If you love the delightful mix of sweet and savory with a touch of crispy goodness, then you’re going to adore this Pineapple Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe. It combines golden-baked wings with a luscious, tangy pineapple glaze that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of sticky charm. Perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or whenever you need a seriously satisfying snack, these wings offer a tropical twist that makes every bite unforgettable. Let me take you through all the delicious steps to master this easy yet impressive dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, fresh, and come together to create an amazing balance of texture and flavor. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s helping the wings achieve that perfect crispiness or building the tropical, sweet tang of the glaze.
- 12-14 chicken wings (drums and flats): The star of the show, offering that classic wing shape and meaty goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the wings crisp up beautifully in the oven while keeping them juicy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle aromatic background to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky color and mild warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the other flavors.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: The heart of the glaze, delivering bright, fruity sweetness.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds savory umami to balance the pineapple’s tang.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Boosts the glaze’s sticky sweetness with natural richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Provides a gentle acidity to round out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Perfect for thickening the glaze to a luscious consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a zing of heat for those who love a little spice.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional): Introduces a fresh, zesty kick that elevates the entire glaze.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the wings don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels to make sure the skin crisps up nicely in the oven. Then, toss the wings in olive oil and sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure each wing is evenly coated with this flavorful seasoning mixture.
Step 2: Bake the Wings
Arrange the wings on your baking sheet in a single layer with space between each one. This helps them roast evenly and get that irresistible crispy skin. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides turn a golden brown and achieve that perfect crunch. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overcooking, because juicy meat with crispy skin is the goal here!
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Glaze
While the wings bake, mix the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. If you’re adding fresh ginger or red pepper flakes, toss them in now to build complexity in your glaze. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld beautifully. If you want a thicker, stickier glaze, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce now, simmering for an additional few minutes until it coats the back of a spoon perfectly.
Step 4: Coat the Wings
Once your wings are golden and crispy, pull them from the oven and immediately pour your luscious pineapple glaze over them. Toss gently so every wing gets a glossy coating of that sweet and tangy goodness. You can also dip individual wings in the glaze if you want an extra rich flavor punch. The result is wings bursting with tropical flavor and sticky crisp skin that’s truly addictive.
How to Serve Pineapple Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your wings pop, consider garnishing with fresh pineapple chunks or a sprinkle of vibrant cilantro. These add fresh bursts of color and hint of brightness that cut through the glaze’s richness. A touch of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds can also bring an appealing texture contrast and a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
Pairing your pineapple glazed crispy chicken wings with simple sides like a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or steamed jasmine rice balances the sweetness and adds a fresh crunch. If you’re feeling indulgent, creamy ranch or blue cheese dips are perfect companions to cool down the spicy kick and complement the glaze beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these wings on a wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze and dipping sauces. You could also make mini lettuce wraps with the wings and add shredded carrots and cucumber for a fresh, hand-held bite. If you’re hosting a party, skewering the glazed wings with pineapple chunks on wooden sticks creates an irresistible finger food presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pineapple glazed crispy chicken wings should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic next-day snack or lunch addition.
Freezing
If you want to save the wings for longer, freeze them on a baking tray initially so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Stored this way, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label your container with the date!
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is to use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy, as it tends to make the wings soggy. If you need to microwave, use it just to warm quickly, then finish with a brief crisp in a hot pan or under the broiler.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can add a lovely texture and even more fresh flavor to your glaze. You can puree the pineapple to extract juice or finely chop and add it to the glaze for bursts of fruity bits.
How do I make the wings spicier in the Pineapple Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze is an easy way to introduce heat. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper on the wings before baking or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
Is it possible to make these wings gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.
What if I don’t have an oven? Can I fry these chicken wings instead?
Definitely. You can deep-fry or air-fry the wings for a crunchy exterior, then toss them in the pineapple glaze just the same. Adjust cooking times accordingly for your chosen method.
How thick should I make the glaze?
The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the wings but still pourable. If it’s too thin, simmer a little longer or add the cornstarch slurry in small increments until you reach the perfect sticky consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering the Pineapple Glazed Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe—it’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to any table and turns ordinary gatherings into flavorful celebrations. Its brilliant combination of crispy, juicy wings and a bright, glossy pineapple glaze makes it a crowd favorite every time. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch how quickly these wings become your go-to for indulgent, tasty moments with friends and family!
Print
Pineapple Glazed Crispy 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
Delicious and tangy Pineapple Chicken Wings featuring crispy baked wings coated in a sweet and savory pineapple glaze, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or snack.
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 crispy skin when baked.
- Season the Wings: Toss the wings in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Wings: Place the wings in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Make the Pineapple Glaze: While the wings bake, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
- Add Heat (Optional): Stir in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the pineapple glaze over them. Toss to coat evenly or dip each wing individually in the glaze for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot, optionally garnished with pineapple chunks or fresh cilantro. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for added taste.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before baking is crucial for crispiness.
- Use parchment paper or grease the pan to prevent sticking.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended for a thicker glaze.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding or omitting crushed red pepper flakes.
- Ginger adds a fresh, zesty flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
