Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Recipe

Sweet, Sticky, and Absolutely Addictive!

These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Sticky brown sugar caramelizes over tender, juicy chicken wings while pineapple juice adds a tropical twist. Whether you’re hosting game night, a summer cookout, or just need a flavorful dinner idea, these wings deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Wings:

2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze:

1 cup pineapple juice (100% juice, not from concentrate)

½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra stickiness)

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry, for thickening)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (if available) for even cooking.

Season the Wings

Pat the wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.

Bake the Wings

Arrange the wings on the wire rack or baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Make the Pineapple Glaze

While the wings bake, add pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves.

Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk it into the glaze. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat.

Glaze the Wings

Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over the wings and toss until fully coated.

Optional – Caramelize Under Broiler

For extra stickiness and caramelization, return glazed wings to the baking sheet and broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. These pair great with rice, slaw, or just a cold drink!

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Wings

Pat Wings Dry First:
Dry wings = crispy skin. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

Use a Wire Rack for Even Cooking:
Elevating the wings allows heat to circulate underneath, helping them crisp evenly without becoming soggy.

Don’t Skip the Broil (Optional but Worth It):
A quick broil after glazing adds caramelized edges and extra stickiness.

Watch Your Glaze Closely:
Sugar-based sauces can go from perfect to burnt quickly—simmer gently and stir often.

Adjust Thickness of the Glaze:
If your glaze is too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry. Too thick? Stir in a splash of pineapple juice.

Make Ahead Friendly:
Cook the wings and prepare the glaze ahead of time. Reheat and toss together just before serving.

Double the Sauce:
It’s so good, you might want extra for dipping or drizzling over rice.

Variations to Try

Spicy Pineapple Wings

Add 1–2 tablespoons of sriracha, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño to the glaze.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or chili powder for more heat.

Tropical Twist

Replace some or all of the pineapple juice with mango nectar for a sweeter, fruitier variation.

Add diced pineapple chunks to the glaze for texture and a fresh burst of flavor.

Citrus-Garlic Pineapple Wings

Add 1 tablespoon of lime juice or lemon zest to brighten up the sauce.

Boost the garlic flavor by roasting a few cloves and blending them into the glaze.

Honey Garlic Pineapple Wings

Use more honey in the glaze (up to ¼ cup) for added sweetness and glossiness.

Increase garlic for a bold, savory counterbalance.

Air Fryer Version

Air fry wings at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Toss with the glaze once done, then air fry 2 more minutes to caramelize.

Healthier Baked Version

Use skinless chicken drumettes or thighs and bake with less sugar for a lighter meal.

Swap soy sauce for low-sodium tamari and use raw honey or coconut sugar.

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned pineapple juice?

A: Yes! Just make sure it’s 100% juice and not syrup or sweetened concentrate.

Q: Can I make these wings ahead of time?

A: Absolutely. You can bake the wings and make the glaze a day in advance. Store them separately, then reheat and toss together before serving.

Q: What type of soy sauce should I use?

A: Regular or low-sodium soy sauce works well. If you want a gluten-free version, use tamari.

Q: Can I make this glaze without cornstarch?

A: Yes. You can reduce the glaze longer to thicken it naturally, or substitute with arrowroot powder or flour as a thickener.

Q: Do I have to broil them at the end?

A: Not required, but it does add extra caramelization and a nice finish. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Wings)

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—sweet, sticky, tangy, and just a little savory. With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or your next potluck party. The tropical twist from pineapple juice makes them stand out, while the brown sugar glaze adds that irresistible glossy finish.

Whether you bake, broil, or air-fry them, you’ll end up with a plate of wings that disappears fast. Don’t forget to bring napkins—these wings are finger-licking good!