Chicken Inasal Recipe delivers smoky flavor and bright citrus notes in a popular Filipino grilled dish. This preparation uses chicken marinated with spices, citrus juice, and seasonings. The cooking process creates a savory taste with light charred edges. Many Filipino households and restaurants serve this dish with rice and dipping sauces.
What Makes Chicken Inasal Popular
Chicken Inasal comes from the western region of the Philippines and specifically the city where I live in, the city of Smiles, Bacolod City. Cooks often grill the chicken over hot charcoal. The marinade creates a balance between savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Annatto oil also gives the chicken its recognizable golden color.
Many people serve Chicken Inasal with Java rice and Soy sauce with calamansi and chili also complement the dish. These side ingredients add extra flavor during serving.
Ingredients
Prepare these ingredients before cooking:
- 1 kilogram chicken thighs or chicken leg quarters
- 1/2 cup calamansi juice
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 cup lemonsoda
- 2 tablespoons annatto oil
For basting:
For serving:
- Java rice
- Calamansi halves
- Soy sauce
- Sliced chili peppers
How to Make Chicken Inasal Recipe
Place the chicken in a large bowl. Make shallow cuts on the chicken surface to help the marinade absorb better. Add calamansi juice, lemonsoda, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and black pepper.
Add oyster sauce, annatto oil, and chopped lemongrass. Mix the ingredients well. Coat every chicken piece evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken. Marinate the chicken for at least four hours.
Heat the grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade before cooking.
Place the chicken on the grill surface. Cook each side for about 15 minutes.
Brush the annatto oil over the chicken regularly.
Continue grilling until the chicken reaches a golden color. Ensure the meat cooks fully before serving.
Serve the chicken with Java rice, calamansi, soy sauce, and chili peppers.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Inasal Recipe
Serve the dish immediately after grilling. Warm rice helps absorb the flavorful juices.
Fresh calamansi creates a brighter taste. Soy sauce and chili provide extra depth and heat.