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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wings:
- Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they cook up nice and crispy.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. Ensure all the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
2. Grill the Chicken Wings:
- Place the seasoned wings on the grill, arranging them in a single layer. Close the lid and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes for even cooking.
- Grill until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
3. Make the Pineapple Glaze:
- While the wings are grilling, prepare the pineapple glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple chunks, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly and the pineapple becomes soft and tender.
- Once the glaze is ready, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a chunky glaze, you can leave it as is.
4. Glaze the Wings:
- When the chicken wings are fully cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour about half of the pineapple glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- For extra flavor, return the wings to the grill for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and get a little charred (this step is optional, but it adds a great smoky finish).
5. Serve:
- Transfer the glazed wings to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining pineapple glaze for extra flavor and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Pineapple Chicken Wings:
- Grill Temperature: Keep the grill temperature steady to ensure even cooking. If the heat is too high, the wings might burn on the outside before cooking through on the inside.
- Pineapple Options: Fresh pineapple will give the glaze a brighter, more natural sweetness, but canned pineapple works well too—just make sure it’s drained properly to avoid excess moisture.
- Adjust Sweetness and Heat: You can easily adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the glaze. Add more honey for a sweeter flavor or a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like things spicy.
- Crispier Wings: For even crispier wings, you can cook them over direct heat for the first 5-7 minutes, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This will help get a great crispy skin without overcooking the meat.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Pineapple Chicken Wings:
These grilled wings hit all the right notes. The smoky flavor from the grill, paired with the caramelized pineapple glaze, makes for a deeply satisfying dish that’s both sweet and savory. The tang of the pineapple balances the richness of the chicken, while the honey and brown sugar add a touch of sweetness that’s perfectly complemented by the umami of the soy sauce and the kick of ginger and garlic.
Whether you’re serving them at a summer barbecue, a game day feast, or just making a quick dinner, these wings are sure to impress. Serve with your favorite sides—think coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad—and enjoy the vibrant flavors of these tropical-inspired chicken wings.
So fire up the grill and get ready to savor the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these Grilled Pineapple Chicken Wings—a dish that brings the taste of summer straight to your plate!
