pinoy chicken barbecue recipe
The Best pinoy chicken barbecue recipe
I have been making this Pinoy chicken barbecue recipe for years, and it is one of those dishes that always gets my family excited. The sweet and savory marinade with a hint of citrus makes the chicken so tender and flavorful. My kids love the sticky glaze that caramelizes on the grill, and I love how easy it is to put together for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.
This recipe comes from the Philippines, where street vendors often sell these skewers of grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, garlic, and brown sugar. The marinade does double duty: it adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. When you grill the chicken over medium heat, the sugars in the marinade create a beautiful char that is both sweet and smoky.
The key is to let the chicken marinate for at least a few hours, but overnight is even better for the best results. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can serve it with steamed rice and a simple vinegar dipping sauce for a traditional meal, or pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
The chicken stays juicy because the marinade has a good balance of acid and oil, which helps lock in moisture during cooking. It is also a great recipe for meal prep since you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and just grill it when you are ready to eat. Health wise, this recipe uses lean chicken thighs or breasts, so you get a good amount of protein without too much fat.
The marinade has no artificial ingredients, just simple pantry staples. I feel good serving this to my family because it is homemade and full of real flavors. Whether we are having a casual dinner or hosting friends for a barbecue, this Pinoy chicken barbecue always gets compliments.
Pinoy Chicken Barbecue
This Filipino style chicken barbecue is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and brown sugar. Grilled to perfection, it is juicy, caramelized, and perfect with rice and a vinegar dip.
🥘Ingredients
For the Marinade
For the Chicken
For the Basting Sauce
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Pinoy Chicken Barbecue Works
To store any leftover Pinoy chicken barbecue, place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat, the best method is to pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, which helps keep the chicken moist and the glaze sticky.
You can also reheat them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side to bring back that lovely char. For serving, I love to pair this chicken with steamed jasmine rice and a simple vinegar dipping sauce made with garlic and chili.
It also goes well with a fresh cucumber salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. This recipe is always a hit at family gatherings because it is easy to make in large batches and everyone loves the sweet and savory flavors.
Whether it is a casual dinner or a special occasion, this Pinoy chicken barbecue never disappoints.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pinoy Chicken Barbecue
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it because breast meat dries out faster. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier due to their higher fat content. If using breast, marinate for at least 2 hours and grill just until cooked through.
2. What can I use instead of calamansi juice?
Calamansi is a small citrus fruit common in the Philippines, but you can easily substitute it with equal parts lemon juice and lime juice. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. You can also use pure lemon juice if that is what you have on hand.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours. Overnight marinating is even better because the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the chicken too much and make it mushy.
4. Can I cook this in the oven instead of on a grill?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once and basting with the sauce halfway through. For a charred effect, you can broil the skewers for the last 2 minutes, but watch them closely so they don’t burn.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chicken barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the texture will be softer. For best results, reheat on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat to restore some of the char.
