Juicy, smoky, and bursting with citrusy-umami flavor, this Chicken Inasal Recipe brings the heart of Bacolod’s street food culture straight to your kitchen. A beloved Filipino dish, Chicken Inasal features grilled chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of calamansi (or lemon), garlic, ginger, lemongrass, vinegar, and annatto oil. It’s known for its distinct aroma, golden-orange hue, and bold, tangy-savory flavor that sets it apart from other grilled chicken recipes.
Hot coals hot basted with flavor-packed annatto oil as you BBQ Chicken Inasal: This iconic Filipino barbecue is bursting with bright and bold flavors to give you the perfect balance of char, heat, and all-around deliciousness. The marinade allows the chicken to tenderize while soaking up layers and layers of Filipino influence. Served with garlic rice and a dipping sauce with vinegar, chili, and soy sauce, it’s comfort food with a spicy zing.
Whether you’re close to your Filipino roots like I am, or you love tasting a variety of world cuisines, with this homemade chicken inasal, enjoying the real deal is as simple as opening your door and inviting your guests in! Heat the grill or the oven, and prepare for a chicken experience that won’t soon be forgotten.
👇 Ready to bring the bold, smoky flavors of the Philippines to your table?
This Chicken Inasal is tangy, juicy, and rich with authentic Filipino spices.
Scroll down for the full step-by-step recipe, it’s easier than you think!
Let’s marinate, grill, and enjoy this Bacolod-style classic! 🔥🍗🇵🇭
Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)
Equipment
- 1 × Grill or Oven
- 1 × Blender or Food Processor
- 1 × Bowl or Zip-top Bag
- 1 × Basting Brush
- 1 × Tongs
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or legs
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice or substitute lemon/lime juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass minced (white part only)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Annatto Oil for basting
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1 tbsp annatto seeds or 1 tsp annatto powder
- 1 clove garlic optional, smashed
Instructions
- Make the Annatto Oil: In a small saucepan, heat oil with annatto seeds and smashed garlic over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, until oil turns orange. Strain and set aside.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or blender, mix calamansi juice, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend if desired for a smoother marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour marinade over it. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Grill or Bake:
- Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium heat. Cook chicken for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally with annatto oil, until juices run clear and skin is slightly charred.
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken on a baking tray and bake for 35–40 minutes. Broil for the last 3–5 minutes to get a grilled finish. Baste with annatto oil halfway through.
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with garlic rice, dipping sauce (vinegar, soy sauce, chili), and pickled papaya if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add chopped chili to the marinade or dipping sauce.
- Don’t skip the resting time,it helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Annatto oil can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Share Your Twist on Chicken Inasal!
Did you grill it the traditional way or bake it in the oven? Maybe you added a splash of coconut milk, used lime instead of calamansi, or served it with pickled papaya?
At Oooh Delish, we love seeing how you make this Filipino classic your own, whether it’s a regional variation or a creative fusion!
📸 Snap a photo of your Chicken Inasal creation and tag us with #OoohDelishTwist , we might feature your version on our page!
💌 Have a family-style recipe or a unique marinade trick? Email it to contact@ooohdelish.com and we may publish it with your name on it!
Your twist could inspire the next great inasal moment! 🔥🍗🇵🇭
FAQs: Chicken Inasal Recipe
What is Chicken Inasal made of?
Chicken Inasal is made with bone-in chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi or lime, garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and annatto oil, then grilled or baked.
Can I use lemon instead of calamansi?
Yes! Lemon or lime juice makes a great substitute if calamansi is not available. Add a bit of orange juice for a more authentic flavor balance.
Do I need annatto oil for Chicken Inasal?
Annatto oil gives Chicken Inasal its iconic color and earthy flavor. While optional, it’s highly recommended for authenticity.
Can I cook Chicken Inasal in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, then broil for 3–5 minutes for a grilled finish. Baste with annatto oil while baking.
What do I serve with Chicken Inasal?
It’s traditionally served with garlic rice, dipping sauce made of vinegar, soy sauce, and chili, and often a side of atchara (pickled papaya).
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