Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a flavor-packed appetizer that brings the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and sticky, you’re going to fall head over heels for Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken. Imagine juicy wings baked to crispy perfection, then tossed in a glossy pineapple glaze that clings to every bite. This dish is equal parts tropical vacation and backyard comfort food, and it’s always the star of any party spread. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving something special, Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken delivers a crowd-pleasing punch of flavor you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken is how each ingredient pulls its weight, giving you those crave-worthy layers of taste and texture. With a handful of pantry staples and a splash of pineapple juice, you’ll have everything you need to create this irresistible dish.
- Chicken Wings: The star of the show, these get deliciously crispy in the oven while staying juicy inside.
- Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and a subtle tang that balances the savory elements.
- Brown Sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
- Soy Sauce: Delivers salty, umami depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ketchup: Lends a hint of tomato richness and helps the sauce cling to the wings.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a gentle acidity that brightens and balances the sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory warmth without overpowering the glaze.
- Onion Powder: Offers a mellow, sweet onion flavor for added depth.
- Ground Ginger: Infuses just a touch of zesty warmth and classic Asian-inspired flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat, this is your secret weapon.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the glaze to that perfect, sticky consistency that clings to every wing.
- Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: The finishing touches for a pop of color and a little crunch.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay the chicken wings out in a single layer—this ensures even crisping and caramelization. No crowding, please! Every wing deserves its moment in the heat.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
Pop those wings in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. About halfway through, flip them over so they get golden on all sides. This first bake is all about rendering fat and getting that irresistible crispy skin.
Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
While the wings are baking, grab a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Pour in the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce reduces slightly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Now, stir in your cornstarch slurry (that’s just cornstarch mixed with water). Keep whisking as the sauce thickens up—this takes about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Turn off the heat and get ready for the magic.
Step 5: Toss and Glaze
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a big bowl and pour over that sticky, sweet Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken glaze. Give them a good toss so every wing is beautifully coated and glistening. It’s hard not to sneak a taste at this point!
Step 6: Bake Again for Ultimate Caramelization
Return the glazed wings to the baking sheet and slide them back into the oven for another 10–15 minutes. This second bake is where the magic happens: the sauce caramelizes, the edges get sticky, and the flavors concentrate. If you want extra-crispy wings, finish them under the broiler for 2–3 minutes—just watch them carefully so they don’t burn.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Garnishes
No batch of Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken is complete without a shower of freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These add a gorgeous pop of color and a little crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sticky glaze. You can also throw on a few pineapple tidbits or fresh cilantro for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your wings with fluffy jasmine rice, a bright cucumber salad, or even crispy sweet potato fries for a full meal. If you’re serving these at a party, they’re fantastic alongside crunchy slaw, pickled veggies, or a big bowl of steamed edamame. The sweet and tangy notes of Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken go well with just about anything.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try threading the wings onto skewers for easy party snacking, or arrange them on a platter with pineapple slices and lime wedges for a tropical vibe. You can even serve the wings in lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held appetizer that lets the Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken really shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be afraid to sneak a midnight snack.
Freezing
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken freezes beautifully. Let the wings cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for more, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To maintain that perfect sticky texture, reheat wings in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer for extra crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you can—it’ll zap the crispness right out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken drumettes instead of wings?
Absolutely! Drumettes work just as well as wings, and you can even use boneless chicken pieces if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a substitute for pineapple juice?
If you’re out of pineapple juice, try orange juice for a slightly different citrusy flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but your Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken will still taste amazing.
How spicy are these wings?
With the crushed red pepper flakes, they have a gentle heat that balances the sweetness, but you can easily leave them out or add more if you like things fiery.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Yes! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Just grill the wings until cooked through, then brush on the glaze during the last few minutes so it doesn’t burn.
How can I make the wings extra crispy?
For the crispiest Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken, finish them under the broiler for a couple minutes after glazing, or use an air fryer for the initial bake.
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken is the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe! They’re sticky, sweet, and packed with flavor in every bite. If you haven’t tried this tropical twist on classic wings yet, now’s the time to bring some sunshine to your table and share the love with friends and family.
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Baked to crispy perfection and coated in a sticky pineapple glaze, these Asian-inspired chicken wings make a delicious appetizer for parties or a flavorful snack any time.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
Pineapple Glaze
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake the wings: Bake the wings for 25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to promote uniform browning and crisp texture on all sides.
- Make the pineapple glaze: While the wings bake, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and optional crushed red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking the sauce for about 2 minutes, until it thickens into a sticky glaze.
- Toss wings in glaze: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and toss thoroughly with the thickened pineapple glaze to coat each wing well.
- Final bake for caramelization: Return the glazed wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the finished wings with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving to add color and extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, broil them for 2–3 minutes after glazing.
- You can also grill the wings and brush with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
