If you’re ready to bring a tropical twist to classic comfort food, the Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe is about to become your go-to for gatherings, game days, or any night you want a bit of zing! Bursting with the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple, glazed with a sticky, garlicky sauce, and baked to golden crispiness, these wings toe the perfect line between familiar and refreshingly unique. Whether you’re a wing enthusiast or simply love new ways to enjoy dinner, this crowd-pleasing recipe packs big flavor and is downright fun to make and devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of the Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one brings a pop of flavor, texture, or color. Nothing is superfluous here: just vibrant, delicious results that are sure to impress.
- Chicken wings (2 pounds): The star of the show! Choose fresh, plump wings for the juiciest results.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A touch of oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages crispy, golden skin in the oven.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for pulling out flavor and perfectly seasoning each wing.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mellow heat and rounds out the savory notes in every bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the wings with subtle garlicky flavor, complementing the glaze beautifully.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): The heart of the glaze, lending bright, tangy sweetness and beautiful sheen.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Brings in deep umami savoriness and helps balance the sweet flavors.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Natural sweetness and a hint of floral depth enhance the sticky glaze.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Boosts caramelization and gives the sauce a deeper, richer note.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): A gentle tang to keep the glaze from being too sweet.
- Cornstarch slurry (2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water): Thickens the glaze to that perfect, clingy consistency.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Fresh garlic brings extra punch and aromatic depth to the glaze.
- Fresh ginger, grated (½ teaspoon): Zesty, warming freshness that lingers after every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat mingling with the sweetness.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): These add color, freshness, and a toasty crunch to finish off the dish.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Wings
Start by cranking your oven up to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil—this makes clean-up a breeze! Then nestle a wire rack on top, which is the secret to getting that golden crispness all over without frying. Pat the chicken wings as dry as you can with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of crispiness), then toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until every piece is gleaming and well-seasoned. Arrange the wings in a single layer so the heat can circulate and work its magic.
Step 2: Baking the Wings
Slide your tray of seasoned wings into the oven and let them bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they get evenly crisp and caramelized. The sizzling aroma of roasting chicken will fill your kitchen and start building anticipation. By the time they’re done, they’ll be golden, crispy, and irresistible.
Step 3: Making the Pineapple Glaze
While those wings are getting gloriously browned, it’s time to work on the signature glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and the red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Gently bring it to a simmer so all those flavors get acquainted. Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry—this thickens the mixture until it’s glossy and lush. Simmer the glaze for just a couple more minutes until it coats the back of your spoon. Set aside off the heat and get excited for the magic to come.
Step 4: Glazing and Finishing
When the wings are baked to perfection, move them to a large bowl. Get ready for some fun: pour the warm pineapple glaze all over and toss or gently stir until each wing is glossy and coated in that tropical goodness. Want even more caramelization? Pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so they don’t get too dark. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like, and serve straight away while they’re still piping hot.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions brings a fresh snap of flavor, while toasted sesame seeds offer a delicate, nutty crunch. If you’re feeling playful, pieces of fresh pineapple or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes add color and a little surprise for your guests. Bright finishing touches make the Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe feel extra festive and restaurant-worthy!
Side Dishes
Pair your wings with cool, crunchy slaw, a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice, or grilled pineapple slices for a harmonious balance of flavors. I also love serving them with pickled vegetables or simple steamed broccoli to counter the wings’ sweet heat. These sides complement the sticky wings without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe high on a wooden board with wedges of fresh lime for a vibrant, communal snack. For parties, try arranging them in a big bowl lined with banana leaves or nest each wing in a lettuce cup for easy, tropical finger food. Let your imagination run—they’re just as fun atop rice bowls or even tucked into tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Keep the garnish separate so it stays fresh and vibrant when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe! Let the wings cool completely, then arrange on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. The glaze freezes especially well. For best flavor, enjoy them within 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, arrange wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, and bake until warmed through and re-crisped—about 10–15 minutes. If you’ve got extra glaze, brush it on halfway through for extra shine. The microwave works too (about 1–2 minutes), but the oven keeps things crispy!
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple juice for the glaze?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple juice works beautifully and delivers that signature sweet-tangy glaze for the Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe. Just be sure to choose 100% juice with no added sugar for the best balance of flavors.
Is there a way to make these wings gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. With that substitution, the rest of the Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe is naturally gluten-free—perfect for everyone at your table.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Yes! Grilling adds an irresistible smoky flavor that plays perfectly with the pineapple glaze. Grill over medium heat until crispy and cooked through, then toss with the glaze as directed. The charred edges are fantastic!
What if I don’t have a wire rack for baking?
No worries—just bake the wings directly on a lined baking sheet, flipping once halfway for even browning. You might not get the same all-around crispiness, but the Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe will still be deliciously sticky and full of flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The base recipe offers just a little background warmth from black pepper, but the red pepper flakes are totally optional. Add more or less to suit your crowd’s heat preference. Even kids usually love these wings!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring a bit of paradise to your kitchen with this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe! It’s fun to make, even more fun to share, and irresistibly tasty every single time. Whether you’re hosting a party or just spicing up a weeknight, these wings are sure to steal the show. Give them a try and let the island vibes begin!
Print
Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pineapple Chicken Wings are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy baked wings are coated in a sticky pineapple glaze, making them perfect for a party appetizer or a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the pineapple glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange on the rack in a single layer.
- Bake the wings: Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the pineapple glaze: Simmer pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Glaze the wings: Toss baked wings in the pineapple glaze until coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, broil the glazed wings for 2–3 minutes.
- You can also grill the wings for a smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
