Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Ever had that moment when a simple ingredient sparks an explosion of flavor ideas? That happened to me the other day when I bit into a perfectly ripe guava, its sweetness bursting forth. Instantly, I knew I had to create something truly special—a marinade that combined the tropical sweetness of guava with the bold, spicy kick of Jamaican jerk seasoning.

The resulting Guava Jerk Marinade is a delicious twist on traditional jerk, a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy. It's unbelievably easy to make, requires few ingredients, and—most importantly—transforms humble chicken into an unforgettable culinary experience. Trust me; it's addictive! Seriously, you'll want to use this marinade on EVERYTHING. I even considered using it on my toast (don't judge!), but decided to stick to the classics this time around. Maybe next time though...

Guava Jerk Marinade: Sweet and Aromatic

Name: Guava-Jerk-Marinade:-Sweet-and-Aromatic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 cup Guava juice; 1/2 cup Brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Jerk seasoning; 2 tablespoons Soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Lime juice; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 1 teaspoon Ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger; Pinch Salt; Pinch Black pepper; 4 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

This Guava Jerk Marinade recipe infuses juicy chicken with a unique blend of sweet guava and spicy jerk seasonings, creating a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. Prepare for a culinary adventure!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

📖 Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of guava juice and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a blender or food processor, combine all the remaining ingredients (except the chicken): the cooled guava mixture, 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until a smooth and even marinade is formed. If using a blender, you might need to add a tablespoon of water at a time to achieve desired consistency.
Place your chicken pieces (about 4 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts) in a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container.
Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for maximum flavor absorption. The longer it marinates, the more delicious it will be! Don't be stingy with the marinating time.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken pieces on the grill grate. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces and grill's intensity.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature. Undercooked chicken is a major bummer, so let’s play it safe here!
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it extra tender and juicy.
Serve your delicious guava jerk chicken with your favorite sides! Rice and peas, a fresh salad, or some grilled vegetables would be amazing companions. Enjoy!

📝 Notes

Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning according to your spice preference.
For a smoother marinade, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for a richer flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Don't forget to let the chicken rest after grilling to achieve maximum juiciness