Description
Pineapple Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
1 kg chicken wings
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Pineapple chunks (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Place chicken wings on the tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Cook until thickened.
5. Toss the baked chicken wings in the pineapple glaze until fully coated.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with pineapple chunks on the side.
7. Enjoy these tropical wings!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect wings. First, pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for crispy skin. Arrange them in a single layer on your parchment-lined tray, ensuring they aren’t crowded. While they bake, start your glaze. After simmering the base ingredients (pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic), create your cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth before stirring it in. Once the wings are baked and crispy, toss them vigorously in a large bowl with the thickened glaze for even coverage. For extra stickiness, you can return the glazed wings to the oven for 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These wings are versatile. For a tropical party spread, serve them alongside coconut rice, a fresh mango salsa, and grilled plantains. For a classic game-day setup, offer cooling dips like blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot batons. The optional pineapple chunks can be grilled for a caramelized touch or served fresh. They also make an excellent topping for a Hawaiian-style pizza or a vibrant salad.
How-to Summary
In brief: Dry 1kg of wings, bake at 200°C for 25-30 mins until crispy. Simultaneously, simmer 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp each of honey and ketchup, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Thicken with a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water. Toss baked wings in the glaze, garnish, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these wings in an air fryer? Absolutely. Cook the wings in batches at 200°C for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Glaze them after cooking.
How can I make the glaze spicier? Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce while simmering.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time? Yes, the glaze can be made and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
My glaze turned out too thick. How can I fix it? Simply thin it with a small amount of additional pineapple juice or water until you reach the desired consistency.
What’s the best way to get the wings extra crispy? For maximum crispiness, toss the dried wings in 1 tablespoon of baking powder (not soda) and salt before baking. This helps draw moisture to the surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Wings: Skipping the pat-dry step results in steamed, soggy skin instead of a crispy exterior.
- Crowding the Pan: Overlapping wings steam each other. Use two trays if necessary for a single layer.
- Adding Cornstarch Directly to Hot Sauce: This creates lumps. Always mix cornstarch with cold water first to form a smooth slurry.
- Glazing Too Early: Applying the wet glaze before or during baking prevents crisping. Only glaze after the wings are fully baked and crisp.
Conclusion
These Pineapple Glazed Chicken Wings successfully combine sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve perfectly crispy, sticky wings every time. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe offers a delicious tropical twist on a classic favorite. Don’t forget the final garnish of fresh cilantro to brighten all the rich flavors.