Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Chicken Wings – Sweet, Tangy, and Irresistibly Sticky!
If you’ve been craving chicken wings that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a glossy, tropical glaze, this recipe will become your new obsession. Imagine the sweetness of brown sugar melting into tangy pineapple juice, with hints of soy, garlic, and ginger — all clinging to golden, oven-baked wings.
Perfect for game day, family dinners, or just a night when you want something finger-licking good, these wings deliver the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a little heat.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken wings, split and tips removed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray or a drizzle of vegetable oil
For the Sticky Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh is best)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Step 1 – Bake the Crispy Wings
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when the wings go in.
- Prepare the baking setup: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray — this prevents sticking and allows air to circulate.
- Season: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels (this helps them crisp up), then season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Arrange wings in a single layer and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tip: Using a wire rack keeps the wings elevated so hot air can cook them evenly on all sides — no soggy bottoms!
Step 2 – Make the Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
- Stir occasionally and bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then slowly whisk it into the sauce.
- Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of honey right at the end for extra shine and a richer sweetness.
Step 3 – Toss & Caramelize
- Remove the baked wings from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the glaze over the wings and toss until every piece is coated.
- Return glazed wings to the wire rack, spooning any extra sauce over them.
- Bake for another 10 minutes so the glaze caramelizes and clings beautifully.
Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer wings to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and extra flavor.
- Serve immediately — they’re best eaten hot and sticky, with plenty of napkins nearby!
Serving Ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings.
- As a Main Dish: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.
- For a Tropical Twist: Pair with grilled pineapple slices or a fresh mango salad.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sodium: 750mg
Final Takeaway:
These Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Wings are a showstopper — combining the perfect crunch with a glossy, sweet, and tangy glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Make them once, and they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.