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Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

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Sweet and savory Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings featuring tender chicken wings coated with a sticky, caramelized glaze made from brown sugar and pineapple juice. Perfect for game day, appetizers, or a tropical twist on classic wings.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: approximately 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings (as appetizer or main)
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • Chicken wings (flats and drumettes, separated)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Brown sugar (light or dark)
  • Pineapple juice (100%)
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • Cornstarch (to thicken the glaze)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat chicken wings dry and season evenly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using).
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking to dissolve the sugar.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1–2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry; whisk it into the simmering sauce, and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack; bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Brush or toss wings with half of the pineapple glaze, then return to oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, until wings are golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  8. Remove from oven and immediately toss with remaining glaze to coat evenly.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Spicy pineapple: Increase cayenne or add sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
  • Grill version: Grill wings over medium heat for about 20 minutes, turning and glazing in the last 5 minutes.
  • Teriyaki twist: Substitute hoisin for soy sauce and add a splash of sesame oil to the glaze.
  • Citrus blend: Mix half orange juice with pineapple juice for extra brightness.
  • Caramel crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top after glazing.
  • For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes until sticky again.

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