Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe

Tangy Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe for Your Next Party

Crispy, golden pineapple chicken wings offer a tropical twist that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Sweet and tangy flavors mingle beautifully in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Caribbean-inspired marinades bring unexpected depth to classic wing preparation.

Juicy meat underneath perfectly caramelized skin promises pure deliciousness.

Vibrant pineapple chunks add surprising bursts of brightness to every bite.

Summer barbecues or cozy game nights suddenly feel more special with these wings.

Let this recipe become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that sparks conversation and celebration.

Why Pineapple Chicken Wings Are a Sweet and Tangy Hit

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
  • Burst of Tropical Flavors: Enjoy a delightful combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Impress Your Guests: Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for casual gatherings or game day celebrations.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Spend minimal time in the kitchen while achieving maximum taste with this simple yet delicious recipe that requires basic cooking skills.

Ingredients for Flavorful Pineapple Chicken Wings

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken Wings: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious dish.
For the Marinade and Glaze Ingredients:
  • Pineapple Juice: Adds sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken wings.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami element to the marinade and glaze.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
  • Honey: Adds extra sweetness and helps thicken the glaze.
For the Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provide depth and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty and rich undertone to the dish.
For the Preparation and Cooking:
  • Aluminum Foil, Vegetable Oil Spray: Help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Pineapple Slice: Used as a fresh garnish to complement the wings.

How to Cook Pineapple Chicken Wings to Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Bath

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Zesty pineapple juice
  • Rich soy sauce
  • Caramel-like brown sugar
  • Crushed garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Smooth sesame oil

Whisk everything until it creates a magical marinade that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Bath Time for Chicken Wings

Toss the chicken wings into the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated. Let them soak up the goodness for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor intensity.

Step 4: Prep the Cooking Stage

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a quick spray of vegetable oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Carefully place the marinated wings on the prepared sheet, letting any excess liquid drip away.

Slide the sheet into the hot oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the wings are completely cooked through.

Step 6: Create the Sticky Sweet Glaze

While the wings are roasting, craft a mouthwatering glaze by combining:
  • Vibrant pineapple juice
  • Golden honey
  • Savory soy sauce

Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until it transforms into a thick, glossy coating.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

After the initial baking, brush the wings generously with the pineapple glaze. Return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to caramelize and lock in the tropical flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Plate up your wings with a fresh pineapple slice for that extra tropical touch. Dive in while they’re hot and crispy!

Tips to Balance Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Wings

  • Marinate wings overnight to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Pat wings dry before baking to achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Enhance heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for spice lovers.

Variations to Customize Pineapple Chicken Wings

  • Tropical Tofu Alternative: Replace chicken wings with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same marinade and glazing technique.
  • Spicy Island Kick: Add sriracha or red chili flakes to the marinade for a heat-packed tropical wing experience.
  • Low-Carb Coconut Swap: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a keto-friendly adaptation.
  • Grilled Island Style: Cook wings on an outdoor grill instead of baking, creating a smoky char while keeping the pineapple marinade intact.

What Complements Pineapple Chicken Wings Best

  • Explore Tantalizing Flavor Companions for Pineapple Chicken Wings
  • Tropical Cocktail Companion: Blend a refreshing Hawaiian Mai Tai with rum, pineapple juice, orange curaçao, and fresh lime to complement the sweet-tangy wing flavors.
  • Rice Sidekick Strategy: Serve fragrant coconut jasmine rice alongside wings to absorb the delicious glaze and provide a creamy texture contrast.
  • Zesty Salad Pairing: Create a crisp Asian-inspired slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a light rice vinegar dressing to cut through the wings' richness.
  • Cool Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick lime-yogurt sauce with fresh cilantro and a touch of honey to provide a cooling counterpoint to the caramelized wing glaze.

Best Storage Tips for Pineapple Chicken Wings

Store leftover wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap cooled wings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen wings maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.

Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

Place wings on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The pineapple chicken wings are not inherently spicy. However, you can easily add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if you want some heat.

  • Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Fresh chicken wings work best, but if using frozen wings, fully thaw them first and pat dry before marinating to ensure proper flavor absorption and even cooking.

  • What if I don't have sesame oil?

Substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil, though sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances the marinade’s complexity.

  • Do I need to flip the wings while baking?

Yes, turn the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispy texture on all sides.

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Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Pineapple Chicken Wings bring tropical paradise to your plate with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Juicy chicken wings glazed in caramelized pineapple sauce promise a mouthwatering experience that will transport you to a beachside barbecue.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wings, cut into drumsticks and flats

Marinade and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Garnish and Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup pineapple slice
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), ensuring a perfectly heated environment for the chicken wings.
  2. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, caramelized brown sugar, minced garlic, zesty ginger, and aromatic sesame oil in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. Submerge chicken wings completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  4. Create a protective layer on a baking sheet using aluminum foil, then lightly mist with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Carefully transfer wings from marinade, letting excess liquid drain. Arrange wings on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between pieces.
  6. Roast wings in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the meat is fully cooked and edges turn golden brown.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare a glossy pineapple glaze by combining pineapple juice, golden honey, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy.
  8. After initial baking, generously brush wings with the reduced pineapple glaze, returning them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to caramelize and intensify flavors.
  9. Plate the wings, adorning with a fresh pineapple slice for a tropical presentation, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Ensure wings are evenly coated with marinade by massaging the mixture into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Pat chicken wings dry before marinating to help achieve crispy, caramelized exterior during baking.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for more vibrant, authentic tropical taste compared to canned alternatives.
  • For gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain similar umami profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 362 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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