Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Wings
Prepare the wings: Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings to remove any excess moisture.
Season the wings: In a large bowl, add the chicken wings, salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, oregano, and minced garlic. Toss the wings well to evenly coat them with the seasonings. Let the wings sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the marinade.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Mix the ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, mustard seeds, water, and ketchup. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Simmer the marinade: Allow the marinade to cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once done, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple
Cut the pineapple: Peel the pineapple and remove the core. Slice the pineapple into rings or bite-sized chunks, depending on how you want to serve it with the chicken.
Season lightly: You can sprinkle a little salt on the pineapple slices to bring out their sweetness before grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Pineapple
Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
Grill the wings: Place the seasoned chicken wings on the grill and cook them for about 5-6 minutes per side, brushing them with the honey-soy marinade. Flip occasionally to avoid burning.
Tip: If grilling on a stovetop, you can also cook the wings in a pan with a little oil for about 10-12 minutes over medium heat, turning them halfway.
Grill the pineapple: Once the wings are nearly done, place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until you get nice grill marks. The pineapple should become caramelized and slightly tender.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Combine everything: Once the wings and pineapple are grilled, serve them together on a large platter. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the wings and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 1 Wing with Pineapple Slice):
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 10 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Cholesterol: 50 mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the size of the chicken wings and the amount of marinade used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I bake the chicken wings instead of grilling them?
Yes! If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crispiness, broil the wings for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
2. What can I use as a substitute for mustard seeds?
If you don’t have mustard seeds on hand, you can use a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a similar flavor profile in the marinade.
3. Can I use canned pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is ideal for grilling as it caramelizes beautifully and provides a more natural flavor. However, if you don’t have fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple slices, but drain them well before grilling.
4. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will save time when you’re ready to cook.
Tips for Making the Best Grilled Pineapple Chicken Wings:
Use fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple works best for grilling because it retains its texture and sweetness better than canned pineapple.
Marinate longer for extra flavor: While 10-15 minutes is enough to season the wings, marinating them for a few hours or overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Don’t overcook the wings: Make sure to monitor the chicken wings closely while grilling. Overcooking can dry them out. Aim for a golden brown color and juicy inside.
Brush with marinade while grilling: For added flavor, brush the chicken wings with more marinade while they are grilling. This adds a layer of sticky, delicious glaze to the wings.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grilled pineapple can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the wings in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The pineapple can be reheated on the grill or in a pan for a few minutes.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the cooked chicken wings, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed.
Conclusion:
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress your family and guests. The combination of juicy chicken wings with caramelized pineapple creates a tropical touch that’s hard to resist. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these wings are versatile and easy to make. The next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and different, give these grilled pineapple chicken wings a try – they won’t disappoint! Bon appétit!
