Introduction
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are a flavorful twist on classic wings, combining caramelized sweetness with bright tropical acidity. The rich depth of brown sugar pairs beautifully with juicy pineapple, creating a glaze that clings to the wings and delivers bold flavor in every bite. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance. The sweetness never overwhelms, thanks to the natural tang of pineapple and a savory base that keeps the wings satisfying rather than sugary. When I first made these wings, I was surprised by how well the sauce reduced into a glossy coating that stayed sticky without burning. These wings are ideal for game days, parties, or casual dinners when you want something familiar yet slightly unexpected. They are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and consistently crowd-pleasing.
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings: Sticky, Sweet, and Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are sweet and savory chicken wings glazed with caramelized brown sugar and juicy pineapple, balanced with a hint of tang for a sticky, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil and a wire rack.
- Arrange chicken wings on the rack and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Bake wings for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce.
- Cook until sauce thickens, then add pineapple chunks.
- Remove wings from oven and transfer to a large bowl.
- Pour pineapple brown sugar glaze over wings and toss to coat.
- Return wings to the oven for 10 minutes, allowing glaze to caramelize.
- Remove and serve hot.
Notes
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
- Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor but canned works well.
- Serve with rice or as a party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These wings are sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. The pineapple adds freshness, while the brown sugar creates a caramelized finish that feels indulgent without being heavy. They bake beautifully, require simple ingredients, and offer a great alternative to spicy or traditional wing sauces. Perfect for entertaining or weeknight cooking, this recipe delivers dependable results every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken wings are the base of the recipe and crisp up well while absorbing the glaze.
Brown sugar provides sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized coating.
Pineapple juice adds tang and fruity brightness to balance the sugar.
Crushed pineapple enhances texture and intensifies the pineapple flavor.
Soy sauce adds savory depth and balances the sweetness.
Garlic adds aroma and savory backbone to the glaze.
Butter enriches the sauce and adds smoothness.
Black pepper adds mild warmth and contrast.
Optional red pepper flakes provide gentle heat if desired.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly grease it. Pat the chicken wings dry and arrange them evenly on the rack.
Bake the wings for 40 to 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
While the wings bake, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, butter, garlic, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the wings and toss until evenly coated. Return the wings to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to set the glaze. Remove and rest briefly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 50 minutes.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
These wings are easy to adapt. For extra heat, add chili paste or cayenne pepper to the glaze. If you prefer a deeper flavor, a small splash of apple cider vinegar adds complexity and sharpness.
Honey can replace part of the brown sugar for a lighter sweetness. Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned, though it should be finely chopped for even distribution. For a smoky variation, smoked paprika works well in the glaze.
These wings also work well on the grill. Simply bake or grill the wings until cooked, then brush with glaze and finish over indirect heat to avoid burning.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 860 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Crispy Base
Dry wings thoroughly before baking to achieve crisp skin.
Glaze Control
Simmer the sauce until thick enough to coat a spoon.
Even Coating
Toss wings in glaze while both are hot for best coverage.
Avoid Burning
Finish glazed wings briefly to prevent excess caramelization.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but they must be fully thawed and dried before baking.
Is the sauce very sweet?
It is balanced by pineapple acidity and soy sauce, not overly sweet.
Can these wings be made ahead of time?
They are best fresh, but can be reheated gently in the oven.
Can I grill these wings?
Yes, finish with glaze over indirect heat to prevent burning.
What can I serve with these wings?
They pair well with rice, slaw, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar slightly and add more pineapple juice or vinegar.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings offer a delicious balance of sweetness, tang, and savory depth in a sticky, crowd-pleasing form. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavor, they are perfect for gatherings, casual meals, or anytime you want wings that stand out from the usual options. This recipe delivers consistent results and a flavor combination you will want to revisit again and again.
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