Description
This Easy Filipino Chicken Barbecue Recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet, tangy, and savory blend of soy sauce, banana ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and brown sugar. Grilled to perfection with delicious charred edges, these juicy chicken skewers are perfect for family dinners, backyard cookouts, meal prep, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup banana ketchup (or regular ketchup)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
For Grilling
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, onion, black pepper, salt, paprika, and water. Stir until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, turning occasionally.
- Baste with reserved marinade if desired and continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Overnight marinating creates the most flavorful chicken.
- Banana ketchup provides authentic Filipino barbecue flavor, but regular ketchup works well too.
- Soak bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken if you plan to use it for basting.
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts on the grill.
- Serve with garlic rice, pickled vegetables, or spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg