These sweet and sticky pineapple wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and covered in the most incredible brown sugar glaze. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or any time you want something really special!
Why These Wings Steal Everyone’s Heart
These brown sugar pineapple glazed wings are the perfect mix of sweet and savory that makes your taste buds dance. The pineapple adds a tropical twist while the brown sugar creates that irresistible sticky coating we all crave. Best of all, they’re baked in the oven – no messy frying required! Just pop them in and let your oven do the work while you relax.
Perfect for beginners, busy families, or anyone who wants restaurant-quality wings at home without the fuss!
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (skip if you don’t like spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Super Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready (2 minutes)
- Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup
- Place a wire rack on top of the foil (this helps wings get crispy all around)
- Spray the rack with cooking spray so wings don’t stick
Step 2: Season Your Wings (3 minutes)
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels – this helps them get crispy
- Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the wings
- Arrange wings in a single layer on your prepared rack
- Don’t crowd them – give each wing some space to breathe
Step 3: Bake the Wings First (40-45 minutes)
- Put wings in the oven and set your timer for 20 minutes
- After 20 minutes, carefully flip each wing over
- Bake another 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy
- Look for that beautiful golden color – that’s when you know they’re perfect!
Step 4: Make the Magic Glaze (10 minutes)
- While wings are baking, grab a medium saucepan
- Add everything together: pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using)
- Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then until it starts to bubble gently
- Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth
- Pour this mixture into your bubbling sauce and stir
- Keep cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until it gets thick and glossy
Step 5: Coat and Finish (15 minutes)
- Take wings out of the oven (they should be crispy and golden)
- Put wings in a big bowl and pour that amazing glaze all over them
- Toss gently until every wing is beautifully coated
- Put them back on the rack and into the oven
- Bake for 10 more minutes to make that glaze sticky and caramelized
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you have them
- Serve right away while they’re hot and sticky
- Watch them disappear – they’re that good!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Wings Every Time
For Extra Crispy Wings: Pat wings completely dry before seasoning – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
No Wire Rack?: No problem! Just use a regular baking sheet, but flip the wings more often
Glaze Too Thin?: Cook it a little longer until it coats the back of a spoon
Glaze Too Thick?: Add a splash more pineapple juice and stir
Make It Your Own: Try orange juice instead of pineapple, or add some hot sauce to the glaze
Storage: Leftover wings keep in the fridge for 3 days – reheat in the oven to crisp them up again
Easy Variations Everyone Will Love
Spicier Wings: Add more chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze
Milder Wings: Skip the chili flakes completely – still absolutely delicious!
Honey Twist: Replace 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness
Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic – fresh or powder both work great
Party Size: This recipe doubles perfectly for bigger crowds
Recipe Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Serves: 4 hungry people (or 2 really hungry people!)
- Calories: About 360 per serving
- Difficulty: Super easy – anyone can make these!
Why This Recipe Works for Everyone
These easy pineapple chicken wings are perfect for cooks at any level. The simple ingredients are easy to find, the steps are straightforward, and the results are always impressive. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters (the sweet glaze wins everyone over), hosting a party, or just want something special for dinner, these wings deliver every single time.
The best part? While they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, most of the time is just waiting for the oven to work its magic. Perfect for busy lives but special enough for celebrations!
