Okay, so you want to talk about chicken wings that are borderline addictive? Because that’s what we’ve got here! These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are my absolute go-to for game nights, parties, or honestly, just a Tuesday night when I need something awesome. They hit that perfect spot between super savory and delightfully sweet, all thanks to this killer glaze. My whole family devours them, and people always ask for the recipe – it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Seriously, these wings are a game-changer! You’re going to love them because:
- They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
- That sweet and savory chicken flavor is just irresistible – a total crowd-pleaser!
- They’re super versatile; serve them as a killer appetizer or make them the star of dinner.
Gather Your Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get down to business and talk about what you’ll need for these amazing wings. First up, you’ll want about 2 pounds of chicken wings. Make sure they’re separated into drumettes and flats – that’s the easiest way to cook and eat them. For the glaze, grab yourself a half cup of packed brown sugar. You know, the kind that’s nice and moist? That’s key! Then, you’ll need half a cup of pineapple juice – this is where that tropical sweetness comes from. We’re also adding a quarter cup of soy sauce for that savory punch, two tablespoons of ketchup for a little tang, and a tablespoon of rice vinegar to balance everything out. Don’t forget one clove of garlic, minced super fine, and about half a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Oh, and a little salt and black pepper to taste, because, duh, seasoning!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
So, why brown sugar? It just gives this incredible depth of flavor and helps create that beautiful, sticky glaze that we all love. White sugar just doesn’t do the same thing, trust me! Now, if you happen to have fresh pineapple, you can totally use that. Just blend up about half a cup of fresh pineapple chunks until it’s juicy, and use that instead of the canned juice. Easy peasy! And if you like a little kick, which I totally do, feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re making the sauce. It adds a nice little warmth that’s just perfect.
How to Prepare Delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get these wings made! First things first, preheat your oven to a nice, hot 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab your chicken wings and pat them really, really dry with some paper towels. This is super important, trust me, it helps them get nice and crispy later on. Once they’re dry, give them a good sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Now, for that amazing glaze! Get yourself a medium saucepan and combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, that minced garlic, and the grated ginger. Pop that on the stove over medium heat. You just want to stir it all around until the brown sugar is totally dissolved. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken up just a little bit. It should be syrupy, not watery. While the sauce is simmering, arrange your seasoned wings on a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze! Pop those wings into the oven for about 20 minutes.
Baking the Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
After those first 20 minutes, pull the wings out of the oven. Now’s the fun part – brush them all over with that gorgeous, sticky sauce you made. Don’t be shy! Get them coated. Then, carefully put them back into the oven. You’ll bake them for another 15 to 20 minutes. The key here is to flip them and baste them with more sauce halfway through this second bake. This helps the sauce caramelize perfectly and makes sure every side gets that delicious sticky coating.
Achieving Crispy Wings
If you’re a big fan of super crispy wings, here’s my little trick: bake them uncovered for the initial 20 minutes *before* you add the sauce. This really helps them crisp up nicely. Then, add the sauce and finish baking as usual. It makes a noticeable difference!
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
To make sure your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings turn out absolutely perfect every single time, a few little tricks really help. Make sure that sauce simmers long enough to thicken up a bit – you don’t want it too thin, or it’ll just run off the wings. A good, slightly syrupy consistency is what you’re aiming for. Also, try not to crowd the baking sheet when you’re cooking the wings. Give them a little space so the hot air can circulate around them. This really helps them get that lovely crispiness and prevents them from steaming instead of baking. If you have a particularly juicy pineapple, you might need to simmer the sauce a minute or two longer to get it just right.
Serving Suggestions for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are so flavorful, they honestly don’t need much! But if you want to round out a meal, they’re fantastic with some fluffy white rice to soak up any extra glaze. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also great to cut through the sweetness. And for that restaurant-style touch, definitely garnish them with some toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions right before serving. It looks pretty and adds a nice little crunch and freshness!
Storing and Reheating Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the oven is your best friend. Pop them on a baking sheet at around 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and that glaze is looking sticky again. Microwaving can make them a bit soft, so the oven is usually the way to go for the best texture!
Frequently Asked Questions about Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Got questions about these irresistible Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I make these wings in an air fryer or on the grill?
Absolutely! For an air fryer, cook the wings at 380°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Then, toss them with the sauce and air fry for another 5-7 minutes until caramelized. On the grill, cook the wings over indirect heat until almost done, then brush with sauce and move to direct heat for a few minutes to caramelize. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
Q: My sauce seems a little thin. What can I do?
No worries! If your sauce isn’t thickening up after simmering, you can create a slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency. This is especially helpful if your pineapple juice was extra watery.
Q: How can I make these wings less sweet or spicier?
To adjust the sweetness, you can simply reduce the brown sugar slightly or add a splash more soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance it out. For a spicier kick, red pepper flakes are your best friend! Add them to the sauce while it simmers – start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to your liking. A little sriracha in the glaze also works wonders!
Q: What are the best ways to serve these pineapple glazed chicken wings?
These wings are fantastic on their own, of course! But they also pair beautifully with some simple sides. Think fluffy white rice, a crisp coleslaw, or even some roasted sweet potato fries. They’re the perfect appetizer for any party or a great main dish when you want something a little special but still easy.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Just so you know, the nutritional info for these amazing Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings is an estimate, but here’s a general idea per serving: you’re looking at around 450 calories, with about 25g of protein and 30g of carbohydrates. There are also about 25g of fat, so enjoy them as the delicious treat they are!
Share Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Experience
I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings turned out! Did you try any fun variations? Snap a pic and tag me, or drop a comment below sharing your thoughts. Your feedback makes my day!
Print
Addictive Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Savory and sweet chicken wings glazed with a brown sugar and pineapple sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Place the seasoned chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the wings from the oven and brush them generously with the prepared sauce.
- Return the wings to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and the sauce is caramelized, flipping and basting halfway through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For crispier wings, bake them uncovered for the first 20 minutes, then add the sauce.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings, sweet and savory chicken, baked chicken wings, pineapple glazed chicken, party wings, easy chicken recipe