Filipino chicken barbecue is a beloved street food favorite that’s easy to recreate at home. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves juicy, tender chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a weekend get-together, you’ll enjoy making this delicious dish.
You’ll find that this easy Filipino chicken barbecue recipe uses accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the Philippines right to your backyard.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy marinade with simple pantry staples
- Grilled chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors
- Great for family meals, parties, or casual gatherings
- Versatile enough to cook on a grill or in the oven
- Juicy, tender chicken that stays flavorful every time
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the marinade and prepare the chicken for grilling.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup banana ketchup (or substitute with regular ketchup mixed with a teaspoon of sugar)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or substitute with fresh lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make Easy Filipino Chicken Barbecue Recipe
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, calamansi juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, salt, and paprika until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces to cook evenly.
- Grill the skewers for 4-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or sliced calamansi for extra zest.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results compared to chicken breast.
- Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning while grilling.
- Marinate chicken for at least 6 hours to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
- Brush leftover marinade on the chicken while grilling for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- If you don’t have a grill, broil the skewers in your oven at high heat, turning once, until cooked through.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Filipino chicken barbecue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month.
When reheating, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through, to maintain juiciness and avoid drying out the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but keep in mind it’s leaner and can dry out faster. Marinate it well and watch the cooking time closely to keep it juicy.
What if I can't find banana ketchup?
You can use regular ketchup with a teaspoon of brown sugar mixed in to mimic the sweetness and tanginess of banana ketchup. It works well in this recipe.
Is it necessary to soak the skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill. If using metal skewers, soaking is not needed.
Can I make this recipe without grilling?
Absolutely! You can broil the skewers in the oven or cook the chicken pieces in a grill pan on the stove. Just watch for even cooking and char marks for the best flavor.
