Sorrel BBQ Sauce Recipe for Wings and Bake Chicken

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Christmas is just around the corner, and in my household, is already planning our Christmas lunch.

This year’s menu is a delicious spread featuring sorrel BBQ baked chicken, Christmas rice, pastelles pie, a festive salad, honey-glazed ham, and refreshing drinks like sorrel and ginger beer.

Every year, my family enjoys my sorrel BBQ chicken, which has become a centerpiece at our table. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, and today, I’m thrilled to share it with you!

If you’re curious about adding unique flavors to your holiday menu, sorrel BBQ sauce for baked chicken or wings might be just what you’re looking for.

What is Sorrel?

Sorrel also called a hibiscus, is a tropical plant with bright red, tangy petals that are packed with flavor and health benefits.

In the Caribbean, sorrel is used in holiday drinks and dishes. When prepared, sorrel has a slightly tart taste with hints of cranberry and citrus, making it an excellent base for a unique BBQ sauce.

Its festive red color and bold flavor add a holiday touch to any dish, especially for Christmas.

Do You Need to Use Homemade BBQ Sauce?

While making BBQ sauce from scratch is a fantastic option, I prefer to keep things simple during the holidays and use store-bought BBQ sauce as a base.

By adding sorrel and a few other ingredients, we can elevate the flavor of any regular BBQ sauce to create a custom, flavorful glaze with minimal effort.

If you’re short on time, a good-quality BBQ sauce from the store will work perfectly and save you time.

Sorrel BBQ Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup of prepared sorrel (store-bought or homemade sorrel concentrate)
• 1 cup of store-bought BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh green seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced for extra zest
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

How to Make Sorrel BBQ Baked Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces. For wings, drumettes, or thighs, plan on around 2 pounds for a family serving.

Season the Chicken: Season your chicken with salt, pepper, a little paprika, and some fresh green seasoning.

Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sorrel BBQ Sauce

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, sorrel, brown sugar, honey, green seasoning, allspice, and any optional ingredients.

Adjust to Taste: Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a little more sugar or honey if it’s too tart or some soy sauce for added depth.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish, leaving space between them for even cooking.

Apply the Sauce: Generously brush the chicken with your sorrel BBQ sauce, covering each piece well. Reserve some sauce for basting.

Bake: Bake the chicken for about 30-40 minutes. Baste the chicken with more sauce every 10-15 minutes for a deeper glaze and flavor.

Broil for a Crispy Finish: During the last 5 minutes, turn on the broiler to get a slight char on the top, enhancing the smoky BBQ flavor.

Step 4: Serve

Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions for a festive look. Serve your sorrel BBQ baked chicken alongside Christmas rice, salad, and all your holiday favorites.

How to Store Leftover Sorrel BBQ Sauce

• Refrigerate: Pour the leftover sorrel BBQ sauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to a week.
• Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat Before Use: When you’re ready to use it again, thaw (if frozen) and warm it gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.

Why Add Green Seasoning?

Adding green seasoning to the sorrel BBQ sauce is one of the secrets to this recipe’s amazing flavor.

Green seasoning is a staple in Caribbean cooking and includes ingredients like cilantro, parsley, green onions, garlic, and thyme.

This blend adds freshness and depth to the BBQ sauce, balancing the tartness of the sorrel with vibrant herbal notes.

A little goes a long way, so 1-2 teaspoons will be perfect.

Tips for Perfect Sorrel BBQ Baked Chicken

1. Use Enough Sauce: Don’t be shy with the sauce! The sorrel BBQ sauce should generously coat each piece, and basting during baking helps intensify the flavor.
2. Marinate for More Flavor: Although optional, marinating the chicken in green seasoning and basic spices enhances the taste.
3. Serve Warm: Sorrel BBQ baked chicken is best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the oven.

Final Thoughts

Adding sorrel to BBQ sauce creates a distinctive, holiday-inspired flavor that makes any dish extra special for Christmas.

My family loves this sorrel BBQ baked chicken, and it pairs beautifully with our holiday sides. You can also add it to your kitchen.