Sweet & Sour Chicken Wings are a classic party and potluck favorite, blending the irresistible combination of savory soy sauce, tangy pineapple juice, aromatic ginger, and sweet sugar. The wings are marinated overnight for deep flavor, then baked until golden and tender, creating a sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Popular in American kitchens during the 1960s and 70s, this retro-style recipe captures the balance of sweet and savory flavors inspired by Chinese-American cuisine. Perfect hot or cold, these wings make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy light meal that travels well in a cooler.
Ingredients
- 20-35 chicken wings (tips removed)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup salad oil (vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic powder, water, sugar, salad oil, and ground ginger. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken wings in a shallow baking pan. Pour marinade over wings, coating well.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for best flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove wings from marinade and arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until wings are browned and tender.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot or cold as an appetizer or light meal.
Tips
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor, as the card suggests (“night is better”).
- Line baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.
- Flip wings halfway through baking for even browning.
- Reduce sugar slightly for a less-sweet glaze.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Substitute fresh ginger and garlic for brighter flavor.
- Finish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes for extra caramelization.
- Reserve some sauce, boil it briefly, and brush on during the last 10 minutes (do not use raw marinade without boiling).
- Serve hot or cold as written, great for picnics or buffets.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 1450mgPotassium: 320mgSugar: 15gVitamin A: 70IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1.6mg
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