mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
If you’re craving something sticky, sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible, let me introduce you to mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings. These beauties strike the perfect balance between caramelized brown sugar, tropical pineapple, and a punch of savory soy, all glazed over golden, crispy chicken wings. They’re a guaranteed hit for game day, backyard barbecues, or when you just want to treat yourself to a flavor explosion. Trust me, once you’ve tried these wings, you’ll never look at chicken the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings comes from a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create something unforgettable. Each element plays an essential role—whether it’s adding crunch, infusing sweetness, or delivering that signature sticky glaze.
- Chicken wings: The star of the show—choose fresh, plump wings for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and encourages crisp, golden skin during baking.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavor from the chicken and balancing the sweetness of the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight bite that complements the sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness that takes the wings to the next level.
- Brown sugar: The heart of the glaze, creating that irresistible sticky coating with deep caramel notes.
- Pineapple juice: Brings tropical brightness and a tangy kick that keeps the sauce from being too sweet.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and rich saltiness to balance the overall flavor.
- Ketchup: Contributes a hint of tang and extra body to the glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a burst of aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for subtle zing and warmth that lifts the sauce.
- Cornstarch (mixed with water): Thickens the sauce so it clings to every wing perfectly.
- Green onions: Sliced for a pop of freshness and color right before serving.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and finishing touch.
How to Make mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, you’ll thank yourself at cleanup time. In a big bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple mix not only flavors the meat but also helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven. Lay the wings out in a single layer so they roast evenly and get that crave-worthy golden color.
Step 2: Bake Until Crispy
Slide your seasoned wings into the hot oven and let them bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This is when the kitchen starts to smell amazing! You’re looking for deeply golden, crispy edges—don’t rush this part, as the caramelization is key for the best mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Pineapple Brown Sugar Sauce
While the wings are transforming into crispy perfection, grab a medium saucepan and combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 5 to 6 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry (that’s just cornstarch mixed with a bit of water) and keep cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce turning glossy and thick—just what you need for that signature sticky glaze. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat, but keep it warm.
Step 5: Toss and Glaze
Once your wings are done and irresistibly crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour over all that gorgeous pineapple brown sugar sauce and toss the wings gently until every nook and cranny is coated. This is where the magic happens! Don’t be afraid to get a little messy—you want those wings gleaming and sticky.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings with a flourish: sprinkle over the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. That final touch adds freshness, color, and crunch, making the wings as beautiful as they are delicious.
How to Serve mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings

Garnishes
A shower of sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds transform these wings from everyday to extraordinary. If you want to get even fancier, try a little chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of red chili for extra color and flair. The fresh garnishes not only look stunning but also add pops of flavor that keep each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings are crowd-pleasers on their own, but they truly shine alongside simple sides. Think fluffy steamed rice to mop up the extra sauce, crisp veggie slaws for crunch, or even lightly charred corn on the cob. If you’re serving them as part of a bigger spread, roasted potatoes or a fresh cucumber salad make perfect partners.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile the wings high on a big platter with pineapple wedges tucked in between, or arrange them in a skillet for a rustic, family-style vibe. If you want to impress, serve each wing on a skewer with a cube of grilled pineapple. However you present them, mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings never fail to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings (which is a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making them an even more tempting snack the next day.
Freezing
These wings freeze surprisingly well. Cool them completely, then pack in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the wings before tossing them in the sauce, then reheat and glaze just before serving.
Reheating
To bring your wings back to life, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and sizzling. If you’ve stored the sauce separately, warm it gently and toss with the wings right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling adds even more smoky flavor to mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings. Just grill the seasoned wings over medium heat, turning often, until cooked through and crispy, then toss with the sauce as directed.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, canned pineapple juice works perfectly in this recipe. If you want extra texture and flavor, try adding some finely chopped pineapple tidbits to the sauce for a fun twist.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer your wings less sweet, simply reduce the brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons. The pineapple juice will still provide plenty of natural sweetness, and you can always taste and adjust as the sauce simmers.
Are mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings gluten-free?
With one simple swap—using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari—these wings can be made completely gluten-free. Always double-check your ketchup and other condiments to be sure.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No smoked paprika? No problem! Regular paprika or even a pinch of chili powder will work in a pinch, though you’ll miss a little of that smoky depth. The wings will still be absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wildly satisfying about making mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings from scratch, watching that glossy sauce cling to each crispy wing, and sharing them with friends or family. If you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to delight, give these wings a go—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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mate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken Wings recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crispy baked wings coated in a sticky, caramelized pineapple and brown sugar glaze. Ideal for game days or any gathering, these wings combine Asian-inspired ingredients with an American twist for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Toss Wings with Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. This seasoning base creates a flavorful, crispy skin when baked.
- Bake Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to promote even browning, until golden and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce by combining brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until flavors meld beautifully.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency that will cling perfectly to the wings.
- Coat Wings with Sauce: Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm pineapple brown sugar sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly with the sticky glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the coated wings for an extra pop of flavor and color before serving immediately.
Notes
- For extra caramelization and a slightly charred finish, broil the coated wings for 2 to 3 minutes before serving—watch closely to prevent burning.
- You can substitute baking with grilling if desired, cooking the wings over medium heat until crisp and cooked through.
- Adjust sweetness according to your taste by slightly reducing the amount of brown sugar used in the sauce.
- Make sure to remove wing tips for easier handling and a better cooking texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg