🍍 Sticky Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings

by

Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly tangy—perfect party wings with a tropical twist!

Prep Time: 10 minutes · Cook Time: 55 minutes · Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 · Calories: ~360 kcal per serving
Dietary Tags: High-Protein · Crowd-Pleaser · Party Food

✅ Ingredients Checklist

  • Chicken wings (2 lbs, split, tips removed)

  • Pineapple juice (1 cup)

  • Brown sugar, packed (½ cup)

  • Soy sauce (¼ cup)

  • Ketchup (2 tbsp)

  • Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp)

  • Garlic cloves (2, minced)

  • Ground ginger (½ tsp)

  • Chili flakes (½ tsp, optional for heat)

  • Cornstarch (1 tbsp + 1 tbsp water)

  • Salt & black pepper

  • Garnish: green onions & sesame seeds

🥄 Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a greased wire rack on top.

  2. Season chicken wings with salt and pepper. Bake for 40–45 min, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

  3. Make glaze: Simmer pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.

  4. Thicken sauce: Stir in cornstarch + water slurry and simmer 5 min until glossy.

  5. Glaze wings: Toss baked wings in sauce, return to rack, and bake 10 min more.

  6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and sticky!

💡Quick Tips

       Use a wire rack to keep wings crispy while baking.

  • Simmer sauce slowly to avoid burning the sugar.

  • Love heat? Double the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha.

I. Why “Recipe-First”?

Because I know you’re hungry now. Everything you need—timing, tools, ingredients—is up top, ready to go. Below? Flavor swaps, prep hacks, and all the details for W-W and home cooks alike.

II. Introduction

These pineapple-glazed chicken wings are your new go-to for parties, game nights, or just a bold dinner with a sweet-spicy punch. Baked (not fried) and glazed with a sticky brown sugar pineapple sauce, they’re a tropical treat that feels indulgent but fits into a W-W-friendly plan with a few easy swaps.

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Bake the Wings

  • Pat wings dry and season with salt and pepper.

  • Arrange on a greased wire rack over foil-lined sheet. Bake 40–45 min at 400°F, flipping once.

  • TIP: The wire rack lets heat circulate, making the skin extra crispy.

2. Make the Glaze

  • In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.

  • Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

  • Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  • TIP: Don’t overboil—it can scorch the sugar.

3. Glaze and Finish

  • Toss cooked wings in a large bowl with glaze until coated.

  • Return wings to the rack and bake an additional 10 min.

  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

IV. Ingredient Insights & Substitutions

  • Chicken Wings: Trimmed and split saves time. You can also use drumettes only.

  • Pineapple Juice: 100% juice, no added sugar. Fresh or canned works.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium keeps sodium down.

  • Brown Sugar: You can sub with coconut sugar or monk fruit brown sweetener for fewer points.

  • Chili Flakes: Optional, but great for balancing sweetness.

  • Cornstarch Slurry: Ensures that classic glossy glaze.

W-W-Friendly Swaps

  • Use sugar-free ketchup

  • Swap brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute

  • Use skinless chicken breast strips instead of wings for a lower-fat option

V. Serving & Pairing Suggestions

  • Appetizer Style: Serve with toothpicks and a light ranch or yogurt dip.

  • Main Dish: Pair with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried green beans.

  • Cocktail Pairing: Try with a pineapple spritz or light citrus mocktail.

VI. Storage & Meal Prep

  • Refrigerator: Store glazed wings in airtight container for 3–4 days.

  • Reheat: Warm in oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or until heated through.

  • Make Ahead: Bake wings and store glaze separately. Reheat and toss before serving for best texture.

VII. Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: 360

  • Protein: 24 g

  • Carbs: 20 g

  • Fat: 20 g

  • Sugar: 14 g

  • W-W Points: ~8–10 (varies with substitutions)

Diet Tags: High-Protein · Dairy-Free · W-W Adaptable

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I air fry the wings?
A: Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Then toss in glaze and finish under broiler if needed.

Q: Can I make this less sweet?
A: Reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup and increase vinegar slightly to balance.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs or tenders?
A: Absolutely. Bake thighs longer (~50 min) or tenders (~20 min) depending on size.

IX. Kristy’s Note

When I first made these for a family cookout, the platter vanished before the corn hit the table! That combo of sticky pineapple glaze with savory wings is just pure joy. And with some smart tweaks, it fits beautifully into my W-W lifestyle. You’ll want these in your rotation year-round!

X. More Sweet & Savory Recipes

  • Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

  • Spicy Pineapple BBQ Pulled Chicken

  • W-W Mango Chili Glazed Salmon

✨ Let’s Get Sticky!

Tried these Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings? Share your creation @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram, or leave a comment with your twist below. I’d love to hear how you served them!

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