Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Chicken Inasal
Juicy Filipino grilled chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of vinegar, garlic, and lemongrass for smoky, tangy flavors. This Filipino-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, cane vinegar, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup cane vinegar
- 6, minced garlic cloves
- 2, bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp, for basting (optional) annatto oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup cane vinegar, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to blend.
- Step 2: Add 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve marinade for basting.
- Step 4: Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade or 3 tbsp annatto oil for color and flavor, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is charred in spots.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with steamed rice and pickled vegetables.









