I made sticky, sweet‑and‑savory chicken wings glazed in a brown sugar and pineapple sauce that caramelizes beautifully as they bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the brown sugar brings depth while the pineapple juice adds a bright tropical tang. The soy sauce and garlic give a savory backbone that balances the sweetness perfectly, turning these wings into irresistible finger food.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken wings or drumsticks (about 10 pieces)
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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¼ cup pineapple juice
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
directions
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Preheat oven to 200 °C (about 400 °F).
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Line a baking tray with foil and arrange wings in a single layer.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce begins to simmer.
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Remove half the sauce into a bowl (reserve for basting).
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Brush the wings generously with half of the sauce.
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Bake for 20 minutes, then flip wings and baste again. Bake another 15–20 minutes until wings are cooked through and caramelized at the edges.
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In the final 5 minutes, brush on reserved sauce for a glossy finish.
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Let wings rest a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Yields about 10 wings (serves 3–4).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
Variations
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Add heat: Stir a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes into the sauce.
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Smoky twist: Sprinkle smoked paprika or use smoked soy sauce.
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Fruity swap: Substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or mango nectar.
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Herb boost: Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
storage/reheating
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Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
FAQs
### Can I use drumettes instead of wings?
Yes—I used drumsticks interchangeably. Just adjust baking time if they’re larger.
### Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. I prepare the sauce in advance and keep half for serving later. It stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
### How do I make them extra sticky?
In the last few minutes of baking, I brush on extra sauce and switch to broil for a minute or two—just watch them closely to prevent burning.
### Can I grill these?
Yes! I’ve grilled them over indirect heat, basting frequently, then finished over direct heat to crisp—just like making Hawaiian-style Huli Huli wings.
### What should I serve them with?
I like them with lime wedges and simple sides—rice, coleslaw, or veggie sticks all work great!
Conclusion
I absolutely adore these Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken—they’re sweet, tangy, and perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. The caramelized glaze is addictive, and I love how easy it is to customize. Hope my version inspires your next cook-up!
Print
Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 wings (serves 3–4)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sticky, sweet-and-savory chicken wings glazed in a caramelized brown sugar and pineapple sauce with a savory soy-garlic twist.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken wings or drumsticks
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 °C (about 400 °F).
- Line a baking tray with foil and arrange wings in a single layer.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce begins to simmer.
- Remove half the sauce into a bowl (reserve for basting).
- Brush the wings generously with half of the sauce.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip wings and baste again. Bake another 15–20 minutes until wings are cooked through and caramelized at the edges.
- In the final 5 minutes, brush on reserved sauce for a glossy finish.
- Let wings rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add heat with sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use smoked paprika or smoked soy sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Swap pineapple juice with orange juice or mango nectar for a fruity variation.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for freshness.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 wings
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg