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Filipino Chicken Barbecue

Filipino Chicken Barbecue: Juicy Skewers Bursting with Flavor

This Filipino Chicken Barbecue recipe features juicy skewers bursting with flavor, perfect for summer grilling.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Marination Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 44 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Can substitute with tamari for gluten-free.
  • 1/2 cup Banana Ketchup Can substitute with regular ketchup mixed with soy sauce.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Replace with honey or coconut sugar for different flavor.
  • 1/4 cup White Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a milder alternative.
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • 1 medium Chopped Onion Shallots can be used for a milder taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Freshly cracked is preferable.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Kosher salt is often preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can add extra flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Water Can be omitted if the marinade doesn’t need thinning.
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Chicken Thighs Best choice for juiciness and flavor.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skewers

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, minced garlic, chopped onion, black pepper, salt, paprika, and water. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves fully, creating a smooth marinade.
  2. Add bite-sized chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. About 20 minutes before grilling, remove the chicken from the fridge to bring it closer to room temperature. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  4. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes, then thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
  5. Place the skewers on the preheated grill, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Baste with remaining marinade during grilling.
  6. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1skewersCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Serve the Filipino Chicken Barbecue hot off the grill with steamed rice and your choice of dipping sauce for an authentic experience.

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