This Easy Filipino Chicken Barbecue is packed with sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, giving it a tasty char.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love grilled chicken? I always make extra so I can enjoy leftovers. It’s perfect with rice or even just on its own—so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I suggest using chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but drumsticks work well too. If you’re in a pinch, boneless chicken can also be used, but watch the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Banana Ketchup: This adds a unique sweetness and color. If you can’t find it, tomato ketchup is a good alternative. It might taste a bit different, but still delicious.
Pineapple Juice: Using this makes your chicken extra tender and adds a nice sweet kick. If you don’t have any, you can leave it out or use orange juice as a sweet substitute.
Calamansi Juice: A Filipino favorite, it gives a citrusy flavor. Lemon juice is a great replacement if calamansi isn’t available.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to infusing it with flavor and tenderness. Here are my tips for effective marination:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly; every piece should swim in the marinade.
- Refrigerating it for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Overnight is best.
- For larger cuts, consider poking a few holes in the chicken to help the marinade soak in better.
With these tips, your chicken barbecue will have a rich flavor that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Filipino Chicken Barbecue with Sweet and Savory Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup banana ketchup (or tomato ketchup as substitute)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for sweetness and tenderness)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Barbecue recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 2 hours for marinating, ideally overnight for the best flavor. Cooking on the grill takes about 15 minutes, so you’ll be digging into this delightful dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, minced garlic, calamansi juice, black pepper, salt, and cooking oil. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is evenly blended. This marinade is what will give your chicken that delicious sweet and savory flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For maximum flavor, leaving it overnight works wonders!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
If you’re using bamboo skewers, now’s the time to thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. This makes them easy to handle on the grill and adds a fun presentation!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. Don’t forget to lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Turn them occasionally and brush on some leftover marinade while grilling to keep them juicy and flavorful.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juiciness. Serve the chicken skewers hot with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce, such as vinegar with garlic or more banana ketchup.
Enjoy your delicious, sweet and savory Filipino chicken barbecue—perfect for gatherings or a simple family meal!
FAQ for Easy Filipino Chicken Barbecue
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While thighs and drumsticks provide great flavor and moisture, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the shorter cooking time to avoid drying them out.
What If I Don’t Have Banana Ketchup?
No worries! Tomato ketchup is an excellent substitute. It will change the flavor slightly, but your chicken will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you can, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator is ideal! Just be cautious not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acid can break down the meat too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy it with rice or in a salad for a quick meal!
