How To Marinate Chicken In Filipino Style

Marinating Chicken the Filipino Way

Marinating chicken in Filipino style is a delicious way to infuse your poultry with a burst of flavor. The Filipino cuisine is known for its unique blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, and marinating chicken in this style is no exception. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or frying, marinating your chicken in a Filipino-inspired marinade will elevate the taste to a whole new level.

Ingredients for Filipino-Style Chicken Marinade

Before we dive into the marinating process, let’s gather the essential ingredients for a classic Filipino-style chicken marinade:

• Soy Sauce: This adds a savory and salty flavor to the marinade.
• Lemon or Calamansi Juice: The citrusy tang of lemon or calamansi juice provides a refreshing zing to the marinade.
• Garlic: Crushed garlic cloves infuse the marinade with a pungent and aromatic flavor.
• Onion: Finely chopped onions add a subtle sweetness to the marinade.
• Pepper: Ground black pepper gives the marinade a hint of warmth and spice.
• Sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves impart a subtle earthy flavor to the marinade.

Marinating Process

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to marinate the chicken in the Filipino style. Follow these simple steps to achieve a mouthwatering Filipino-inspired chicken dish:

1. Cut the chicken into serving pieces or as desired. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively.
2. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, lemon or calamansi juice, crushed garlic, chopped onions, ground black pepper, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
3. Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure that each piece is coated evenly. For optimal flavor infusion, you can use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken gently.
5. Seal the plastic bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Marinating the chicken for an extended period allows the flavors to meld and permeate the meat.

Cooking the Marinated Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated sufficiently, it’s time to cook it to perfection. The Filipino-style marinated chicken can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, roasting, or frying. Here are a few cooking methods to consider:

• Grilling: Fire up the grill and cook the marinated chicken pieces over medium heat until they are charred and cooked through. Basting the chicken with the remaining marinade while grilling adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Roasting: Preheat the oven and arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Roast the chicken until it’s golden brown and tender, basting occasionally with the marinade for a delectable glaze.
• Frying: Heat some oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken pieces until they are crispy and golden on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

Serving Suggestions

Once the Filipino-style marinated chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy the flavorful dish. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement the succulent chicken:

• Pair the marinated chicken with steamed rice and a side of atchara (pickled papaya) for a complete Filipino meal.
• Create a vibrant chicken salad by tossing the marinated chicken with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Wrap the grilled marinated chicken in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce for a delightful chicken taco.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of marinating chicken in Filipino style, it’s time to savor the delightful flavors of this beloved dish. Whether it’s a family gathering, a backyard barbecue, or a simple weeknight dinner, Filipino-style marinated chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, gather your ingredients, marinate your chicken, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible taste of Filipino cuisine!