These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are the ultimate combination of sweet and savory flavors. The tangy pineapple juice and rich brown sugar glaze create a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the crispy, golden chicken wings. Whether you’re making these for a weeknight dinner or as a fun appetizer for a gathering, they are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These wings are packed with bold flavors, thanks to the tangy sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar, along with a kick of ginger and garlic. The sauce is thickened to a sticky glaze that coats the wings perfectly. The wings themselves are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, creating a balanced texture that’s simply irresistible. It’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
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2 pounds chicken wings, cut into drumsticks and flats
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
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½ cup pineapple juice
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¼ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ginger, grated
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¼ cup pineapple chunks
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prep the Wings:
Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
4. Cook the Wings:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken wings and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Glaze the Wings:
Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce, then pour the sauce over the cooked chicken wings. Toss the wings in the sauce to coat them evenly and let them soak in the sweet, savory glaze.
6. Serve:
Serve the wings immediately, and enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors with each bite!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Grill the Wings: For added smoky flavor, you can grill the wings instead of cooking them in a skillet.
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Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
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Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier alternative, try using chicken thighs instead of wings. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Baked Wings: If you prefer to bake the wings, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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To reheat, place the wings in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes! If you’re using frozen wings, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking and crispy results.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the wings and then glaze them with the pre-made sauce.
How do I make these wings spicier?
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the glaze.
Can I use a different fruit for the glaze?
While pineapple is the star of this dish, you can try experimenting with other fruits like mango or orange for a unique twist on the glaze.
Can I use a non-stick skillet?
Yes, a non-stick skillet will work great for cooking the wings, helping to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
Conclusion
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a flavorful glaze that coats the wings beautifully. They’re quick to make, simple to prepare, and packed with bold flavor, making them a great choice for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just a tasty snack, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings
These sweet and savory brown sugar pineapple wings are packed with flavor! The tangy pineapple juice and rich brown sugar glaze create the perfect balance that’s sure to please your taste buds. Ideal for dinner or as a fun appetizer!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, cut into drumsticks and flats
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ¼ cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Cook the Wings: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken wings and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Glaze the Wings: Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce, then pour the sauce over the cooked chicken wings. Toss the wings in the sauce to coat them evenly.
- Serve: Serve the wings immediately and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- These wings can also be baked in the oven if you prefer a less hands-on approach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg