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Filipino Barbecue Chicken Recipe

Filipino Barbecue Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes to overnight plus cooking time
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Pork Barbecue brings sizzling Filipino street flavor straight to your dinner table with tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce. Grilling these skewers creates an authentic taste that transports you to the bustling markets of Manila with just one bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2.5 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs

Marinade Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup banana ketchup
  • 0.75 cup lemon-lime soda
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon

Basting Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons banana ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant marinade by blending ½ cup banana ketchup, ¾ cup lemon-lime soda, ½ cup soy sauce, 4 crushed garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and juice from 1 medium lemon in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Submerge 2 ½ pounds of chicken thighs (cut in half) completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Prepare the basting sauce by whisking 3 tablespoons banana ketchup, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon fish sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Heat your grill to medium-high, targeting a temperature around 375-400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the grill, spacing them evenly. Cook for 7-8 minutes on the first side, developing beautiful caramelized marks.
  6. Flip the chicken and brush generously with prepared basting sauce. Continue grilling for another 7-8 minutes, reapplying sauce halfway through cooking.
  7. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer – chicken must reach 165°F at its thickest point to ensure safe consumption.
  8. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain maximum tenderness.

Notes

  • Banana ketchup adds a unique Filipino twist, bringing sweet and tangy flavors that make this chicken stand out from typical barbecue recipes.
  • Marinating overnight deepens the flavor, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich combination of soy sauce, garlic, and soda.
  • For gluten-free diets, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your banana ketchup is gluten-free.
  • When grilling, watch the heat carefully to prevent burning, as the sugars in the marinade can caramelize quickly and create charred spots.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14-20 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg