Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken

Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are that craveable party snack family and friends beg for every time. The secret is in the easy marinade that turns everyday chicken wings into something sticky sweet tangy and utterly irresistible.

Every time I make these they vanish before I have a chance to set out extra napkins. One birthday party I doubled the recipe and still watched the platter empty in just minutes.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: Look for fresh meaty drumettes and flats for the best texture and flavor
• Pineapple juice: Gives bright acidity and tang be sure to use 100 percent juice not from concentrate
• Soy sauce: Adds savoriness and depth choose naturally brewed for rich umami
• Brown sugar: The sweetness helps the glaze get beautifully sticky and caramelized opt for soft dark brown sugar for richest flavor
• Garlic: Use fresh finely minced for bold flavor and aroma
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger lifts everything with a subtle bite
• Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned both work try to pick ones that are naturally sweet and free of extra sugar
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that classic glossy coating check it is fresh to avoid clumping
• Water: Needed to mix the slurry smoothly use cold water for best results
• Salt and black pepper: Season to your taste freshly ground black pepper elevates the finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan:

Preheat the oven to two hundred degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier

Mix the marinade:

In a large bowl stir pineapple juice soy sauce brown sugar minced garlic and grated ginger together until all the sugar is dissolved for even flavor in every bite

Marinate the wings:

Add the chicken wings into the bowl and toss until every piece is fully coated in the marinade cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes longer if possible for deeper flavor

Bake the wings:

Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper then bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until they are cooked through with golden crisp skin

Make the sauce:

While the chicken bakes mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry this is what will thicken the sauce

Cook and finish the glaze:

Pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan and set it over medium heat add pineapple chunks bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then slowly whisk in your cornstarch slurry keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze

Toss and serve:

Take the wings from the oven transfer to a big bowl and pour the warm thickened pineapple glaze all over toss until every wing is sticky and coated serve immediately with your favorite garnish

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My favorite ingredient is the fresh ginger its light spicy bite always lifts the whole dish and reminds me of cooking with my grandma when I was little. The best memories are always made when everyone grabs a sticky wing together around the table.

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Storage Tips

Leftover wings store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat bake them in a hot oven so the glaze turns sticky again rather than microwaving which can make the skin soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

No pineapple juice Try orange juice for a different sweet tang. Gluten free tamari or coconut aminos can swap for regular soy sauce without losing umami or shine.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these wings high for game night snacks with carrot and celery sticks. They are also amazing as a main dish next to steamed rice and a simple cucumber salad for contrast.

Common Queries

→ How long should chicken wings marinate for best flavor?

Marinate the chicken wings for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the refrigerator will enhance flavor and tenderness.

→ Can I use canned pineapple juice and chunks?

Yes, canned pineapple juice and chunks work well in this dish, though fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor.

→ How do I get crispy skin on the wings?

Baking the wings in a single layer at high heat helps the skin render and crisp up, especially if excess marinade is allowed to drip off before baking.

→ What can be served alongside these wings?

Pair these wings with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a crisp salad to balance their rich, sweet flavor.

→ Can the sauce be made ahead of time?

The pineapple glaze can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before tossing with freshly baked wings.