Sweet Jalapeno Pineapple Boneless Wings Recipe
When I first made these sweet jalapeno pineapple boneless wings, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to bring such bold flavors together. The perfect balance of spicy jalapeno heat and tangy-sweet pineapple glaze makes these wings downright addictive.
And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy them with a little less guilt. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be the highlight of your next game day, barbecue, or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delicious wings, with tips to make sure they’re just right.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces).
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (helps create a light coating).
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (key for a crispy texture when baked).
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth of flavor).
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for an aromatic kick).
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat).
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (enhances the seasoning).
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- 1 cup pineapple juice (the star ingredient, bring sweetness to your sauce).
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (adds caramel undertones to the glaze).
- 2 jalapenos, finely chopped (adjust the amount to control spiciness).
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional if you want a spicier glaze).
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (offers a savory balance to the sweetness).
- Juice of 1 lime (brightens the sauce with acidity).
Note: This recipe serves 4 generously. Adjust measurements for smaller or larger portions.
Variations
Looking to customize the recipe? Here are some ideas:
- Sugar-Free Option: Swap the brown sugar for a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Extra Flavor Add-Ins: Add a pinch of ground ginger to the glaze for a zingy touch or some pineapple chunks for texture.
- Protein Alternatives: Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower bites for a vegetarian twist.
For a delicious twist, you might also enjoy this Chicken Philly Sandwich Recipe.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long it will take to prepare and cook these wings:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make this recipe, here’s the equipment you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl: For tossing the chicken in the flour mixture.
- Whisk: To mix the glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Rimmed baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and catches any glaze drips.
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray: Prevents sticking.
- Medium saucepan: For cooking the flavorful pineapple glaze.
- Tongs: For coating the chicken pieces in the glaze with ease.
How to Make Sweet Jalapeno Pineapple Boneless Wings?
Creating these irresistible wings involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare the Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick spray. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels; this ensures the flour mixture sticks well.
Bake the Chicken
Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Make the Glaze
While the chicken bakes, prepare the pineapple jalapeno glaze. Heat the pineapple juice, brown sugar, jalapenos, lime juice, soy sauce, and chili powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it simmers, allowing it to reduce into a sticky, flavorful glaze. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking.
Coat and Finish
Once the chicken is baked, transfer the pieces to a mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over and toss until each piece is fully coated. For an extra caramelized finish, pop the glazed wings under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Having made this recipe multiple times, here are some tips that can take it from good to great:
- Don’t skip drying the chicken. It ensures the coating sticks and crisps perfectly in the oven.
- Go for fresh pineapple juice. If possible, it adds a vibrant natural sweetness that canned juice lacks.
- Control the spice level. If you’re serving kids or guests sensitive to heat, reduce the chili powder and use only one jalapeno.
- Reheat your glaze. If it thickens too much while the wings bake, warm it slightly before coating the chicken.
For a side dish idea, consider pairing this soup with Chinese Chicken Fried Rice for a complete meal.
How to Serve Sweet Jalapeno Pineapple Boneless Wings?
For the perfect presentation, arrange these boneless wings on a large serving platter. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or finely sliced jalapenos over the top for a pop of color. Add lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their wings. These pair wonderfully with sides like pineapple salsa, freshly baked cornbread, or a crisp green salad.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 7g
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storage: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Restoring: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked chicken (without glaze) for up to two months. Thaw, glaze, and broil them for a fresh taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These wings are perfect for so many reasons:
- Effortless and baked. No frying necessary, and the oven does most of the work.
- Customizable for all tastes. Easily adjust for sweetness or spice preferences.
- Perfect crowd-pleaser. Suitable for parties, game nights, or quick weeknight dinners.
- Flavors that pop. The balance of savory, sweet, and spicy is irresistible.
- Quick and easy. You don’t need advanced kitchen skills to master this.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results
If you want the best results, here’s what to watch out for:
- Overcrowding the baking sheet. This prevents the chicken from crisping up properly. Space them apart for even cooking.
- Skipping the drying step. The glaze will make the coating soggy if the chicken isn’t properly dried and coated first.
- Broiling without watching. The glaze can burn quickly under the broiler, so keep a close eye on those wings.
- Using canned pineapple juice with added sweeteners. It can make the glaze overly sweet and lose the fresh flavor notes.
These sweet jalapeno pineapple boneless wings are a knockout dish you’ll find yourself making over and over. The simple ingredients and minimal effort make them suitable for any occasion. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a new family favorite! For more chicken inspiration, check out this Chicken Recipes collection.

Sweet Jalapeno Pineapple Boneless Wings Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick spray. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels; this ensures the flour mixture sticks well.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the pineapple jalapeno glaze. Heat the pineapple juice, brown sugar, jalapenos, lime juice, soy sauce, and chili powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it simmers, allowing it to reduce into a sticky, flavorful glaze. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking.
- Once the chicken is baked, transfer the pieces to a mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over and toss until each piece is fully coated. For an extra caramelized finish, pop the glazed wings under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Don’t skip drying the chicken. It ensures the coating sticks and crisps perfectly in the oven.
- Go for fresh pineapple juice. If possible, it adds a vibrant natural sweetness that canned juice lacks.
- Control the spice level. If you’re serving kids or guests sensitive to heat, reduce the chili powder and use only one jalapeno.
- Reheat your glaze. If it thickens too much while the wings bake, warm it slightly before coating the chicken.