Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with just a hint of spice. Baked until golden and crispy, these wings are coated in a rich glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Ideal for parties, game day, or a fun family dinner, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These wings offer a delightful combination of tropical pineapple sweetness and deep umami from the soy sauce, balanced with the richness of brown sugar and a touch of heat. The recipe uses baking rather than frying, making it a less messy and slightly healthier option. The sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, delivering irresistible flavor and texture. Plus, the recipe is simple to prepare with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
salt and pepper to taste
green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
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Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on the rack.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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While the wings are baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using).
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Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Mix the cornstarch with water, then whisk into the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens.
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Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl. Pour the glaze over the wings and toss to coat them evenly.
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Return the glazed wings to the rack and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
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Add fresh pineapple chunks to the glaze for extra texture and tropical flavor.
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Substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
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Use chicken drumettes or thighs instead of wings.
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Add a splash of lime juice or zest to the glaze for a citrusy note.
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Make it spicier by increasing the chili flakes or adding a bit of sriracha.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh pineapple juice works wonderfully and adds an even brighter flavor.
Can these wings be made ahead of time?
You can bake the wings and prepare the glaze ahead. When ready to serve, glaze and finish them in the oven to caramelize.
Are these wings very spicy?
The spice level is mild unless you increase the chili flakes or add extra hot sauce.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Yes, grill the wings until cooked through, then brush with the glaze during the final minutes of cooking.
What sides go well with these wings?
Serve with steamed rice, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad for balance.
How do I ensure the wings are crispy?
Bake on a wire rack to allow air circulation and flip the wings halfway through baking.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or tenders can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I freeze these wings?
It is best to freeze the plain baked wings and glaze them after reheating for optimal texture.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Watch the wings closely during the final bake, as the sugar in the glaze can caramelize quickly. Lower the oven temperature slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Chicken Wings offer the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a beautifully caramelized finish. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these wings are ideal for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Serve them hot, and watch them disappear fast.