If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a standout party appetizer, these Guava Sticky Wings are a must-try. Baked until golden, then coated in a sticky Caribbean-style glaze, they hit all the right notes, sweet, savory, and spicy. The guava jam brings tropical flair, while the garlic, chili, and thyme infuse bold island flavor. This one-pan dish is minimal cleanup and guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, these wings deliver major flavor with simple ingredients.
INGREDIENT DETAILS
CHICKEN WINGS
Juicy and flavorful, these are the perfect canvas for soaking up the guava glaze.
GARLIC & ONION POWDER
Savory aromatics that season the wings deeply without overpowering the glaze.
SMOKED PAPRIKA
Adds mild smokiness and a rich red hue.
GINGER POWDER
Lends warm, slightly sweet heat that pairs well with guava.
DRIED THYME
Earthy Caribbean herb that brings depth and balance.
CHILI FLAKES & CAYENNE PEPPER
Bring the heat! Adjust to suit your spice preference.
BLACK PEPPER & SALT
Essential seasoning that sharpens all the flavors.
GUAVA JAM
Sweet and fruity with a thick, sticky texture—this forms the base of the glaze.
FRESH ONION & GARLIC
Sautéed into the glaze for bite and aroma.
DARK SOY SAUCE
Adds savory umami and deepens the glaze color.
WATER
Thins out the glaze to perfect coating consistency.
INGREDIENT ALTERNATIVES
Chicken Wings
Boneless chicken thighs for bite-size pieces
Cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version
Drumsticks for a meatier option
Guava Jam
Pineapple or mango jam for a tropical twist
Tamarind sauce for tangier flavor
Honey + chili paste for sweet heat
Spices
Fresh garlic/ginger for a stronger punch
Lemon zest in place of thyme for brightness
Allspice or cinnamon for added Caribbean warmth
GUAVA STICKY WINGS
Savory oven-baked wings tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet guava glaze with hints of garlic, chili, and thyme. Easy to prep, broil-finished for crisp edges, and full of tropical heat and flavor.
For the Wings
For the Glaze
Instructions
- Add the cleaned and washed wings to a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix all your dry spices except the salt. Reserve 2 teaspoons of this dry rub and set aside for the glaze. Add the remaining dry rub and the salt to the wings and massage well to coat. Let marinate for 1–2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with foil and lightly grease. Arrange the wings on the tray with a little space between each for even cooking. Bake in the middle rack for 35 minutes.
- While the wings are baking, prepare your glaze. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add the guava jam, reserved dry rub, water, minced onion and garlic, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the jam melts and the glaze begins to simmer. Remove from heat once fully combined.
- After 35 minutes, remove the wings from the oven. Spoon or brush on ⅔ of the glaze, tossing gently to coat all sides. Return the wings to the oven and broil on low for 10 minutes until caramelized and sticky.
- Serve hot, with remaining glaze on the side for dipping.
