Grilled Filipino Chicken Inasal with Annatto Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant annatto and citrus mixture, then grilled to smoky perfection, capturing the essence of Filipino Inasal. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, annatto oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp annatto oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/4 cup calamansi or lime juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, massaging to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Filipino Chicken Inasal with Annatto Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Filipino Chicken Inasal with Annatto Marinade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep annatto oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Filipino Chicken Inasal with Annatto Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Filipino Chicken Inasal with Annatto Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Filipino Chicken Inasal with Annatto Marinade?

Filipino chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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