How To Marinate Inasal Chicken

Delicious Inasal Chicken: A Flavorful Filipino Dish

Marinating Inasal chicken is a crucial step in preparing this popular Filipino dish. The marinade is the key to infusing the chicken with the vibrant flavors that make Inasal so delicious. Whether you’re preparing Inasal for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of the Philippines, mastering the art of marinating Inasal chicken is essential.

Ingredients for Marinating Inasal Chicken

Before diving into the marinating process, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breast)
• Lime or calamansi juice
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Onion, finely chopped
• Lemongrass, pounded
• Annatto powder or achuete seeds
• Coconut vinegar or white vinegar
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Salt and pepper

Steps to Marinate Inasal Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Follow these steps for a flavorful and aromatic Inasal:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the lime or calamansi juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped onion, pounded lemongrass, annatto powder or achuete seeds, coconut vinegar or white vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, make sure the coals are evenly lit and have turned ash-gray before placing the chicken on the grill.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Grill the chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a slightly charred and caramelized exterior. This should take about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the Inasal chicken is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with additional lime or calamansi wedges. Serve with steamed rice and a side of atchara (pickled green papaya) for a complete and authentic Filipino dining experience.

Tips for Perfectly Marinated Inasal Chicken

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Inasal chicken turns out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor:

• Prick the chicken pieces with a fork before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.
• For an added smoky aroma, you can baste the chicken with annatto oil while grilling.
• Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the marinade to suit your personal preference.
• Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
• Experiment with different cuts of chicken and find your favorite for Inasal.

With these simple steps and tips, you can elevate your cooking skills and delight your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Inasal chicken. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving a taste of the Philippines, marinating Inasal chicken is a rewarding culinary adventure that’s sure to impress.