Grilled Chicken Inasal Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Dish

In addition to being well-known in the Philippines, Grilled Chicken Inasal has also gained popularity abroad. Loved by both locals and visitors, this flavorful & succulent dish has established itself as a staple in Filipino cuisine. The background of grilled chicken inasal, its components, & a detailed recipe you can follow at home are all covered in this article. Bacolod province in the Philippines is where Grilled Chicken Inasal first appeared.

Key Takeaways

  • Grilled Chicken Inasal is a popular Filipino dish that originated in Bacolod City.
  • The dish is known for its unique blend of flavors, which come from a marinade made with vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto oil.
  • To make Grilled Chicken Inasal, you will need chicken thighs, the marinade, and a charcoal grill.
  • Marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours is essential to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist during grilling.
  • Grilled Chicken Inasal is a versatile dish that can be served with rice, salad, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

It is thought to have been invented in the 1940s by a man by the name of Benjamin Gonzales, who opened a small restaurant. He tried out various marinades and grilling methods before settling on the one that became the signature dish for grilled chicken inasal. Soon after it was introduced to Bacolod, the dish’s fame expanded throughout the nation. With its unique tastes & soft meat, it became a favorite among both residents and visitors.

In modern times, Filipino communities worldwide relish Grilled Chicken Inasal, not just in the Philippines. You can find these ingredients in most Filipino grocery stores or Asian markets. To make Grilled Chicken Inasal, you’ll need: chicken thighs or drumsticks; pounded lemongrass stalks; minced garlic; grated ginger; calamansi juice or lemon juice; Soy sauce; vinegar; brown sugar; optional annatto oil; salt & pepper to taste. If you can’t find these ingredients or aren’t in the Philippines, you can try searching for alternatives.

For a comparable hue, lemon zest can be used in place of lemongrass, and turmeric powder can be used in place of annatto oil. Let’s get started with the Grilled Chicken Inasal recipe: 1. Grated ginger, minced garlic, calamansi juice, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, annatto oil (if using), salt, and pepper should all be combined in a bowl. Blend thoroughly to form the marinade. 2.

Ingredient Quantity
Chicken thighs 1 kg
Lime juice 1/2 cup
Lemongrass 2 stalks
Garlic 6 cloves
Ginger 1 thumb-sized piece
Vinegar 1/2 cup
Soy sauce 1/2 cup
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Salt 1 tsp
Black pepper 1 tsp
Annatto powder 1 tsp
Oil 1/4 cup

Put the drumsticks or thighs of chicken into a sizable container or resealable bag. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated after you pour the marinade over it. For optimal effects, marinate the chicken for at least two hours or overnight. Three.

Set the heat to medium-high on your grill. If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the chicken in the oven or use a grill pan instead. 4. Take the chicken out of the marinade and allow any extra to fall off. Save the marinade so you can bast afterwards. 5. The chicken should be cooked through and nicely charred after 6 to 8 minutes on each side of the grill.

To enhance the flavor even more, baste the chicken during grilling with the marinade that was set aside. 6. After the chicken is done, take it off the grill and give it some time to rest before serving. A crucial step in preparing Grilled Chicken Inasal is marinating the chicken.


The meat is tenderized as a result of the flavors seeping through. The chicken should be marinated for at least two hours, or overnight if you can, for optimal results. By doing this, you can be sure that the meat is juicy and flavorful & that the flavors have fully developed. To improve the flavor, you can add additional ingredients in addition to the basic marinade ingredients. Some prefer to add calamansi juice, which gives the chicken a zesty, tangy flavor.

Some people might add some oyster sauce or fish sauce to give it an umami boost. Try varying the ingredients and come up with your own special way to make this traditional recipe. A key component of getting that smoky, charred flavor in Grilled Chicken Inasal is setting up the grill. Make sure to light the charcoal on a charcoal grill and allow it to burn until it turns gray and ashy. By doing this, you can make sure the grill is hot enough to cook the chicken through.

Turn the heat up to medium-high if you’re using a gas grill. As a result, the chicken will cook through more evenly & get a lovely char on the outside. For the grill to not stick, make sure the grates are clean before cooking. A recipe for Grilled Chicken Inasal can be made with or without grilling the chicken. When the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken on it and cook it for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until it is well done and has a nice char. For added flavor and moisture, baste the chicken during grilling with the marinade that was set aside.

To avoid the chicken burning while grilling, it’s critical to monitor it closely. To guarantee even cooking, turn the chicken frequently & adjust the heat as needed. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and its juices run clear, it is considered done. Although it tastes great on its own, grilled chicken inasal can also be served with a variety of sides.

It is typically served with atchara, a pickled papaya relish, on the side and steamed rice. The savory and smoky flavors of the chicken are enhanced by the crunchy and tart atchara. For a lighter meal, you can also serve Grilled Chicken Inasal with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

The crisp vegetables make a great contrast to the juicy, charred chicken. Another choice is to serve it with a dipping sauce, like a hot soy sauce dip or a garlic-vinegar dip. To make a full and fulfilling supper, Grilled Chicken Inasal can be added to a variety of dinner ideas. To help you get started, consider these suggestions: 1. Serve chicken kebabs as an appetizer or a main course by threading the grilled chicken onto skewers.

For dipping, you can serve them with sweet chili or peanut sauce. 2. Slicing the grilled chicken and serving it over quinoa or steamed rice creates an Inasal bowl. Add some fresh veggies to the top, like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Serve with a zesty vinaigrette or yogurt-based sauce as a drizzle. 3. Chicken Inasal Tacos: Warm tortillas are topped with shredded grilled chicken. Add your preferred taco toppings, like guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese, on top of it. To add even more flavor, squeeze in some lime. 4. Sliced grilled chicken is served over a bed of mixed greens in the Chicken Inasal Salad. Crumble in the feta cheese, add the cherry tomatoes, and slice the cucumber.

For a light and refreshing salad, drizzle with a lemon-herb dressing. Philippines residents love grilled chicken inasal, which has become well-known across the globe. For any occasion, its smoky char and flavorful marinade make it a crowd favorite.

You can replicate the authentic flavor of Grilled Chicken Inasal in your own kitchen by using the recipe & advice in this article. To make the dish uniquely yours, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Encourage people to try making Grilled Chicken Inasal by sharing your personal tales and experiences with it. Grilled Chicken Inasal is a dish worth trying whether you’re an adventurous food lover seeking to discover new flavors or a Filipino pining for a taste of home.

Looking for more delicious dinner ideas? Check out this amazing article on DinnerIdeas.blog that features a mouthwatering chicken inasal recipe. This Filipino dish is known for its succulent grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and citrus juices. With its tender and juicy meat, it’s no wonder why chicken inasal is a favorite among many. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your dinner table, be sure to try out this recipe! Click here to read more about it.

FAQs

What is chicken inasal?

Chicken inasal is a popular Filipino dish that originated in the Western Visayas region. It is a grilled chicken dish that is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto oil.

What are the ingredients needed for chicken inasal?

The ingredients needed for chicken inasal include chicken pieces, vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, annatto oil, salt, pepper, and sugar.

How do you make chicken inasal?

To make chicken inasal, marinate chicken pieces in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, annatto oil, salt, pepper, and sugar for at least 2 hours. Grill the chicken until cooked through and serve with rice and a dipping sauce.

What is annatto oil?

Annatto oil is a type of oil that is made by steeping annatto seeds in oil. It is commonly used in Filipino and Latin American cuisine to add color and flavor to dishes.

What is calamansi juice?

Calamansi juice is a type of citrus juice that is made from calamansi, a small citrus fruit that is native to the Philippines. It has a tart and slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in Filipino cuisine.

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a type of herb that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a lemony flavor and is often used to add flavor to soups, curries, and marinades.

What is the best way to grill chicken inasal?

The best way to grill chicken inasal is to use a charcoal grill and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it is cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior. Basting the chicken with the marinade while it cooks will help to keep it moist and flavorful.