Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something magical about a batch of juicy, sticky chicken wings straight out of the oven—especially when they’re smothered in a caramelized pineapple glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and just a touch savory. These Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are hands-down one of my go-to recipes whenever I need a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require a ton of work but still brings the wow factor.

Whether it’s game day, a summer BBQ, or just a Wednesday night when you need something to look forward to, these wings deliver that irresistible balance of sweet and savory with a glossy glaze that clings to every crispy edge. And the best part? No deep frying involved. Just simple ingredients, a hot oven, and a tropical-inspired sauce that takes things to the next level.

I first made these on a whim during a family game night. I had pineapple juice sitting in the fridge from another recipe, and a package of wings that needed to be used. I tossed together a quick brown sugar rub, roasted the wings, and then whipped up a simple pineapple glaze. What came out of the oven was pure gold—sticky, caramelized edges and all. We ended up licking our fingers and fighting over the last few pieces.

So let’s get into it! Here’s how to make these irresistible wings from scratch.

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pineapple Glaze

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

STEP 1: SEASON THE CHICKEN WINGS

First things first—let’s build that sweet-savory base layer right onto the wings.

In a large bowl, toss together the chicken wings with the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Make sure each wing is nicely coated. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but will help create a slight caramelization while they bake, giving you that glossy, sticky texture we’re after.

Let the seasoned wings sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to soak into the chicken and helps the wings cook more evenly in the oven.

STEP 2: BAKE THE WINGS

While the wings are resting, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later), and place a wire rack on top if you have one. This helps the wings crisp up on all sides. If you don’t have a rack, no worries—just flip them halfway through cooking.

Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, turning them once halfway through. You’re looking for golden-brown skin and a bit of crispiness on the edges.

STEP 3: MAKE THE PINEAPPLE GLAZE

While those wings are working their magic in the oven, it’s time to whip up the glaze.

In a small saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, water, and garlic powder. Place it over medium heat and stir continuously as it heats up. Within a few minutes, you’ll see it begin to thicken and turn glossy—that’s when you know it’s ready. The cornstarch gives it that luscious, clingy texture that will coat your wings beautifully.

Once the glaze has thickened and is fully translucent, take it off the heat and set it aside. It’ll be warm and ready when the wings are done roasting.

Now that your kitchen smells amazing and those wings are golden and crispy, it’s time for the most satisfying part—tossing them in that sweet, glossy pineapple glaze and letting the oven do its final bit of magic. This last bake is where the flavors truly come together and the edges get that sticky, caramelized finish everyone loves.

What I love about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Whether you want to add some heat, reduce the sweetness, or finish them with a garnish for presentation, there are a few simple tweaks that can really make it your own. But first, let’s finish cooking!

STEP 4: GLAZE THE BAKED WINGS

Once your wings have roasted for 35 minutes and are looking golden with crispy bits around the edges, carefully remove them from the oven.

Transfer the hot wings into a large bowl. Pour the warm pineapple glaze over them and toss gently until each wing is fully coated. You want the sauce to cling to every little crevice. It’s a good idea to use tongs here, especially if the wings are still piping hot.

Don’t worry if it feels like a lot of glaze—it’ll bake on and become thick and sticky in the next step.

STEP 5: RETURN TO THE OVEN FOR A FINAL BAKE

Now that your wings are coated in that irresistible glaze, arrange them back onto the baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they caramelize evenly.

Bake the glazed wings at 400°F for another 8–10 minutes. This quick final bake helps the glaze set, reduces excess moisture, and gives you those slightly charred, sticky edges that make these wings completely addictive.

Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the glaze cool slightly and thicken even more so it sticks better when you pick up a wing—because trust me, it’s going to be hard not to grab one immediately.

Tips to Make These Wings Even Better

If you’re already loving the idea of these pineapple-glazed wings, here are a few easy ways to elevate them even further:

• Add a Kick of Heat: Want some sweet-heat action? Stir ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes into the glaze while it cooks. You can also drizzle on a little sriracha before serving.

• Balance the Sweetness: If you find the glaze a little too sweet for your taste, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the glaze before it thickens. It adds a subtle tang that balances everything out beautifully.

• Make It Tropical: For a fun, tropical twist, top the finished wings with chopped fresh pineapple or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut. This is especially great if you’re serving these at a summer BBQ or luau-themed party.

• Try Fresh Garlic or Ginger: While garlic powder does the trick just fine, swapping in a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger or minced garlic for the glaze can give it a bold, aromatic edge.

• Use Drumettes or Thighs Instead: This glaze isn’t just for wings! Try it on boneless thighs or drumsticks for a heartier dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, since larger cuts may take longer to cook through.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are great on their own, but if you’re planning a full spread, here are some perfect pairings:

• Rice or Coconut Rice: A small mound of rice helps soak up the extra glaze.

• Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions make a great sweet-savory combo.

• Pineapple Salsa or Slaw: Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, sticky glaze.

• Simple Green Salad: Keeps things light and fresh if you’re serving these wings as the main dish.