Discover the authentic taste of Chicken Inasal, a popular Filipino grilled chicken dish marinated in a tangy blend of calamansi, vinegar, garlic, lemongrass, and annatto oil. Served with steamed rice and a savory dipping sauce, this recipe offers a burst of flavors that will transport you to the Philippines. Perfect for your next barbecue or family dinner!

Chicken Inasal Recipe

Ingredients:

  - 4 chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick)

  - 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or substitute with lime or lemon juice)

  - 1/4 cup white vinegar

  - 6 cloves garlic, minced

  - 3 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped

  - 1/4 cup annatto oil (see below for recipe)

  - 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  - 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  - Salt and pepper to taste

Annatto Oil:

  - 1/4 cup vegetable oil

  - 2 tablespoons annatto seeds

For Serving:

  - Steamed rice

  - Dipping sauce (soy sauce, vinegar, chopped chilies, and calamansi juice)

Instructions:

Prepare the Annatto Oil:

1- Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2- Add annatto seeds and cook until the oil turns a deep orange color, about 2-3 minutes.

3- Strain the oil to remove the seeds and set aside.

Marinate the Chicken:

1- In a large bowl, combine calamansi juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, soy sauce, brown sugar, and annatto oil.

2- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3- Add the chicken leg quarters to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.

4- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Grill the Chicken:

1- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.

3- Grill the chicken, skin side down first, for about 15-20 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is nicely charred.

4- Baste the chicken occasionally with the remaining marinade during grilling for added flavor.

Serve:

1- Serve the Chicken Inasal with steamed rice.

2- Accompany with a dipping sauce made from a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, chopped chilies, and calamansi juice.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Chicken Inasal!

Nutritional Values:

We'll use average values for each ingredient per serving.

Chicken Inasal (Per Serving - 1 chicken leg quarter with marinade):

Chicken Leg Quarter (with skin, raw) - 250g:

  - Calories: 475 kcal

  - Protein: 33g

  - Fat: 36g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

  - Protein: Essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. It also supports immune function and the production of enzymes and hormones.

  - Fat: Provides energy, supports cell growth, protects organs, and helps absorb certain nutrients. The skin contains healthy fats, but should be consumed in moderation.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken is a good source of B vitamins (especially B3 and B6), which are crucial for energy production and brain function.

Calamansi Juice - 1 tablespoon (15ml):

  - Calories: 4 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

  - Vitamin C: Strengthens the immune system, aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.

  - Low in Calories: Helps in maintaining a healthy weight and can be included in low-calorie diets.

White Vinegar - 1 tablespoon (15ml):

  - Calories: 3 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

  - Acetic Acid: May help in controlling blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.

  - Antimicrobial Properties: Helps in killing harmful bacteria, which can be beneficial for digestive health.

Garlic - 1 clove (3g):

  - Calories: 4 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Protects cells from damage and supports the immune system.

  - Anti-inflammatory Properties: Can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Lemongrass - 1 tablespoon (5g):

  - Calories: 1 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall health.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and may help alleviate pain and swelling.

  - Digestive Health: Aids in digestion and can relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

Annatto Oil - 1 tablespoon (15ml):

  - Calories: 120 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Rich in tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E) which have potent antioxidant properties.

  - Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in the body.

  - Skin Health: The antioxidants in annatto oil support healthy skin and protect against damage from UV radiation.

Soy Sauce - 1 tablespoon (15ml):

  - Calories: 10 kcal

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

  - Protein: Contains small amounts of protein, which are essential for body repair and growth.

  - Low in Calories: Adds flavor to dishes without significantly increasing calorie intake.

  - Minerals: Contains sodium, which is essential for fluid balance and nerve function, though it should be consumed in moderation.

Brown Sugar - 1 tablespoon (12g):

  - Calories: 45 kcal

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:

  - Energy: Provides a quick source of energy due to its carbohydrate content.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium.

For Serving (Per Serving):

Steamed Rice - 1 cup (158g):

  - Calories: 205 kcal

  - Protein: 4g

  - Fat: 0.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 45g

benefits:

  - Carbohydrates: Provides a quick and efficient source of energy.

  - Low in Fat: A low-fat food option that is filling and satisfying.

  - B Vitamins: Contains vitamins like niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, which help convert food into energy.

Dipping Sauce (Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Chopped Chilies, and Calamansi Juice) - Approx. 1 tablespoon:

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

  - Capsaicin (from Chilies): Boosts metabolism, helps in weight management, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

  - Antioxidants (from Calamansi Juice): Protects against oxidative stress and supports immune health.

  - Acetic Acid (from Vinegar): Supports blood sugar control and improves digestion.

Total Nutritional Values Per Serving:

  - Calories: 867 kcal

  - Protein: 38.4g

  - Fat: 50.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 60.3g

These values are approximate and can vary based on the exact quantities and specific brands of ingredients used.