If you’re searching for a bite that bursts with tropical sweetness and irresistible sticky glaze, look no further than this Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe. Tender chicken wings are marinated in a vibrant blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then roasted to a perfect golden crisp. Finished with a luscious, fruity glaze, this dish delivers a harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will have you reaching for another wing before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but powerful ingredients is the first step to creating a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Each element plays a vital role: from the bright acidity of pineapple juice to the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, every ingredient balances texture and flavor for wings you’ll absolutely adore.
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats: The perfect canvas for absorbing the marinade and crisping up beautifully in the oven.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the wings.
- ½ cup pineapple juice: Adds bright, tropical sweetness that tenderizes the chicken and keeps it juicy.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings savory umami depth and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar: The heart of the glaze, offering a rich molasses flavor and caramelization during baking.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced fine: Infuses the marinade with pungent warmth and aroma.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a subtle zing and a hint of spice for complexity.
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks, drained: Provides texture and fresh bursts of fruitiness in the glaze.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Vital for creating the glossy, thick glaze that clings to every wing.
- 2 tbsp cold water: Used to make a smooth slurry that thickens the glaze perfectly.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Wings
Start by whisking together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a large bowl until the brown sugar dissolves completely. This flavorful mixture will soak into the wings, infusing them with both sweet and savory notes. Toss in the chicken wings and coat them thoroughly with the marinade, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor penetration, marinate overnight. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Arrange the Wings
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Lay the marinated wings out in a single layer on the tray, so they have space to crisp evenly. Give them a little sprinkle of salt and black pepper for that final flavor boost before baking.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy and Golden
Pop the wings into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is beautifully golden, slightly caramelized, and the wings are cooked through and juicy inside. This step transforms the tender marinated wings into crave-worthy crispy morsels.
Step 4: Make the Sticky Pineapple Glaze
While your wings are baking, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth to create the slurry. Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the drained pineapple chunks and stir the cornstarch slurry into the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This glaze will elevate your wings with a sticky, luscious finish.
Step 5: Toss Wings in the Glaze and Serve
Once the wings come out of the oven, transfer them to a large serving bowl. Pour the warm pineapple glaze over the top and toss until every wing is perfectly coated in that irresistible sheen. Serve immediately while hot, and get ready for excited oohs and aahs around the table.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and freshness with bright green scallions or a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro. Toasted sesame seeds also make a lovely crunchy contrast and a hint of nutty flavor. These simple touches make your wings look as amazing as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these wings with sides that complement their sweet-savory flavor perfectly. Creamy coleslaw provides a cool, crisp balance, while fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice soak up every bit of the sticky glaze. Grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad make for a lighter counterpoint that rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve the wings on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra glaze, ranch or blue cheese dips, and fresh pineapple chunks. Wrapping the wing ends with little foil tidbits gives your guests a mess-free way to dig in. Serving them alongside tropical fruit skewer appetizers truly embraces that island vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will maintain their delicious flavor for up to three days, making an easy snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save these wings for longer, you can freeze them after baking and glazing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the skin crisps back up a bit. You can also heat them gently in a skillet on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the wings completely in the refrigerator before marinating for the best texture and flavor absorption.
Is it necessary to use fresh ginger and garlic?
Fresh ginger and garlic provide vibrant flavor and aroma that elevate this dish. While powdered forms can work in a pinch, fresh ingredients truly make the difference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without losing that rich umami taste.
How sticky and sweet will the glaze be?
The glaze is wonderfully sticky and balances sweetness with tangy pineapple and savory soy notes, creating a finger-licking coating that clings beautifully to each wing.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Definitely! Grill the marinated wings over medium heat, turning frequently, until cooked through and nicely charred. Then toss with the warmed glaze as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. The combination of sweet pineapple, rich brown sugar, and bold garlic-ginger flavor delivers an unforgettable taste experience that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings with friends. Give it a try—you’re going to love every sticky, savory bite!
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken wings marinated in a delightful pineapple soy sauce mixture and finished with a sticky, fruity glaze. Baked to crispy perfection, these wings make an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sweet Marinade
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced fine
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Sticky Glaze
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the brown sugar is completely dissolved, creating a flavorful base for the wings.
- Marinate the Chicken Wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them thoroughly in the marinade to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the wings are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze Slurry: While the wings are baking, combine cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry that will help thicken the glaze.
- Make the Sticky Glaze: Pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the drained pineapple chunks, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Coat and Serve: Transfer the baked wings to a serving bowl, pour the warm sticky glaze over them, and toss until all wings are well coated. Serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the wings overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar in the marinade to make the wings sweeter or less sweet depending on your preference.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the glaze while thickening to avoid burning.
- Using parchment paper for baking helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Serve with a side of fresh herbs or sliced green onions for added freshness and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
