Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crispy flavors. Combining rich caramel notes from brown sugar with bright tropical pineapple, these wings deliver a succulent and sticky glaze with a crispy exterior. Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or party favorite, these wings are easy to prepare, customizable in spice level, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (baking) or 10-15 minutes (frying)
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- Fresh skin-on chicken wings (about 2 pounds)
Sticky Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Coating & Cooking
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying or baking spray/oil for baking
Optional Garnishes & Additions
- Fresh pineapple chunks (for roasting or frying alongside wings)
- Chopped cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure they become crispy when cooked. Toss the wings lightly in cornstarch to create a delicate coating which helps the glaze stick and enhances the skin’s crispiness.
- Make the Sticky Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and chili flakes. This mixture forms a sticky glaze that balances sweetness, tanginess, and a mild spicy kick.
- Cook the Wings: Choose your cooking method: bake the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until golden and crispy, or fry them in hot oil until they turn crispy and golden brown, locking in juiciness.
- Toss in the Glaze: Immediately after cooking, place the wings in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the warm sticky brown sugar pineapple glaze, ensuring each wing is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Final Touch and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh pineapple chunks, chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions to add color, texture, and a fresh burst of flavor before serving.
Notes
- Dry wings well before coating to maximize crispiness.
- Use a wire rack for baking to allow even air circulation and a crispy crust.
- Toss wings in glaze while it’s warm for better adhesion.
- Adjust sweetness and spice in the glaze according to preference.
- Give wings enough space during cooking to ensure they crisp evenly without steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 5-6 wings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken wings, sticky wings, brown sugar wings, pineapple chicken wings, sweet and tangy wings, crispy wings, appetizer, party food