A tropical twist on classic wings—these oven-baked beauties boast a glossy, sweet‑salty pineapple glaze that delivers irresistible flavor and sticky finger happiness.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I’m drawn to these wings for their vibrant tropical flavor and ease. They come together with simple pantry ingredients and bake in one tray, yet the result tastes like something you’d order at a trendy wing bar—sticky, caramelized, tangy, and utterly snackable. Ideal for game nights, family dinners, or any laid-back gathering.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lb chicken wings, tips removed and split into flats and drumettes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Optional: 1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp water for thickening
- For garnish: chopped green onions, optional sesame seeds
directions
- Prep wings & oven. Preheat to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Pat wings dry, season with pepper, then arrange in a single layer.
- Bake the wings. Cook for 35–40 min, flipping halfway, until skin is crisp and edges golden.
- Make the glaze. While wings bake, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 5–7 min until slightly reduced. For a thicker glaze, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until glossy.
- Toss & re-glaze. Transfer wings to a bowl, pour glaze over, and toss to coat.
- Set the glaze. Return glazed wings to the rack and bake 3–5 min more to caramelize the sauce.
- Garnish & serve. Plate wings, scatter green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 people (approximately 12–16 wings)
- Prep time: ~10 minutes
- Cook time: ~40 minutes baking + ~5 minutes extra after glazing = ~45 minutes total
variations
- Spicy kick: add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze for heat.
- Gluten‑free option: swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Grilled version: toss wings in glaze mid‑grill, basting until sticky, then finish high heat for caramelization.
storage/reheating
- Store: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Freeze: after cooling, freeze in a sealed bag up to 2 months—separate layers with parchment.
- Reheat: warm in a 350 °F oven until heated and the glaze becomes sticky again (microwaving works, but oven preserves crust).
FAQs
### What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
I use it for brightness, but you can swap in rice vinegar or white vinegar. If missing, you can omit it—just taste and adjust sweetness.
### Can I make the glaze ahead?
Absolutely. I often prepare it and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and whisk before tossing with wings.
### How can I get extra‑crispy skin?
Dry the wings thoroughly before baking, bake on a wire rack, and optionally dust lightly with baking powder—not baking soda—for crispness.
### Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?
Yes, blend fresh pineapple and strain it for juice. It adds a bright, fresh flavor compared to canned juice.
### Can I air‑fry or deep‑fry these?
Yes—air‑fry at 360 °F for 20–25 min, flipping halfway; then toss in glaze and air‑fry another 2–3 min. For deep‑frying, fry until golden and then coat in glaze afterward.
Conclusion
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken are my go‑to when I want big flavor with minimal hassle. The glaze balances sweet, tangy, and savory perfectly, while the baking method keeps things easy and cleanup quick. Next time I’m craving something sticky and fun, these wings are exactly what I reach for.
PrintBrown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken are oven-baked chicken wings glazed with a tropical-inspired sauce made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and aromatics. Sticky, sweet, tangy, and savory—perfect for parties or family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (12–16 wings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken wings, tips removed and split into flats and drumettes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch (optional)
- 2 Tbsp water (optional, for slurry)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat chicken wings dry and season with black pepper. Arrange on the rack in a single layer.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until skin is crisp and golden.
- While wings bake, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- If a thicker glaze is desired, whisk together cornstarch and water, add to the saucepan, and simmer until glossy.
- Transfer baked wings to a large bowl. Pour glaze over and toss to coat.
- Return glazed wings to the rack and bake an additional 3–5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier glaze, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Grill option: baste wings with glaze during grilling for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350 °F to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 3–4 wings)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg