Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal is a popular grilled chicken dish from the Philippines, particularly from the Western Visayas region. It is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, annatto, and other spices, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

To make Chicken Inasal, start by preparing the marinade by combining vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, annatto, and other spices in a bowl. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.

Serve the Chicken Inasal with steamed rice, atchara (pickled papaya), and a dipping sauce made from a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, chopped onions, and chili peppers. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken leg quarters or chicken thighs, skin on
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup minced garlic
• 2 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp lemongrass, chopped
• 1 tbsp annatto powder (or achuete seeds)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, calamansi juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, annatto powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
4. Thread the chicken onto the bamboo skewers, making sure to leave some space between the pieces.
5. Grill the chicken for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
6. Serve the Chicken Inasal with steamed rice and a dipping sauce made from a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, chopped onions, and chili peppers.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Chicken Inasal!