Oh, you are going to LOVE these Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings! Seriously, I’ve been making these for years, and they are always the first thing to disappear at any party. They’ve got that perfect sticky, sweet, and a little bit tangy flavor that just makes you want more. Plus, that savory hint? Chefs kiss! I remember making them for the first time for a neighborhood barbecue, and people were practically fighting over the last one. It’s one of those recipes I’ve perfected over time, knowing just how to get that glaze *exactly* right. They’re just so darn good!
Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Seriously, these wings are a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Super Quick: You can whip these up in barely any time at all.
- Easy Ingredients: No fancy stuff needed, just pantry staples!
- Flavor Fiesta: That perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory is just divine.
- So Versatile: They’re fantastic as an appetizer or a main meal.
- Everyone Loves Them: Trust me, these are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Gathering Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Ingredients
Okay, let’s get everything ready for these amazing Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings! First up, you’ll need about 2 pounds of chicken wings. Make sure they’re separated into flats and drumettes – it just makes them easier to coat and eat. For that signature sticky glaze, grab half a cup of packed brown sugar. You want it packed in there! Then, we need a quarter cup of unsweetened pineapple juice. Make sure it’s unsweetened so we can control the sweetness ourselves, right? About two tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce will give us that savory depth. We’ll also need one clove of garlic, but mince it up super fine. Freshly grated ginger is a must here, just about a teaspoon of that. And don’t forget a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to give it a little kick.
If you want to make them extra pretty and flavorful, you can grab some sesame seeds and two green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish. That’s it! Everything else is pretty straightforward.
Simple Steps to Making Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get these fantastic Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings into the oven! It’s super easy, I promise. First things first, get your oven preheated to 400°F (that’s 200°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze, trust me!
Preparing the Flavorful Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
Now for the magic sauce! Grab a medium bowl. We’re going to whisk together all those yummy ingredients. Start with the packed brown sugar, then pour in the pineapple juice – it gives that lovely tang. Next goes in the soy sauce for that savory punch, and the rice vinegar adds another layer of brightness. Don’t forget to add that minced garlic and the freshly grated ginger; they give these wings so much flavor! A little black pepper to finish it off. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You want it to be a beautiful, consistent glaze, ready to coat those wings.
Coating and Baking the Chicken Wings
Okay, here’s a super important tip for crispy wings: pat your chicken wings really, really dry with paper towels before you do anything else. Seriously, dry wings get crispier! Now, pour that gorgeous glaze you just made into the bowl with the wings. Toss them around really well so every single wing is coated in that sticky goodness. Then, arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer – this is key so they bake evenly and get nice and caramelized all over, not just on the top. Don’t crowd the pan!
Achieving the Perfect Caramelized Finish
Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. We’re going to bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes. About halfway through, give them a flip so both sides get beautifully glazed and cooked. You’ll know they’re ready when the glaze looks sticky and caramelized, and the wings are cooked through. A good sign is that they’ll start to pull away from the edges of the pan a bit. If you like your glaze extra thick and sticky (and who doesn’t?), you can pop them under the broiler for the last minute or two. BUT, and this is a big but, watch them like a hawk! That glaze can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt really fast. Once they’re done, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. This lets the glaze set up a bit. And if you’re wondering if they’re cooked, the safest bet is to check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C). For more information on safe cooking temperatures, check out the USDA’s guidelines.
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Want to make these Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve! If you’re all about that crispy skin, try this: bake your wings for about 10 minutes *before* you toss them in the sauce. Then add the sauce and keep baking. It makes a world of difference for crispiness! Also, don’t be afraid to taste your glaze before you coat the wings. If you like things a little sweeter, add a touch more brown sugar. If you want more savory punch, a splash more soy sauce works wonders. You’re the boss of your wings!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
I always reach for low-sodium soy sauce because it gives us that yummy savory flavor without making the wings too salty. It just gives us a little more control over the final taste. Now, if you happen to be out of brown sugar, don’t panic! You can totally use honey or maple syrup, but know that it might make the glaze a little thinner and the flavor will be slightly different. For the pineapple juice, if you don’t have it, a little bit of fresh lime juice works too. It’ll add a nice tang, but it won’t have that subtle fruity sweetness that pineapple brings. Just play around and see what you like!
What to Serve with Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are so good, they can totally be a meal on their own! But if you want to round things out, they’re amazing with a simple, crisp green salad to cut through the sweetness. Some fluffy white rice is always a winner too, soaking up any extra glaze. Or, go for a cool, creamy coleslaw – it’s a fantastic contrast!
Storing and Reheating Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, skip the microwave if you can, because it can make them a bit soggy. Instead, pop them back on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and that glaze is looking sticky again. An air fryer works wonders too; just a few minutes at around 375°F (190°C) should do the trick to bring back some crispiness!
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Got some questions about these yummy wings? I’ve got you covered! Can you make these Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings in an air fryer? Absolutely! Just follow the recipe for the glaze, then air fry your wings at around 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re cooked through and nicely glazed. How long do they last in the fridge? They’re best eaten within 3 days, stored in an airtight container. Can you use chicken thighs instead of wings? Yes, you sure can! Just adjust the baking time as thicker cuts of chicken will take a bit longer to cook through. And what makes the glaze so sticky? It’s really a combination of the brown sugar caramelizing and the pineapple juice helping to create that lovely thick, sticky coating. Enjoy!
Nutritional Estimate for Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings is approximate, since everyone’s wings are a little different! But generally, a serving (about 4 wings) will come in around 350 calories. You’ll find about 20g of total fat, with 6g of that being saturated fat. They’ve got roughly 30g of carbohydrates, and a good chunk of that is sugar, around 25g. And you’ll get about 25g of protein per serving, which is pretty great!
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Amazing Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Sticky and sweet brown sugar pineapple chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, flats and drumettes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Arrange the coated chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
- If you want a thicker glaze, you can broil the wings for the last 1-2 minutes, watching them closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For crispier wings, bake them for 10 minutes before adding the sauce and continuing to bake.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce to suit your taste.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 wings)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: brown sugar, pineapple, chicken wings, sweet, sticky, glazed, appetizer, main dish