tested with a meat thermometer) and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
7. Rest and Serve:
- Once roasted to perfection, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, making it more tender.
- Serve hot. Garnish with optional chopped green onions or fresh parsley. Enjoy it on its own, or serve over fluffy steamed rice or alongside quinoa.
A complete, flavorful meal all from one pan