Save Experience a vibrant fusion of flavors with these Guava BBQ Glazed Chicken Wings. This recipe takes the classic game day favorite and elevates it with a tropical twist, combining succulent chicken with a sticky, sweet, and smoky glaze that is sure to be the star of any gathering.
Save Whether you are hosting a tropical-themed party or looking for a new way to spice up your appetizer rotation, these wings deliver a perfect balance of fruitiness and spice. The guava paste melts into a rich, mahogany glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs) chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Guava BBQ Glaze: ½ cup guava paste or guava jelly
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
- Step 2: Seasoning
- Pat wings dry with paper towels. Toss in a large bowl with salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Roasting
- Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack. Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Step 4: Making the Glaze
- Meanwhile, combine guava paste (or jelly), BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking until the guava melts and glaze is smooth (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Step 5: First Toss
- Once wings are cooked, transfer to a large bowl. Pour half the glaze over and toss to coat.
- Step 6: Caramelization
- Return wings to the rack and broil for 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
- Step 7: Final Coating
- Toss wings with remaining glaze before serving. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra-crispy wings, let them air-dry uncovered in the fridge for 1–2 hours before roasting. This step helps the skin dehydrate, leading to a crunchier finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If guava paste is unavailable at your local market, you can substitute it with apricot or mango preserves to maintain the sweet, fruity character of the glaze.
Serviervorschläge
To complete the experience, pair these sticky wings with a crisp lager or a chilled glass of rosé. The refreshing beverages provide an excellent contrast to the smoky and sweet glaze.
Save Garnish your wings with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the rich BBQ flavors. Enjoy these wings while they are hot and glistening!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What makes guava BBQ glaze special?
Guava adds natural sweetness and tropical fruitiness that complements the smoky BBQ base. The fruit's mild floral notes create complexity beyond traditional tomato-based glazes, offering a unique fusion flavor profile that stands out at gatherings.
- → How do I get the crispiest wings?
Pat wings thoroughly dry before seasoning, use a wire rack to promote air circulation, and roast at high heat (220°C). For extra crispiness, let wings air-dry uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cooking to remove surface moisture.
- → Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking to smooth consistency. You may need to add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
- → What can I substitute for guava paste?
Apricot preserves, mango jelly, or even pineapple preserves work well as alternatives. While the flavor profile will shift slightly, these tropical fruits still provide the necessary sweetness and fruit-forward notes that make this glaze distinctive.
- → Is the glaze spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds mild heat, but it's subtle and balanced by the sweetness. For a spicier version, increase cayenne to ½ teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce. The heat level is easily customizable to your preference.
- → Can I cook these on a grill?
Yes. Grill wings over medium-high indirect heat for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Finish over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side to caramelize the glaze.