Filipino Barbecue Chicken Skewers are packed with sweet and smoky flavors that make your taste buds dance! Marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, these tender pieces of chicken are irresistible.
Put them on the grill, sit back, and watch them sizzle! I love serving them with rice; it’s the perfect combo. You might want to make extra because they disappear fast! 🍗🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken breast, though it may dry out quicker.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the marinade. If you’re trying to reduce sodium, consider low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative.
Banana Ketchup: The star of this dish! If you can’t find banana ketchup, a mix of regular ketchup and a splash of sweet soy sauce can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that unique sweetness.
Vinegar: Cane vinegar is traditional and gives a nice tang. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if necessary, but adjust the quantity to your taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tanginess. You can also use honey or coconut sugar as a substitute, but note that this may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is crucial for bringing out flavor, especially in grilled dishes. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces (1-inch) for even marination.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade. Make sure they’re covered well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; overnight is better. This allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the chicken.
Patience is key! The longer you let it marinate, the more flavorful your skewers will be. Don’t skip this step!
How to Make Filipino Barbecue Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably cane vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander (optional)
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus a minimum of 2 hours for marinating. When you’re ready to grill, set aside about 10-15 minutes for cooking. Overall, plan on about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get these delicious skewers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, ground black pepper, salt, and any optional spices like coriander and paprika. This tasty mixture will be the marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the 1-inch pieces of chicken to the marinade, making sure they are all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you have the time, letting it sit overnight will give you even better flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and develop a nice char.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take your soaked bamboo skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Pack the chicken close together, but don’t pack them too tightly. This allows the heat to circulate and cook the chicken properly.
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally for even cooking. If you’d like, you can baste them with the leftover marinade while grilling to add even more flavor.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and has a lovely char, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Serve the skewers hot, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced lemon if you like.
Enjoy your delicious Filipino Barbecue Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs! Just keep in mind that chicken breast can dry out more easily because it’s leaner. To prevent this, avoid overcooking and consider slightly reducing the grilling time to keep the meat juicy.
What’s a Good Substitution for Banana Ketchup?
If you can’t find banana ketchup, you can use regular ketchup mixed with a touch of sugar and a small amount of vinegar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor. For a unique twist, try mixing in a little mango puree if you have it on hand!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 2 hours will work, but longer is always better. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated during the marinating process!
Can I Store Leftover Skewers?
Absolutely! Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on a hot skillet to regain some of that grilled flavor!
