Save to Pinterest Experience a tropical escape right in your kitchen with this Guava BBQ Sauce Chicken. This dish features juicy, oven-roasted bone-in chicken thighs coated in a luscious, sticky homemade glaze made from sweet guava paste and tangy vinegar. It is the perfect fusion of classic American barbecue techniques and vibrant Caribbean flavors, resulting in a meal that is both comforting and exotic.
Save to Pinterest The secret to this recipe lies in the homemade guava BBQ sauce. By simmering the guava paste with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika, you create a complex sauce that is far superior to store-bought versions. The sauce clings to the chicken skin, thickening as it roasts to create a finger-licking experience that your family will request again and again.
Ingredients
- For the Guava BBQ Sauce: 1 cup guava paste (chopped), 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed), 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup water.
- For the Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
Instructions
- 1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine guava paste, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, black pepper, and water. Stir until guava paste melts and sauce is smooth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- 3. Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on all sides to ensure even seasoning.
- 4. First Roast
- Arrange chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes to start the cooking process and render some of the fat.
- 5. Glaze and Finish
- Brush chicken generously with the prepared guava BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and roast for another 20–25 minutes, brushing again halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
- 6. Rest and Serve
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Serve with any extra sauce on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best texture, always pat the chicken skin thoroughly dry with paper towels before applying the oil and spices. This helps the skin get crispy before the sauce is added. Additionally, the Guava BBQ sauce can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making weeknight dinner preparation even faster.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If guava paste is unavailable, you can substitute it with guava jelly; however, you should reduce the brown sugar slightly as the jelly is sweeter. For those who enjoy a bit more spice, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. For a smokier finish, you can even add a drop of liquid smoke to the sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This dish is incredibly delicious when served with grilled pineapple rings, which complement the tropical notes of the guava. It also pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or coconut rice to soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
Save to Pinterest With its vibrant color and irresistible sweet-and-savory profile, this Guava BBQ Sauce Chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want to spice up your weeknight routine, this dish delivers bold, tropical flavor in every bite.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → Can I use guava jelly instead of paste?
Yes, guava jelly works as a substitute for guava paste. Simply reduce the brown sugar slightly in the sauce to balance the sweetness since jelly typically contains more sugar than paste.
- → What cuts of chicken work best?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy during roasting and the skin helps render fat for flavor. Drumsticks or a mix of thighs and drumsticks also work beautifully with this glaze.
- → How do I store leftover sauce?
Store any extra guava BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually develop more depth after a day or two, making it perfect for meal prep.
- → Can I grill this instead of roasting?
Absolutely. Grill the chicken over medium heat, turning and brushing with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The grill adds wonderful charred notes that complement the sweet guava glaze perfectly.
- → What sides pair well?
This tropical glazed chicken pairs wonderfully with grilled pineapple slices, coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or fresh corn on the cob. A crisp green salad with citrus dressing helps balance the rich sweetness.