If you love chicken wings with a tropical twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe. It brings together crispy, golden wings coated in a luscious and tangy pineapple glaze that hits the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of heat. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a flavorful snack, this dish offers juicy bites packed with vibrant flavors that everyone will adore. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy wings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role— from the spices that build a savory foundation on your wings to the pineapple juice that creates a bright, caramelized glaze bursting with flavor.
- Chicken wings (12-14 pieces): A mix of drums and flats gives you the perfect balance of meat and crispy skin.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes crispy skin in the oven.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle yet essential savory depth.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements garlic with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a lovely color to the wings.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The basics that highlight all other flavors.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): The star of the glaze, offering natural sweetness and tang.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Contributes umami that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Enhances the glaze with smooth richness and a glossy finish.
- Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) (1 tablespoon): Adds mild acidity to cut through the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): Useful if you prefer a thicker glaze to coat your wings.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, optional): Offers a zesty, aromatic punch that complements pineapple beautifully.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. This setup ensures your wings cook evenly and don’t stick. Pat your wings dry with paper towels, which is a crucial step to get that crispy, golden skin everyone loves. Then toss them in olive oil and a flavorful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper so that every wing is seasoned just right.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on your baking sheet. Bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through so both sides develop that irresistible crispiness and a beautiful golden brown color. This simple oven method creates wings that are juicy on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside, setting the stage for that amazing pineapple glaze.
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Glaze
While the wings bake, it’s time to create the glaze that makes this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe truly unforgettable. Combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated fresh ginger in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to meld those flavors together beautifully. If you like a thicker glaze, whisk cornstarch with a little water and stir it in, cooking for another few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. For a spicy touch, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.
Step 4: Coat the Wings
Once your wings are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm pineapple glaze over them. Toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated with that shiny, flavorful sauce. You can also dip each wing individually in the glaze if you want an extra generous coating. This step locks in all the bright, sweet-savory goodness that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your wings hot, straight from the baking sheet or platter, ready to impress. They’re wonderful on their own or paired with your favorite garnishes and dipping sauces. Get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe even further, garnishes like fresh pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a pop of color and an extra layer of brightness. A few finely sliced green onions can also give a fresh crunch and mild onion bite that pairs perfectly with the glaze.
Side Dishes
When serving these zingy wings, think about sides that compliment their sweet and savory nature. Classic coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess, while a simple cucumber salad offers a cooling contrast. For a heartier option, fluffy coconut rice or crisp roasted vegetables makes a winning combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange these wings on a large wooden board layered with fresh greens, pineapple slices, and small bowls of extra glaze and dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. You can also skewer the wings for a fun twist or create mini sliders with your wings and pineapple chunks for an irresistible party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the glaze separate if possible, so your wings don’t get soggy and can be re-coated when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the wings after baking but before glazing for convenience. Wrap them tightly or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and toss with fresh glaze for the best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat your Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, then drizzle or toss with any extra glaze to refresh that delicious tangy coating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be blended and strained to make juice or you can add small pineapple chunks to the glaze or as a garnish for extra texture and sweetness.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Including crushed red pepper flakes in the glaze or adding a splash of hot sauce can give those wings a nice kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Grilling is a fantastic option. Cook your wings over medium heat, turning frequently until cooked through and crispy, then toss in the pineapple glaze for a smoky, tropical flavor.
How do I get the wings extra crispy?
Drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning and baking is key. You can also bake at a high temperature and flip the wings halfway through to get even crispier skin.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check any other ingredients to keep it safe for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe that makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser every single time. Its blend of crispy, juicy wings with a bright, tangy glaze is perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see for yourself how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into a sensational dish. Gather your loved ones and get ready to share something deliciously memorable!
Print
Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pineapple Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors baked to crispy perfection. The wings are seasoned with garlic, onion powder, paprika, and baked until golden, then tossed in a luscious pineapple glaze made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and a hint of ginger. This easy oven-baked recipe is perfect for appetizers, game day snacks, or a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 12–14 chicken wings (drums and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pineapple Glaze
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin after baking.
- Season the Wings: Toss the wings evenly in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure all wings are coated well. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Wings: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. The wings should be golden brown and crispy once done.
- Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: While the wings bake, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated fresh ginger in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Add Heat (Optional): Stir in crushed red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick to the glaze if desired.
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the pineapple glaze over them and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Alternatively, you can dip each wing individually for extra coverage.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot, optionally garnished with fresh pineapple chunks or cilantro. Pair with your choice of dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before seasoning helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Flipping the wings halfway through baking ensures even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Serving with fresh cilantro or pineapple chunks enhances presentation and adds freshness.
