If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate party appetizer or a sweet-and-savory treat for your next cozy night in, Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are the answer to all your cravings. Imagine crispy, oven-baked chicken wings lavishly coated in a sticky glaze that perfectly balances the caramelly richness of brown sugar with the tropical tang of pineapple juice, plus a backdrop of savory soy sauce and aromatic ginger. These are the wings that vanish instantly at gatherings and have everyone reaching for “just one more.” They’re truly irresistible and guaranteed to steal the show at any table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to create these flavor-packed wings—just a handful of key ingredients, each playing an essential role in making magic happen. From the juicy wings themselves to that glossy pineapple glaze, every item is there to build mouthwatering taste, irresistible texture, and beautiful color.
- Chicken wings (2 pounds): The star of the show, providing plump, juicy bites that crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory depth and makes all the other flavors pop.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity to balance the sweetness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the wings crisp up and adds a subtle richness.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): Delivers sweet, tart tropical flavor—the secret to that addictive glaze.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, light or dark): Melts into a caramel-like sweetness that marries perfectly with pineapple.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Infuses the wings with savory umami and a punch of color.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Gives body and a hint of tang to the sticky sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For rich, aromatic undertones that infuse the glaze with depth.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle, zesty heat that lifts all the other flavors.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): Use if you love your sauce extra thick and glossy.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): A pop of freshness and crunch right at the finish line!
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for stress-free cleanup. Pat your chicken wings as dry as possible—this step is huge for getting skin that crisps up in the oven. Toss the wings with salt, pepper, and olive oil to make sure they’re evenly seasoned and ready to roast.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Arrange your wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded or overlapping. Slide them into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Beautifully golden, crispy wings that are the perfect vehicle for that dreamy pineapple glaze.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Glaze
While the wings are baking, grab a saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger—each ingredient bringing its own personality to the party. Stir well, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and incredibly fragrant. If you want an ultra-thick, sticky sauce, whisk in the optional cornstarch slurry and let it bubble away until glossy and coat-the-spoon worthy.
Step 4: Toss and Glaze
When your chicken wings emerge from the oven, it’s time for their flavor bath! Place the wings in a large bowl, pour that shimmering pineapple glaze all over, and toss until every piece is luxuriously coated. At this stage, your kitchen will smell outrageous—don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating a wing or two straight from the bowl.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the saucy wings to a serving platter, then shower them with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and watch as these Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings disappear in record time!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Garnishes
A handful of thinly sliced green onions and a generous scattering of sesame seeds do wonders for both crunch and color, finishing your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings with a showstopper look. The garnishes make each bite feel fresh and celebratory—like the finishing touch at a restaurant, but with way more heart.
Side Dishes
Serve these wings alongside a cool, crunchy slaw to balance the sticky sweetness, or go classic with carrot and celery sticks for that finger-licking, game-day vibe. Warm jasmine rice or simple stir-fried veggies also pair perfectly if you want to round things out into a meal that celebrates every note of salty, sweet, and tangy.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings high on a vibrant platter with pineapple wedges tucked around the edges. For a fun twist, offer toothpicks and mini cups of sauce for dipping. Or, nestle the wings among tropical leaves for a sunny, island-inspired theme—they’ll be the undisputed star of the snack table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and it’s a big if) you have leftover Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings, stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a touch as they sit!
Freezing
To freeze, let the wings cool completely, then spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before packing into freezer bags. This way, you can reheat just a few at a time, and they won’t stick together. The wings (with or without glaze) will keep well in the freezer up to 2 months.
Reheating
For crispy results, reheat your wings in a preheated 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through and their skin crisps up again. You can also microwave them for convenience, but they’re truly best when the heat brings back their original zing and texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap in boneless chicken tenders or thighs if you prefer—just be sure to adjust the bake time and watch closely, since boneless cuts cook a bit faster and you don’t want to lose out on juiciness.
How can I make the glaze spicier?
Kick things up by stirring a little sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the glaze, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the finished wings. It’s a simple way to balance the sweet pineapple and brown sugar with some fiery personality.
Can I grill instead of bake these wings?
Definitely! Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are fantastic on the grill. Follow the same steps for marinating and saucing, then grill over medium heat until cooked through and caramelized, brushing with extra glaze as they finish.
Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?
Yes—simply substitute gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the regular soy sauce. You’ll keep all that savory flavor, with none of the gluten worry.
Should I marinate the wings for extra flavor?
If you have a bit of extra time, marinating the wings in half the sauce for 2–4 hours ramps up the flavor in a major way. Drain well before baking to avoid steaming, then glaze as directed for the stickiest wings ever.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about these Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings—they’re sweet, sticky, craveable, and so easy to make at home. I hope you’ll try these wings for your next get-together or family night, and watch them disappear before your eyes. Don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe!
Print
Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will please any crowd. The sticky glaze made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a caramelized coating on crispy baked wings, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry, season with salt and pepper, toss with olive oil, and arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the Wings: Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the Pineapple Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently. For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and simmer until glossy.
- Glaze the Wings: Toss the baked wings in the warm pineapple glaze until coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings in half of the sauce for 2–4 hours before baking.
- For a stickier finish, broil the glazed wings for 2–3 minutes after tossing in the sauce.
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