Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

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Sticky, sweet, and gloriously golden, these Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are a must-make if you love bold flavor packed into every bite. Juicy chicken wings are tossed in a glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple chunks, and a kiss of spice—creating an irresistible combination of caramelized edges and saucy goodness. Perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or just treating yourself to something truly special.

The rich molasses notes of brown sugar fuse beautifully with the tropical tang of pineapple, while garlic, soy, and a dash of chili flakes round out the savory-sweet profile. These wings are pan-fried or oven-baked until crisp, then tossed in that glossy sauce that clings to every crispy curve. One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a top spot in your wing rotation.

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What Kind of Chicken Wings Work Best?

You can use either whole wings or wingettes and drumettes for this recipe, but make sure they’re well-patted dry before cooking to help them crisp up. Fresh, not frozen, wings give the best texture, but if you only have frozen, just be sure they’re fully thawed and dried.

For extra crunch, coat them lightly in cornstarch or flour before cooking—this also helps the glaze stick better.

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Ingredients for the Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

Chicken Wings
The heart of the recipe. Choose fresh, meaty wings for the juiciest, most satisfying bites.

Brown Sugar
Adds deep caramel sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements. It’s what gives the sauce that sticky, candy-like glaze.

Pineapple Chunks
Use canned or fresh pineapple—either way, their natural sweetness and acidity brighten the glaze beautifully.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its bold, aromatic backbone.

Soy Sauce
Adds saltiness and umami depth, anchoring the sweetness.

Chili Flakes
Optional, but a great way to add heat and contrast to the sugary glaze.

Cornstarch or Flour
Used for lightly coating the wings for crisping up during the cooking process.

Green Onions & Sesame Seeds
These are finishing touches that add color, crunch, and that pop of freshness right before serving.

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How To Make the Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for a crispy finish.

Step 2: Coat for Crispiness

Toss the wings in a light dusting of cornstarch or flour. This helps create a crunchy exterior and gives the sauce something to cling to.

Step 3: Cook the Wings

Pan-fry the wings in a bit of oil over medium-high heat until golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes per side), or bake in a 425°F oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and pineapple chunks. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens into a glossy glaze, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in chili flakes for heat.

Step 5: Toss to Coat

Add the cooked wings to the sauce and toss well until every wing is coated in that sticky-sweet glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and tangy magic.

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How to Serve and Store These Wings

These wings are best served hot and fresh, straight from the pan. They make a fantastic party platter centerpiece or game-day snack. Pair them with a side of jasmine rice or a crisp cabbage slaw to balance the richness.

To store leftovers, let the wings cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or tenders work well. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

What if I don’t have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly. Use them with the juice for extra flavor in the glaze.

How spicy are these wings?

The spice level is mild with just a pinch of chili flakes. Feel free to omit or increase to match your heat preference.

Can I air-fry the wings instead?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss in the glaze as directed.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just warm it up before tossing with the wings.

What goes well with these wings?

They pair beautifully with rice, grilled vegetables, or a tropical fruit salad to complement the pineapple.

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Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

If you loved these sticky-sweet Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings, you’ll want to check out these other mouthwatering recipes:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a comforting pasta pairing.
• Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion if you’re craving another crowd-pleasing finger food.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine for a zesty twist on chicken.
• Crack Green Beans as a perfect side with savory crunch.
• Garlic Chicken Lo Mein if you’re in the mood for Asian-inspired comfort food.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it anytime: Follow me on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the glaze? Add a spicy kick? Serve it with a fruity dip?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

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