There’s nothing quite like the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of barbecue chicken—especially when it’s infused with the tropical richness of guava. This Guava BBQ Chicken Recipe from The Local Barrel takes your grilling game to the next level with a homemade guava-infused barbecue sauce that’s bursting with bold, irresistible flavors.
Guava BBQ Chicken is delightful dish combines the smoky goodness of barbecue with the sweet and tangy flavors of guava, creating a culinary masterpiece that will transport you to sun-kissed beaches and swaying palm trees with every bite.
Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress, this dish combines the best of sweet and savory with a touch of Caribbean-inspired flair. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering recipe, along with tips, variations, and why this dish is a must-try!
Guava BBQ Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: Caribbean-American FusionDifficulty: Easy to Moderate4
servings15
minutes35
minutes400
kcalIngredients For Guava BBQ Chicken Recipe
- For the Guava BBQ Sauce:
1 cup guava paste (or fresh guava puree)
½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground cumin, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
Salt & black pepper to taste
- For the Chicken:
4 lbs chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breast)
1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Directions
- Prepare the Guava BBQ Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the guava paste, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper).
Stir well and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. For an ultra-smooth texture, blend with an immersion blender (optional). - Marinate & Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better.
In a bowl, rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in ½ cup of the Guava BBQ Sauce for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper taste). - Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F-400°F).
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side (adjust time based on the cut—thighs and drumsticks may take slightly longer than breasts).
In the last 5 minutes, baste generously with the Guava BBQ Sauce, allowing it to caramelize and form a sticky, flavorful glaze. - Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving—this keeps it juicy.
Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a bright finish.
Why You’ll Love This Guava BBQ Chicken
Tropical & Smoky Flavor – The guava paste adds a luscious sweetness, perfectly balanced with smoky paprika and tangy vinegar.
Versatile & Easy – Works with any cut of chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or breast) and can even be used as a glaze for ribs or grilled veggies.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – Ideal for BBQs, game-day gatherings, or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Homemade Sauce Magic – Skip the store-bought stuff—this guava BBQ sauce is rich, sticky, and packed with layers of flavor.
With its irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, this Guava BBQ Chicken is a true taste sensation that will transport you to the sunny shores of the tropics with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something bold and delicious, this Guava BBQ Chicken delivers. The tropical twist on classic barbecue makes it stand out, while the easy preparation ensures it’s hassle-free.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh guava instead of guava paste?
Yes! If you have fresh guavas, peel and blend them into a smooth puree (about 1 cup). Strain out the seeds if desired. Fresh guava will give a brighter, slightly less sweet flavor compared to guava paste, which is more concentrated. Adjust sugar to taste if needed.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight (up to 12 hours) is ideal for deeper flavor penetration. The acidity in the sauce helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with sweet and smoky notes.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with sauce in the last 10 minutes. For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
4. Is there a substitute for guava paste if I can’t find it?
If guava paste isn’t available, try mango puree, peach jam, or apricot preserves for a similar tropical sweetness. Adjust spices to balance flavors. Alternatively, look for guava paste in Latin or international grocery stores.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
6. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs/drumsticks?
Yes, but boneless breasts cook faster—grill for 5-6 minutes per side to avoid drying out. For extra juiciness, brine them in salted water for 30 minutes before seasoning.
7. How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The cayenne pepper adds mild heat. For less spice, reduce or omit it. For more heat, add extra cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, or even minced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce.
8. Can I freeze the Guava BBQ Sauce?
Yes! The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before using.
9. What sides pair best with Guava BBQ Chicken?
Great pairings include:
- Grilled pineapple (enhances tropical flavors)
- Cilantro-lime rice (balances richness)
- Creamy coleslaw (adds crunch)
- Roasted sweet potatoes (complements sweetness)
10. Can I use this sauce for ribs or pork?
Definitely! This guava BBQ sauce works wonderfully on ribs, pulled pork, shrimp, or even grilled tofu. Brush it on during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
