Guyanese Barbecued Chicken

Guyanese Barbecued Chicken Recipe from Guyana | Ingredients & Steps

Region / culture: Guyana | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Guyanese Barbecued Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish that is popular in Guyana, a country located on the northern coast of South America. This dish is known for its unique blend of Caribbean and Indian flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

History

The recipe for Guyanese Barbecued Chicken has been passed down through generations in Guyana. It is believed to have originated from the indigenous people of the region, who used a combination of local spices and ingredients to create a delicious and aromatic dish. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include influences from the various cultures that have settled in Guyana, resulting in a truly unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 x 2 - 3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken
1 cup water
0.25 lb (113 g) margarine
0.5 cup vinegar
12 oz (340 g) ketchup
0.5 cup lemon juice
0.5 tsp allspice
4 tbsp piquante sauce
1 - 2 tsp chopped wiri-wiri peppers
1 onion (chopped)
4 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp black or white pepper
1 tsp chopped garlic
0.13 cup vinegar

How to prepare

Wash and trim excess fat from the chicken.
Wipe the chicken with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Combine all other ingredients in a pan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the chicken over charcoal or in an oven at 400°F (204°C) for approximately one hour.
About 20 minutes before the chicken is fully cooked, baste it with the sauce, turning the chicken to coat each side.
Continue cooking over low heat, turning the chicken regularly to prevent it from burning.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
For a spicier flavor, add more peppers to the sauce.
For a sweeter flavor, add more brown sugar to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly, make sure to baste it with the sauce regularly while it is cooking.

- For a spicier flavor, add more wiri-wiri peppers to the sauce.

- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of peppers used in the sauce.

- Make sure to turn the chicken regularly while cooking to prevent it from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Guyanese Barbecued Chicken is best served hot with a side of rice and peas, fried plantains, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the chicken over charcoal or in an oven at 400°F (204°C) ensures that it is cooked evenly and retains its juicy flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have piquante sauce, you can substitute it with hot sauce or chili paste.

- If you don't have wiri-wiri peppers, you can use Scotch bonnet peppers or jalapenos as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight to enhance the flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Guyanese Barbecued Chicken pairs well with a cold beer or a fruity cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Guyanese Barbecued Chicken is a high-protein dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Guyanese Barbecued Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue. With its unique blend of spices and ingredients, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Guyanese Barbecued Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had recently returned from a trip to Guyana. She had brought back a cookbook filled with delicious recipes from the region, and as she flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a picture of the most mouthwatering barbecued chicken I had ever seen.

My friend explained that this dish was a staple in Guyanese cuisine, and she had sampled it at a local street food vendor during her trip. She raved about the smoky, tangy flavors of the marinade and the crispy, caramelized skin of the chicken. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it for myself.

I begged my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. Armed with a list of ingredients and a newfound determination, I set out to recreate the Guyanese Barbecued Chicken in my own kitchen.

The first step was to prepare the marinade. I gathered together a variety of spices and herbs, including garlic, ginger, thyme, and scallions. I mixed them all together with soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar to create a fragrant and flavorful marinade that would infuse the chicken with the taste of Guyana.

Next, I coated the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them sit in the refrigerator for several hours to soak up all the delicious flavors. As the chicken marinated, I could already smell the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, promising a mouthwatering meal to come.

When it was time to cook, I fired up the grill and carefully placed the marinated chicken pieces on the hot grates. The sizzle of the meat hitting the heat was music to my ears, and I watched as the chicken began to char and caramelize under the flames.

I basted the chicken with more of the marinade as it cooked, building layer upon layer of flavor with each brush of the sauce. The rich, dark color of the marinade transformed the chicken into a beautiful golden brown, glistening with caramelized sugars and savory spices.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the chicken was ready. I carefully removed it from the grill and placed it on a platter, the scent of smoky, tangy barbecue filling the air around me. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite of Guyanese Barbecued Chicken, I was transported to a street market in Guyana, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of vendors and the enticing aroma of grilled meats. The flavors were bold and complex, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that danced across my taste buds.

I savored each mouthful, relishing in the memories of my friend's trip and the joy of discovering a new and delicious recipe to add to my repertoire. The Guyanese Barbecued Chicken had captured my heart and my taste buds, and I knew that it would become a beloved favorite in my family for years to come.

And so, with a full stomach and a happy heart, I thanked my friend for introducing me to this incredible dish and marveled at the power of food to connect us across cultures and distances. The recipe for Guyanese Barbecued Chicken had become a treasured part of my culinary journey, and I couldn't wait to share it with others and pass on the delicious flavors of Guyana to future generations.