Pin Bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with this Guava BBQ Sauce Chicken. This recipe transforms standard roasted chicken into a vibrant feast by using a homemade glaze that balances the deep, fruity sweetness of guava with the savory, tangy punch of a classic barbecue sauce.
Pin Perfect for Sunday dinners or special gatherings, these chicken thighs are roasted until tender and then caramelized under a thick layer of tropical sauce. The result is a sticky, finger-licking meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of summer-inspired side dishes.
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
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Simmer 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.
- Step 3: Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
- Step 4: Initial Roasting
- Arrange chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
- Step 5: Glaze and Finish
- Brush chicken generously with the prepared guava BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and roast for another 20–25 minutes. Brush again halfway through this time, until chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the glaze is perfectly caramelized.
- Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with any remaining sauce on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the juiciest results, always use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken exactly when it reaches 165°F. Patting the skin dry before seasoning is the secret to ensuring the skin doesn't become soggy once the glaze is applied.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If guava paste is unavailable, you can substitute it with guava jelly; simply reduce the brown sugar in the recipe slightly to compensate for the extra sweetness in the jelly. For those who prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
Serviervorschläge
This chicken is delicious when served alongside grilled pineapple slices to enhance the tropical theme. It also pairs perfectly with a bed of steamed jasmine rice or a side of roasted root vegetables to soak up the extra sauce.
Pin With its sticky glaze and tender meat, this Guava BBQ Sauce Chicken is sure to become a requested favorite for anyone craving a taste of the islands from their own kitchen.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Reduce cooking time to 15-20 minutes total, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F. The glaze caramelizes faster on boneless cuts, so watch closely to prevent burning.
- → What can I substitute for guava paste?
Guava jelly or apricot preserves make excellent alternatives. If using jelly, reduce the brown sugar by half since jelly contains more sweetness. Mango or pineapple preserves also work for different tropical flavor profiles.
- → How long does the homemade sauce keep?
The guava BBQ sauce stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes well for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove before using.
- → Can I make this on the grill instead?
Absolutely! Grill chicken over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with sauce during the last 10-15 minutes. The grill adds lovely smoky char notes that complement the sweet guava glaze perfectly.
- → Is this sauce spicy?
The sauce has mild warmth from smoked paprika and optional cayenne. For a spicier version, increase the cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce. The base flavor is predominantly sweet-tangy with just a gentle kick.
- → What sides pair best with this chicken?
Coconut rice, grilled pineapple wedges, roasted sweet potatoes, or crisp summer salads complement the tropical flavors. Black beans with lime or corn tortillas also make excellent accompaniments for a complete fusion meal.