Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken – they’re the first thing to disappear at every party I throw! I stumbled onto this magical combo when I needed something quick for a last-minute potluck. The sweet caramelized brown sugar and tangy pineapple juice create this sticky, finger-licking glaze that makes people go absolutely wild. My neighbor actually begged me for the recipe after tasting them at our Fourth of July barbecue last summer.
What I love most is how simple they are – just toss, bake, glaze, and boom! You’ve got these gorgeous golden wings that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The pineapple juice cuts through the richness perfectly, and that brown sugar? It creates this crackly, shiny coating that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to party trick too.

Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Let me count the ways these wings will steal your heart (and your guests’ appetites!):
- Effortless magic: Just a handful of ingredients and one pan – no fancy skills required!
- Party superstar: I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t go nuts for that sweet-tangy punch.
- Flirt-worthy balance: The brown sugar caramelizes into sticky bliss while pineapple keeps it bright and juicy.
- Forgiving timing: Forget stressing – they’re just as good hot from the oven or at room temp.
Seriously, these wings are like edible confetti – they make every occasion feel festive!
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive wings – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably have already! The exact measurements matter though – trust me, I learned that the hard way when I eyeballed the brown sugar once (oops!).
- 2 lbs chicken wings – I like the whole wings with tips removed, but drumettes work too
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar – packed tight in the measuring cup for that rich molasses flavor
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice – fresh squeezed is amazing, but canned works in a pinch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – gives that perfect salty balance to the sweetness
- 1 tbsp garlic powder – don’t skip this! It builds flavor depth
- 1 tsp ginger powder – adds just enough warmth
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground makes all the difference
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil – helps the spices stick and prevents sticking
See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples that transform into magic together!
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Alright, let’s get these wings going! I swear this process is easier than you think – just follow these steps and you’ll have sticky, caramelized perfection in no time. The secret? Don’t rush the glaze and give those wings space to crisp up!
Preparing the Chicken Wings
First things first – crank that oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, grab a big bowl and toss your wings with the oil, garlic powder, ginger, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands – yes, it’s messy, but coating every nook and cranny makes all the difference! Spread them out on a baking sheet (no overcrowding!) and pop them in for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives both sides that gorgeous golden color.
Making the Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
While the wings bake, let’s make that magical glaze. Combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves – about 2 minutes. Then let it bubble gently for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Watch it like a hawk though – sugar burns FAST! You want it syrupy but not too thick – it’ll tighten up more in the oven.
Baking and Glazing the Wings
Now the fun part! Pull your crispy wings out and brush them generously with that glossy glaze – I use tongs to flip and coat each piece. Back in the oven they go for 10 more minutes until the glaze turns sticky and caramelized. The smell at this point is absolutely intoxicating! Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving – that glaze gets dangerously hot.

Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
After making these wings countless times (and learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Fresh is best: Splurge on fresh pineapple juice – the flavor difference is night and day compared to canned!
- Sweetness control: Taste your glaze before baking – add a splash more soy sauce if it’s too sweet for you.
- Crisp factor: Space wings evenly on the baking sheet – crowding steams them instead of crisping.
- Safety first: Use a meat thermometer – 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part means they’re perfectly cooked.
- Sticky situation: Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment – that glaze becomes edible cement when it cools!
Trust me, these little tricks take good wings to legendary status!
Serving Suggestions for Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Oh, the possibilities with these wings! My absolute favorite way is piled high on a platter with extra glaze for dipping – because you can never have too much of that sticky goodness. For parties, I love pairing them with:
- Coconut rice to soak up all that amazing sauce
- A bright, crunchy slaw to cut through the richness
- Grilled pineapple slices for a fun tropical twist
- Ice-cold beer – the bubbles are perfect with the sweet heat
Honestly though? They’re incredible all by their lonesome too – just grab some napkins and dig in!
Storing and Reheating Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Here’s the good news – these wings actually keep beautifully! Let them cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The glaze does lose some shine overnight, but the flavor gets even better!
When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave (it makes them soggy). Instead, pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or toss them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that crispy magic. They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still disappear fast!
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken Nutrition
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these glorious wings (because we all know you’re gonna eat three servings anyway!). Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients – that glaze thickness and wing size make a difference!
- Calories: About 280 per serving (4 oz)
- Fat: 12g (3g saturated, 7g unsaturated)
- Carbs: 22g (all that brown sugar goodness!)
- Protein: 18g – wings pack a protein punch
- Sodium: 320mg (thanks to our soy sauce friend)
Not too shabby for something that tastes like dessert, right? Everything in moderation, friends!
FAQs About Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
I’ve gotten so many questions about these wings over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers!
Can I use frozen wings?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely first – I stick mine in the fridge overnight. Pat them super dry with paper towels before seasoning, or they won’t crisp up properly.
How can I make these spicier?
Oh, I love this one! Add 1/2 tsp cayenne to the dry rub, or stir in 1 tbsp sriracha to the glaze. For serious heat lovers, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes after baking.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice?
In a pinch, orange juice works (use 1/3 cup since it’s sweeter), or try 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar + 1/4 cup water for tang. But fresh pineapple juice really is magic here!
Can I make these ahead?
You bet! Bake and glaze them, then refrigerate. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes – the glaze will get shiny again. Just don’t sauce them until serving if you want maximum crispiness.
Share Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken Experience
I’d love to hear how your wings turn out – leave a comment telling me about your glaze adventures or share a photo of your sticky masterpiece! Did your family go wild for them like mine always does? Spill all the details below!
PrintIrresistible 2-Ingredient Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken Delight
Sweet and tangy chicken wings glazed with brown sugar and pineapple.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss chicken wings with oil, garlic powder, ginger, and black pepper.
- Bake wings for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce in a saucepan.
- Simmer glaze for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Coat wings with glaze and bake for 10 more minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple juice for best flavor.
- Adjust sugar for preferred sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg