Dinner

Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings Recipe

Name: Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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)

ByVictor Layne December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

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Introduction

Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings offer a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. These wings are marinated in a vibrant pineapple and jalapeño sauce, then baked to crispy perfection. They make a delightful appetizer or party snack that’s sure to impress.

A close-up view of several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken wings stacked together, showing a shiny, sticky glaze with bits of red chili flakes and small seeds spread evenly across the surface. The wings have a slightly crispy texture with darker charred spots highlighting their cooked edges. The background is a white marbled texture, making the rich color of the wings stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Use boneless wings or drumettes if you prefer easier-to-eat pieces.
Marinate the wings overnight for deeper flavor.
Try serving with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spiciness.

Storage

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows close-up crispy chicken wings coated with a shiny, sticky sauce that has a dark reddish-brown color with visible bits of red chili and black pepper flakes. The wings are tightly packed together, and the texture looks crunchy with a rich glaze that reflects light, making them look juicy and spicy. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these wings without jalapeños?

Yes, you can omit the jalapeños if you prefer a milder flavor. You might want to add a small amount of black pepper or smoked paprika for some mild spice.

Is it necessary to use a wire rack when baking the wings?

Using a wire rack allows the heat to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and become crispy. If you don’t have one, place wings directly on a foil-lined baking sheet but turn them occasionally for even cooking.