Description: A sweet and savory delight, these Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The wings are baked to crispy perfection and then coated in a luscious brown sugar and pineapple glaze. This recipe combines the tanginess of pineapple with the richness of brown sugar, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal, these wings are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep (10 mins)
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the wings will cook evenly and develop a crispy skin. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup much easier. Place a wire rack on top of the foil-lined baking sheet. The rack allows air to circulate around the wings, which is essential for achieving maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, season the chicken wings with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this is your chance to add a base layer of flavor to the wings. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. Once seasoned, arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and browning.
Step 3: Bake the Wings (40 mins)
Place the baking sheet with the wings into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. At the halfway point (around 20 minutes), flip the wings over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. The wings are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Make the Sauce (10 mins)
While the wings are baking, prepare the brown sugar pineapple glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pineapple chunks. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Once the sauce is simmering, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sugar to dissolve completely. Keep an eye on the sauce to prevent it from burning.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (3 mins)
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This slurry will be used to thicken the sauce.
Step 7: Add Slurry
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and stir continuously. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and becomes glossy. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 8: Glaze the Wings (5 mins)
Once the wings are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm pineapple glaze over the wings and toss gently until they are fully coated in the delicious sauce.
Step 9: Caramelize
For an extra touch of flavor and texture, return the glazed wings to the baking sheet and place them back in the oven for 5 more minutes. Alternatively, you can broil them for a minute or two, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. This step will caramelize the glaze, creating a beautiful, sticky coating on the wings.
Step 10: Garnish & Serve (2 mins)
Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with extra pineapple chunks and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings recipe is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
- Crispy Texture: Baking the wings on a wire rack ensures that they achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.
- Versatile: These wings are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends and family.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves chicken wings, and this recipe takes them to the next level. Be prepared for rave reviews and requests for the recipe!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the glaze to suit your personal preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra tang.
- Aromatic: The aroma of the wings baking in the oven will fill your kitchen with a tantalizing scent that will make your mouth water.
- Visually Appealing: The glossy, caramelized glaze and vibrant garnish make these wings a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Memorable: The unique combination of flavors and textures will create a lasting impression on anyone who tries these wings.
- Fun to Eat: There’s something inherently enjoyable about eating chicken wings. They’re a finger-licking good indulgence that’s perfect for sharing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these wings as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
- Pair them with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or rice.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or sriracha mayo.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a cold beverage, such as beer, lemonade, or iced tea.
- For a complete meal, serve the wings with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Offer a selection of spicy condiments for those who like a little extra heat.
- Create a wing bar with different flavors and toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience.
- Serve the wings with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Use the leftover glaze as a marinade for other meats, such as pork or chicken.
Tips:
- For extra crispy wings, pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will prevent the wings from browning properly.
- If the glaze becomes too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice or water to thin it out.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the wings in the glaze for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger instead.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your personal preference.
- For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you don’t have pineapple chunks, you can use crushed pineapple instead.
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the wings in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving (4 wings)
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion
These Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crispy that will leave you and your guests wanting more. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful main course, these wings are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, fire up the oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate wing sensation!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. However, make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
- Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
- What if I don’t have a wire rack for baking?
- If you don’t have a wire rack, you can still bake the wings directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. However, they may not be as crispy, as the air won’t circulate as freely around them.
- Can I use a different type of sugar for the glaze?
- While brown sugar is recommended for its rich flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar or coconut sugar if needed. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Can I grill these wings instead of baking them?
- Yes, you can grill these wings. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are cooked through and the skin is crispy. Brush them with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to caramelize the sauce.
