Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings Recipe
Introduction
Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings offer a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that make them irresistible. These wings are marinated in a tangy pineapple and jalapeño mixture, then baked until crispy and caramelized. They’re a delicious twist on classic chicken wings that will impress at any gathering.

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed.
- Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings in the mixing bowl. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Step 4: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with olive oil.
- Step 5: Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place them in a single layer on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Step 6: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Brush the wings with some of the reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
- Step 7: If desired, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking for extra crispiness.
- Step 8: Once done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped jalapeños if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Use chicken drumettes or boneless wings if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Marinate the wings overnight for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Brush with reserved marinade multiple times during baking to build a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness, or use a microwave for a quicker option but expect softer skin.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill the marinated wings over medium heat, turning often, until cooked through and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
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Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
These Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings are a sweet and spicy treat, marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, jalapeños, and smoky spices, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they deliver a crispy skin with a sticky, tangy glaze that balances heat and sweetness beautifully.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings
Marinade
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl, ready for marinating.
- Make marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, finely chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and black pepper until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and ingredients are fully combined.
- Marinate chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings in the mixing bowl. Toss well to ensure every wing is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to deepen the flavors.
- Prepare baking setup: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the wire rack with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange wings on rack: Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off back into the bowl. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the greased wire rack. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting later.
- Bake the wings: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until wings are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, brush the wings generously with some of the reserved marinade to build a sticky glaze.
- Broil for crispiness (optional): For extra crispy skin, switch your oven to broil during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked through and crispy, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra chopped jalapeños if desired for extra heat and color.
Notes
- Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor infusion.
- Broiling is optional but recommended to achieve a crispier exterior.
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to pat the wings dry before marinating to help the marinade stick and ensure crispiness during baking.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken wings, pineapple wings, sweet and spicy wings, cowboy candy wings, baked chicken wings, jalapeño chicken wings, appetizer recipe

