If you love wings with that irresistible balance of sweet and tangy, you are going to adore this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe. These wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, smothered in a glossy, tropical pineapple glaze sweetened just right with brown sugar. It’s a delightful fusion of bright pineapple juice and savory soy sauce, enhanced by fresh ginger and garlic, making every bite a little celebration of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for game day, a casual dinner, or a fun party appetizer, these wings bring an exciting twist to a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the wings provide that meaty comfort, while the pineapple juice and brown sugar lend sweetness and moisture. The ginger and garlic inject a fresh zing, balanced by savory soy sauce and a silky glaze thickened just right with cornstarch. These easy ingredients come together to create something truly special.
- Chicken wings (2½ pounds): Split with tips removed for even cooking and crispiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Basic seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds vibrant tropical sweetness.
- Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Brings rich caramel notes and balances the tang of pineapple.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds the savory, salty depth essential to Asian-inspired dishes.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses a warm, aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Offers a bright, peppery zest that cuts through the sweetness.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Creates a smooth, thick glaze that perfectly coats the wings.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For that pop of color, texture, and a subtle nutty crunch at the end.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Wings
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring every wing is nicely coated. Arrange them in a single layer—no overcrowding—so they crisp up beautifully. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that perfect golden brown all over.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Sauce
While your wings are baking, it’s time to prepare the luscious sauce that makes this recipe unforgettable. In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often to dissolve the sugar and let flavors mingle. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, which will thicken the sauce quickly in just 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat once it reaches a glossy, syrup-like consistency.
Step 3: Coat and Finish the Wings
When the wings come out of the oven, toss them in a large bowl with your freshly made pineapple brown sugar glaze. Make sure every wing gets a generous coating of that sticky, flavorful sauce. For an extra caramelized finish, pop the glazed wings back onto the baking sheet and broil them for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges start to crisp and darken slightly. It’s the final step that takes these wings over the top.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
To really make these wings pop, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top just before serving. The green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp brightness, while the sesame seeds bring in a light nutty crunch, making every bite exciting and visually stunning.
Side Dishes
These wings pair amazingly well with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soak up every bit of the sticky glaze. For something fresh and crisp, a crunchy Asian slaw or a light cucumber salad provides the perfect balance to the rich, sweet wings.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little fancy? Serve the wings on a platter lined with fresh pineapple slices or lettuce leaves to bring out their tropical vibe. You can also skewer the cooked wings with pineapple chunks for a fun party presentation or package them in individual serving cups with extra glaze for grab-and-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any wings left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and remain flavorful, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months, making them a fantastic option for a make-ahead party snack.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your wings is in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the skin gets crispy again. You can also microwave them covered for convenience but be aware they won’t retain that crispy finish.
FAQs
Can I use drumettes or boneless wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe works beautifully with drumettes or boneless wings. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since boneless options cook faster and may need less time to get crispy and cooked through.
Is it necessary to broil the wings after glazing?
Broiling isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It caramelizes the glaze and adds an extra dimension of flavor and texture, making the wings even more irresistible.
Can I prepare this recipe without soy sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos if you prefer a gluten-free or lower-sodium option. Keep in mind these changes will slightly alter the flavor but still complement the sweet pineapple glaze nicely.
How spicy is this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe?
It’s a sweet and savory wing with no inherent spiciness unless you decide to add crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet-spicy twist. Feel free to adjust the heat by tossing in some chili flakes or sriracha if you like a bit of kick.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes! The pineapple brown sugar sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make it ahead to save time on cooking day, then just reheat gently before glazing your wings.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe is one of those gems that brings people together with its joyful combination of flavors and satisfying texture. Whether you’re a longtime wing lover or looking to try something new and exciting, these wings deliver big on taste and fun. Give them a go at your next gathering—you might just find your new signature dish!
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Description
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a sticky, caramelized glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Crispy baked wings coated in a tropical-inspired sauce make a delicious appetizer or main course that’s sure to impress at any party or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2½ pounds chicken wings (split and tips removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly, then arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake Wings: Bake the wings for 40–45 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: While the wings bake, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the pan from heat.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: When the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them thoroughly with the pineapple brown sugar glaze to coat all the wings evenly.
- Optional Caramelization: For an extra glossy and caramelized finish, return the coated wings to the baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the wings with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings in half of the sauce for 1–2 hours before baking.
- This recipe works well with drumettes or boneless wings as an alternative to split wings.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet-and-spicy variation.
