Pin Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this Guava BBQ Sauce Chicken. This dish features succulent, bone-in chicken thighs roasted to perfection and finished with a vibrant, homemade glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes with a hint of smoky heat.
Pin The star of this recipe is the guava paste, which melts down into a thick, luxurious sauce when simmered with apple cider vinegar, garlic, and smoked paprika. It creates a glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken, offering a sophisticated flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic.
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, for heat)
- 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 oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Step 2
- 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
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
- Step 4
- Arrange chicken skin-side up on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
- Step 5
- Brush chicken generously with guava BBQ sauce. Return to oven and roast for another 20–25 minutes, brushing again halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and glaze is caramelized.
- Step 6
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with any extra sauce on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure you pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning; this ensures the skin gets crispy during the initial roasting phase before the sauce is applied.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute guava jelly for the paste if necessary, though you should reduce the brown sugar slightly as jelly typically contains more added sugar. For those who enjoy extra spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the BBQ sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This chicken is delicious when served alongside grilled pineapple rings, steamed white rice, or a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables to round out the tropical theme.
Pin This Guava BBQ Sauce Chicken is a fantastic way to break out of a dinner rut with bold, fusion flavors. The combination of juicy meat and the sticky, fruity sauce is sure to make this a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Recipe FAQ
- → What does guava BBQ sauce taste like?
The sauce combines fruity sweetness from guava paste with classic barbecue tanginess. Ketchup and apple cider vinegar provide acidity, while brown sugar adds caramel notes. Smoked paprika contributes subtle earthiness, creating a balance between tropical fruit and savory grilled flavors.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken breasts work but may dry out more quickly. Reduce initial roasting time to 15-18 minutes before glazing, then continue until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Bone-in, skin-on pieces retain moisture best under the high heat of roasting.
- → What can I substitute for guava paste?
Guava jelly or mango paste make suitable alternatives. Guava nectar reduced with extra brown sugar can also work. Each substitute slightly adjusts sweetness levels, so taste and adjust the brown sugar accordingly to maintain the proper balance.
- → How do I know when the glaze is properly caramelized?
The sauce should appear glossy and slightly sticky, with golden-brown spots where it has thickened. Avoid over-browning, as the high sugar content can burn quickly. If needed, broil for just 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve the desired caramelization.
- → Can the guava BBQ sauce be made ahead?
Prepare the sauce up to one week in advance and store refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently before brushing onto the chicken. The flavors often improve after a day or two as the ingredients meld together.
- → What sides pair well with this guava glazed chicken?
Grilled pineapple reinforces the tropical notes, while coconut rice balances the sweetness. Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers complement the flavors. For contrast, serve with a crisp cabbage slaw dressed with lime vinaigrette.