Polynesian Chicken Wings

Prep: 240 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Pacific Islander

Tangy and sweet Polynesian Chicken Wings feature a vibrant blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and ground ginger, offering a tropical twist perfect for casual gatherings or game day. The sticky glaze and tender wings make for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. chicken wings
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp. oil
  • 3 Tbsp. pineapple juice
  • 1 1/4 Tbsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. chopped garlic

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and blend.
  2. Place chicken in a glass baking dish.
  3. Add the blended ingredients over the chicken.
  4. Cover and chill overnight, turning often.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Place chicken, skin side down, on a cookie sheet.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Turn the chicken and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
  9. Serve hot or cold.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. If you don't have dark brown sugar, light brown sugar or honey can be used as a substitute. Marinating the wings longer than overnight will intensify the flavors. Ensure to turn the wings occasionally to coat them evenly in the marinade. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These Polynesian Chicken Wings are perfect for a casual gathering or game day. Serve them alongside a refreshing coleslaw or a side of Southern Peach Yam Bake for a delightful contrast. They also pair beautifully with Swiss Coffee for a unique flavor combination. For a lighter option, consider serving with a green salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps retain their crispiness compared to microwaving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Polynesian Chicken Wings contains roughly 3099 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 341g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1036mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

3099 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.6g 3% DV
Total Fat 340.7g 100% DV
Carbs 21.1g 8% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 16.1g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1035.6mg 45% DV
Potassium 165mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.3mcg
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Calcium 22.3mg 2% DV
Iron 1.2mg 6% DV
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. However, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating. This will ensure that the marinade penetrates the meat effectively, resulting in flavorful wings.

What can I substitute for pineapple juice?

If you don't have pineapple juice, orange juice or apple juice can be used as a substitute. Both will provide a nice sweetness and acidity, although the flavor will differ slightly. Adjust the sweetness in the recipe accordingly if needed.

How can I make these wings spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the marinade. You can also serve the wings with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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