Name: Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 cup pineapple juice; ½ cup brown sugar; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional); 1 tablespoon water (for slurry, optional)

Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly tangy, these Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are the kind of crowd-pleaser that vanish faster than you can say “game night.” Perfectly caramelized with brown sugar and kissed by the tropical acidity of pineapple juice, every bite hits the sweet spot between savory and sweet. Whether you’re throwing a party, serving up a weeknight dinner, or just craving something special, these wings deliver bold flavor with minimal effort.

Imagine chicken wings baked to a golden crisp, then tossed in a glossy glaze that bubbles into a sticky coat of sunshine and spice. The pineapple not only adds brightness but also tenderizes the meat, making each bite juicy and flavorful. It’s a simple combo that turns ordinary wings into something unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Recipe

These wings strike the perfect flavor balance between sweetness and acidity, with just a touch of heat if you like it. The recipe is oven-baked, so there’s no mess from deep frying. It comes together with pantry staples and only takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish.

What Kind of Chicken Wings Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen wings both work here. If you use frozen, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking. Whole wings can be used, or you can split them into flats and drumettes. The key is making sure the skin is dry so they get that beautiful crisp before being coated in glaze.

Ingredients for the Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

A short list of familiar ingredients is all you need to make these wings sing. Each plays a key role in flavor and texture, and the results are absolutely delicious.

Chicken wings
Pineapple juice
Brown sugar
Soy sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Cornstarch (optional)

How To Make the Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer on the rack. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden

Bake the wings for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will render the fat and crisp up the skin beautifully. If you’re using larger wings, add a few extra minutes until the skin looks golden and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While the wings bake, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half and syrupy. If you want a thicker glaze, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and cook until glossy.

Step 4: Toss and Broil

Remove the wings from the oven and toss them in the glaze. Place them back on the rack and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the glaze bubbles and sticks to the wings. Watch closely so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the wings to a serving platter and spoon extra glaze on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you like a pop of color.

How to Serve and Store These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

These wings are best served hot from the oven with sticky fingers and plenty of napkins. A batch this size feeds 4 to 6 people as an appetizer or 2 to 3 as a main course. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to crisp the skin again.

What to Serve With Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings?

Creamy Coleslaw

A cool, crunchy coleslaw offers the perfect contrast to the sticky-sweet wings.

Coconut Rice

Fluffy rice with a touch of coconut milk balances the tang of the pineapple glaze.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Charred and buttery corn makes a sunny side for these tropical-style wings.

Garlic Green Beans

Simple and crisp-tender, green beans bring freshness to the plate.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

The caramelized edges pair so well with the glaze, creating a full-on sweet-savory combo.

Pineapple Salsa

Double down on that pineapple brightness with a zesty fruit salsa.

Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip

Classic for a reason—a little creamy tang cools everything down.

Cucumber Salad

Light, crisp, and cooling. A perfect palate refresher.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If you love these sticky pineapple wings, you’ll want to explore even more chicken-forward dishes on Janet Dishes:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again whenever the wing cravings hit.

Let me know in the comments if you added hot sauce, used fresh pineapple, or tried them in the air fryer. I always love hearing how you tweak these dishes to make them your own.

Explore more feel-good flavor combos and comfort food favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and keep your meal planning fun and fresh.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are the ultimate blend of comfort and excitement. With their crispy skin, sweet glaze, and bold tropical flavor, they bring something special to the table every time. Whether it’s game day or just a regular Tuesday, these wings deserve a spot in your regular rotation.