Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken

Featured in Satisfying Main Courses.

These brown sugar pineapple wings deliver a mouthwatering balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Tender chicken wings are baked until golden, then brushed with a glossy sauce made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and savory soy sauce. Hints of fresh garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes add complexity and gentle heat. A quick broil creates a caramelized, sticky coating that clings to each wing. Finished with bright green onions and sesame seeds, these wings are a crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or any casual gathering where bold taste is a must.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:46:21 GMT
A bowl of chicken wings with pineapple. Pin it
A bowl of chicken wings with pineapple. | gracefulflavors.com

Sticky sweet tangy these brown sugar pineapple wings hit every note you want from a crowd pleasing appetizer. Juicy chicken wings bake until golden then get drenched in a glossy sauce full of tropical pineapple and caramelized brown sugar. Whether for game day or a lazy Friday night this recipe will have everyone licking their fingers

Ingredients

  • Chicken wings: create that signature juicy tender base look for meaty wings with plenty of skin for the best texture
  • Brown sugar: gives deep caramel flavor and helps the sauce get sticky try to use fresh soft brown sugar for easy mixing
  • Pineapple juice: adds bright tropical tang fresh pressed is best if you can find it but any 100 percent juice works
  • Soy sauce: brings a savory depth choose a good quality naturally brewed type for real umami
  • Honey: balances the tartness and adds a delicate floral sweetness local honey tastes best
  • Garlic and ginger: give fresh bold flavor use fresh if you can and grate it fine for the smoothest sauce
  • Red pepper flakes: add gentle heat use as much or little as you like for your spice level
  • Cornstarch and water: can help thicken the sauce if you like it glossy and clingy
  • Green onions and sesame seeds: make the wings extra pretty and add fresh crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment This keeps the wings crisp and cleanup simple
Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan add the brown sugar pineapple juice soy sauce honey minced garlic grated ginger and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using Bring this mix to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat Stir often so nothing sticks Simmer for about five minutes until the sugars have dissolved and everything smells incredible
Thicken the Sauce:
If you like a thick glaze stir together one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of water then pour into the simmering sauce Whisk well and cook for one or two minutes more until your sauce is glossy and gives some resistance to the spoon
Bake the Wings:
Lay your chicken wings in a single layer on the lined baking sheet Pop them in the oven and bake for thirty minutes Flip the wings over halfway to get all sides evenly bronzed and crisp
Glaze and Finish:
After thirty minutes brush the wings liberally with your pineapple brown sugar sauce Return them to the oven for ten more minutes The sauce should caramelize and bubble around the edges giving you that irresistible sticky finish
Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven pile the wings onto a platter and shower with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for fresh color and crunch
A bowl of chicken wings with pineapple and brown sauce. Pin it
A bowl of chicken wings with pineapple and brown sauce. | gracefulflavors.com

I absolutely love the burst of ginger in these wings The fresh punch of flavor reminds me of cooking with my grandmother who would add extra ginger to every sauce she made Family movie nights are never complete without a platter of these packed with pineapple goodness

Storage Tips

Keep any extra wings in an airtight container in the fridge They will stay tasty for up to three days Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for crisp skin rather than microwaving which will make them soft The sauce tends to thicken more after chilling just stir or warm it a bit

Ingredient Substitutions

Boneless chicken works for a less messy option You can swap maple syrup for honey in a pinch and bottled minced garlic or ginger will do if that is what you have If you want this soy free use coconut aminos

A bowl of chicken wings with pineapple. Pin it
A bowl of chicken wings with pineapple. | gracefulflavors.com

Serving Suggestions

These wings pair perfectly with a crisp slaw or simple steamed rice along with pineapple chunks for extra brightness For parties I love putting out little dipping bowls of extra sauce and some toothpicks for easy eating

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get the wings extra crispy?

Patting the wings dry before baking, using parchment for even heat, and flipping them halfway helps achieve a crisp exterior.

→ Can I use canned pineapple juice?

Yes, canned pineapple juice works well. Ensure it's 100% juice for best flavor and avoid added sweeteners.

→ Is it possible to prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely. The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before glazing the wings.

→ What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or flour can thicken the sauce if cornstarch isn't available. Add slowly to achieve desired texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place cooled wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can the wings be grilled instead of baked?

Grilling is a great option. Cook over medium heat, turning often, and brush with the sauce during the last few minutes.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken

Sweet, tangy wings glazed with pineapple, brown sugar, soy, and honey. Ideal for appetizers or sharing.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Wings

01 2 pounds chicken wings

→ Sauce

02 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
03 1/2 cup pineapple juice
04 1/4 cup soy sauce
05 2 tablespoons honey
06 1 tablespoon minced garlic
07 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
08 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

→ Thickener (optional)

09 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 1 tablespoon water

→ Garnish

11 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
12 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 03

If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the saucepan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 04

Arrange chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the baking time.

Step 05

Brush the baked chicken wings generously with the prepared sauce. Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until sticky and caramelized.

Step 06

Remove wings from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  1. For crispier skin, pat chicken wings dry before baking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 18 g