Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Sweet, tangy, and downright irresistible, the Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Imagine perfectly crispy wings bathed in a golden pineapple glaze, with notes of ginger, garlic, and a gentle heat from red pepper flakes. Each bite is a tropical escape—juicy chicken enveloped in a sticky-sweet sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying wings for the first time, this recipe lets you bring a taste of sunshine to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a beautiful fusion of flavors and textures that make every bite memorable. Each component has a key role—some add crunch, others sweetness, and a few create that unmistakable tang that sets this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe apart.
- Chicken Wings (2 pounds, split at joints, tips removed): Essential for that juicy, tender bite and the perfect vessel for soaking up the glaze.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the skin sizzle to golden crispiness in the oven.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavor of the chicken and balances sweetness.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and warmth throughout the wings.
- Pineapple Juice (1 cup): The superstar ingredient, delivering that luscious tropical sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Enhances the glaze with caramel depth and rich color.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Lends savory umami, making the flavor extra robust. Use tamari for a gluten free version!
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the glaze with natural sweetness and helps it cling to the wings.
- Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the entire dish with a zesty tang.
- Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds freshness, a hint of spice, and irresistible aroma.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings bold, savory notes that tie the whole glaze together.
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Transforms the sauce into a thick, glossy glaze.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Provides a little heat for those who love a sweet-and-spicy combo.
- Chopped Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Give a pop of color, crunch, and freshness that make your wings look and taste extra special.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to keep cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, which helps them crisp up in the oven. Drizzle the olive oil over the wings in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat every piece. Lay the wings out in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan so they get that glorious golden crust.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, turning the wings over halfway through. This flip ensures both sides get perfectly crisp while the chicken stays juicy inside. Your kitchen will already be filling with anticipation as the skin becomes crackly and golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Glaze
While the wings bake, grab a small saucepan and combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes if you like a little extra zip. Place over medium heat and bring this aromatic mix to a gentle simmer, stirring as the sugars dissolve and flavors meld into one magical sauce. Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a lovely, shiny glaze. Remove from the heat and set aside—you’ll want to taste it, but resist so you have enough for the wings!
Step 4: Toss and Coat
Once your wings are cooked through and beautifully crispy, transfer them straight into a large bowl. Pour the sumptuous pineapple glaze all over and give everything a good toss, making sure every wing is cloaked in that tropical, sticky goodness. If you love an extra-caramelized finish, feel free to pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—you’ll get those charred bits that everyone fights over at the table.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To bring it all together, shower the glazed wings with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The fresh toppings add crunch and color, making this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe totally irresistible and picture-perfect.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your platter by piling the wings onto a big serving tray and scattering plenty of chopped green onions and a handful of sesame seeds over the top. For an extra burst of flavor, consider a squeeze of fresh lime or even a few shreds of toasted coconut if you want to lean into the tropical vibe. The garnishes not only look beautiful but also add little textural contrasts in every bite.
Side Dishes
Turn your Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe into a meal by pairing it with equally vibrant sides. Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice soaks up the delicious glaze, while a simple cucumber salad keeps everything cool and crisp. Roasted or grilled vegetables, like bell peppers and snap peas, work perfectly to balance the wings’ sweetness and add even more color.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the wings on a pineapple-shaped platter or bed them inside halved, hollowed pineapples for a show-stopping centerpiece. If you’re making appetizers, arrange small skewers or toothpicks in each wing for easy grabbing. For a family-style dinner, pile high and watch them disappear as everyone reaches for seconds—and thirds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The glaze thickens and becomes even more flavorful, making leftovers anything but boring.
Freezing
Wings freeze surprisingly well. Place any cooled leftovers in a single layer on a sheet tray, pop into the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep happily for up to 2 months. Just be sure to freeze the wings without garnishes, as fresh herbs and seeds don’t always defrost gracefully.
Reheating
To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the glaze is bubbling again. For smaller portions, a few minutes in the microwave will work, but for the best crispy finish, the oven is your friend. If you like, brush on a little extra pineapple glaze before reheating for maximum sauciness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice for the glaze?
Absolutely! Blend fresh pineapple and strain it to get pure juice. You’ll achieve an even brighter flavor and a boost of natural sweetness for your Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or another certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check that your cornstarch is labeled gluten-free.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Definitely! Grilling gives the wings a delicious smoky flavor. Cook them over medium heat, turning every few minutes, and brush the pineapple glaze on during the last few minutes of grilling for perfectly sticky, charred wings.
What if I want to make the wings spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes to the glaze, or even a dash of hot sauce. You can customize the sauce’s heat to be as mild or fiery as you like—perfect for spice lovers who want their Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe with a kick!
Can I marinate the wings before baking?
Marinating is a fantastic way to infuse the chicken with even deeper flavor. Combine pineapple juice, garlic, and soy sauce to soak the wings for a few hours before baking. This step really amplifies both the juiciness and savory notes!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a sunshine-filled dish that’s as easy as it is unforgettable, give this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe a try. It’s a joyful, flavorful favorite that’s always met with eager hands at the table—plus, you might just find yourself making it for every gathering from here on out!
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Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pineapple Chicken Wings are a delightful combination of savory and sweet, with a tropical twist that will make them a favorite for any occasion. The crispy wings are coated in a sticky, flavorful pineapple glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pineapple Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry and toss in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes until crispy and golden brown, turning once.
- Make the pineapple glaze: In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and add the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
- Coat the wings: Transfer baked wings to a bowl, pour the glaze over, and toss to coat. Optionally, broil for a caramelized finish.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings in a mixture of pineapple juice, garlic, and soy sauce before baking.
- You can also grill the wings and brush with glaze in the last few minutes for a charred finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5–6 wings
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
