Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that’s bursting with sweet and tangy tropical flavors? Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken offers a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and juicy pineapple brightness, all coated on crispy, tender chicken wings.
This recipe combines brown sugar’s rich molasses notes with fresh pineapple juice and savory spices to create wings that are irresistibly sticky and flavorful. Whether for game day, a party, or family dinner, these wings deliver a delicious twist on classic chicken wings that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Serves 4 (about 24 wings)
- Three pounds chicken wings, tips removed and drumettes separated
- One cup fresh pineapple juice (or canned, unsweetened)
- Half cup brown sugar, packed
- One quarter cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- Two tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Three garlic cloves, minced
- One teaspoon ground ginger
- One teaspoon smoked paprika
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- One tablespoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 1 to 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor)
- Cooking time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Wings
- In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken wings to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick spray.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake Wings
- Remove wings from marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
- While wings bake, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook another 2 minutes until glaze is sticky and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking
- Remove wings from oven and brush generously with the pineapple glaze.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer wings to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside cool cucumber salad or crunchy slaw to balance the sweetness.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Offer a dipping sauce like creamy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (6 wings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 28 grams |
| Total Fat | 24 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugars | 12 grams |
| Sodium | 670 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Chicken wings provide a rich source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.
- Pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and vitamin C with digestive enzymes like bromelain.
- Brown sugar caramelizes to create a sticky, flavorful glaze with depth.
- The marinade’s balance of savory and tangy ingredients helps keep wings moist and flavorful without excess oil.
Tips for Best Results
- For extra crispy skin, pat wings dry before marinating.
- Use a wire rack when baking to allow heat circulation and crisping on all sides.
- Don’t skip simmering the marinade to ensure it’s safe to use as a glaze.
- For smoky flavor, finish wings on a hot grill for 2–3 minutes per side after baking.
Variations to Try
- Add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for spicy pineapple wings.
- Substitute honey for brown sugar for a lighter sweetness and floral note.
- Use frozen wings for convenience but increase baking time slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil for herbal brightness.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken combines tropical sweetness with savory depth and irresistible sticky glaze for a wing recipe that stands out from the crowd. Easy to prepare yet packed with bold flavors, this dish is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you want a fun, flavorful meal.