Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Introduction

Chicken Inasal is a classic Filipino dish that is loved for its savory and tangy flavor, succulent texture, and smoky aroma. This grilled chicken is marinated in a delicious mixture of vinegar, calamansi (Filipino lime), soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, which create a mouth-watering combination of flavors that perfectly complement the smoky char from grilling. It’s a dish that’s often associated with the province of Bacolod in the Philippines, where it’s traditionally served as a street food delicacy. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful weekend barbecue dish or something to serve at a festive gathering, Chicken Inasal is sure to be a hit.

This dish is part of Filipino cuisine’s rich tradition of grilling and barbecuing, and it’s often served with steamed rice and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili, which adds an extra layer of zest. The unique marination process ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy, while the grilled skin develops a crispy, caramelized texture. Best of all, this dish can be made with ease and shared with family and friends for any occasion.

Perfect for:

• Family gatherings and celebrations
• Outdoor barbecues
• Weekend grilling
• Filipino-themed dinner parties
• Chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Inasal Recipe

Here’s why Chicken Inasal will quickly become one of your favorite grilled chicken dishes:

• Flavorful Marinade: The marinade is a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that penetrate the chicken, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: The marination process not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it, resulting in a moist and tender texture that you’ll love.
• Grilled Perfection: Cooking the chicken over an open flame gives it a smoky aroma and a charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior.
• Customizable: You can adjust the marinade to your taste preferences, adding more or less of the ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, or spices for the perfect flavor.
• Perfectly Paired with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including marination time)
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1-2 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients for Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this authentic Chicken Inasal recipe:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into parts (or 6-8 pieces of bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, and breast)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably cane vinegar or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or substitute with lemon or lime)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional for added color and flavor)
• 1 tablespoon annatto oil (or achiote oil) for basting (optional, but it gives a vibrant color)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Bamboo skewers (for grilling, if desired)

Ingredient Highlights

• Soy Sauce: The soy sauce provides a deep umami flavor that forms the savory base of the marinade.
• Vinegar: The tanginess of the vinegar is key to balancing the richness of the chicken, while also tenderizing it during the marination process.
• Calamansi: A small citrus fruit native to the Philippines, calamansi has a distinct tart flavor that adds a refreshing citrusy kick to the dish. If unavailable, lemon or lime juice can be substituted.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness to the marinade that complements the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Annatto Oil: Annatto oil is used to give the chicken a beautiful orange-red color and adds a subtle, earthy flavor. It’s commonly used in Filipino cooking, but it’s optional for this recipe.
• Turmeric: Although not always included, turmeric can add an extra depth of flavor and a beautiful yellow hue to the marinade.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Follow these simple steps to prepare and grill the perfect Chicken Inasal:

First Step: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: If using a whole chicken, cut it into manageable parts (legs, thighs, breasts, and wings). You can also use pre-cut chicken parts such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings for convenience.
2. Score the Chicken: Make shallow cuts on the chicken pieces to allow the marinade to penetrate better and to ensure even cooking.

Second Step: Marinate the Chicken

3. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and turmeric (if using). Stir or shake well to dissolve the sugar and combine the ingredients.
4. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
5. Optional: If using annatto oil, you can brush it on the chicken before grilling to give it an extra vibrant color.

Third Step: Prepare the Grill

6. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are ashed over and glowing red before cooking. If you’re using a gas grill, set it to medium-high heat.
7. Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil or non-stick spray.

Fourth Step: Grill the Chicken

8. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill, skin-side down. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and has a nice char.
   • For bone-in pieces, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • For boneless pieces, cook for 4-6 minutes per side or until the juices run clear.
9. Baste the Chicken (Optional): If you want to achieve an extra flavorful, glossy finish, baste the chicken with the annatto oil during grilling. You can also brush the chicken with some of the leftover marinade, but make sure to avoid using marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

Fifth Step: Rest and Serve

10. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender.
11. Serve: Serve the Chicken Inasal with steamed white rice, a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili (suka’t toyo), or even a side of pickled vegetables for an authentic Filipino meal.

How to Serve Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Chicken Inasal is best enjoyed with a variety of sides that complement its smoky, tangy flavors. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With Steamed Rice: The classic Filipino pairing for Chicken Inasal is a side of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up the delicious marinade and pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
• With Dipping Sauce: A simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and finely chopped chilies (suka’t toyo) adds an extra punch of flavor and heat. You can also add a dash of calamansi juice for an added citrus kick.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Grill some corn on the cob, eggplant, or other vegetables alongside the chicken for a complete barbecue meal.
• With Atchara (Pickled Papaya): A traditional Filipino side dish, atchara (pickled green papaya) provides a tangy contrast to the savory and smoky chicken.
• As a Wrap: For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Inasal in a lettuce wrap with a bit of garlic sauce or pickled vegetables for a low-carb version of the dish.

Additional Tips for Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Here are some tips to make your Chicken Inasal even better:

• Don’t Skip the Marination: Marinating the chicken is key to achieving the tender, flavorful result. While you can marinate for as little as 1 hour, overnight marination will give you the best flavor.
• Use High-Quality Soy Sauce: The soy sauce plays a big role in the marinade, so using a high-quality soy sauce will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Grill Over Medium Heat: Cooking the chicken over medium heat helps ensure that it cooks evenly without burning the outside. Be patient and let the chicken develop a nice char.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, add extra chili to the marinade or use a spicier dipping sauce.

Recipe Variations of Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Here are some variations of Chicken Inasal that you can try:

1. Spicy Chicken Inasal: Add extra chili peppers or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
2. Lemon Grass Chicken Inasal: Infuse the marinade with fresh lemon grass for a more aromatic flavor.
3. Coconut Milk Chicken Inasal: Add a splash of coconut milk to the marinade for a creamy twist that complements the tangy flavors.
4. Crispy Skin Chicken Inasal: For extra crispy skin, finish the chicken in a hot pan for a few minutes after grilling, or use a blowtorch to crisp up the skin.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

• Freezing: You can freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Simply place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
• Storage: Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the grill for best results.

Special Equipment for Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Here are some special equipment items you might need to make Chicken Inasal:

• Grill: A charcoal or gas grill is perfect for achieving that signature smoky flavor. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a broiler.
• Basting Brush: A silicone basting brush is useful for applying annatto oil or the marinade while grilling.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked through without being overdone.
• Bamboo Skewers: If grilling smaller pieces, bamboo skewers can help make the cooking process easier and more efficient.

FAQ Section about Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

1. Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Inasal? Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in pieces tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make Chicken Inasal in the oven? Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in the oven under the broiler. Just be sure to flip it halfway through and keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
3. How do I make the chicken more flavorful? Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Also, basting it with annatto oil during grilling adds a nice color and flavor.
4. What if I can’t find calamansi? If calamansi is not available, you can substitute with lemon or lime juice, although the flavor may be slightly different.
5. Can I make Chicken Inasal on a stovetop grill pan? Yes, a stovetop grill pan works well for making Chicken Inasal, especially if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

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Conclusion of Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Chicken Inasal is a delicious and flavorful Filipino grilled chicken recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With its marinated chicken, smoky grilled flavor, and tender texture, it’s a dish that brings people together and celebrates the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering, a casual barbecue, or just a weeknight dinner, Chicken Inasal is an easy and tasty way to enjoy grilled chicken with a unique twist. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides, and let the delicious flavors transport you to the streets of Bacolod.