Categories: Main

Lip-Smacking Filipino BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers (Inihaw na Manok)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Follow Us Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Have you ever had Filipino BBQ chicken skewers? If not, you’re in for a real treat! These skewers are so delicious and easy to make.

Filipino BBQ chicken skewers are made from succulent and juicy chicken thighs that have been marinated in a soy garlic sauce. The chicken is then skewered and grilled to perfection over hot charcoal.

These skewers are perfect for a fun and easy summer meal. Enjoy the nice and warm flavors of Filipino BBQ chicken skewers while sitting outside in the sunshine.

Keep reading for the recipe!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer policy for details. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

What Do Filipino BBQ Chicken Skewers Taste Like?

Filipino BBQ chicken skewers are made from chicken thighs that have been marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, lemon-lime soda, garlic, and brown sugar.

The sauce gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor, while the grilled skewers add a little bit of char to the chicken. They taste even better dipped in banana ketchup or spiced vinegar.

Why You’ll Love These Skewers

They’re easy to make! With only a few simple steps, you can have a delicious skewer of Filipino BBQ chicken.

They’re great for parties! If you’re hosting a summer barbecue, these skewers are the perfect dish to serve. They’re also great for potlucks and picnics. In Filipino culture, this is a popular dish that is often served at family gatherings. Elijah and I cook them for our friends in LA, and they’re always a hit!

They’re affordable! Chicken thighs are usually very affordable, making this dish a great option if you’re on a budget. The ingredients are also easy to find, so you won’t have to worry about any substitutions.

How to Eat Filipino BBQ Chicken Skewers

Filipino BBQ chicken skewers are best enjoyed hot off the grill.

In Filipino gatherings this dish is only one component of the feast, so don’t be afraid to fill your plate up with rice, lumpia, veggies, pancit, and other Filipino dishes.

Also, you can eat these skewers with or without a dipping sauce. Our favorites are banana ketchup, sinamak (spiced vinegar), or sriracha.

If you enjoy pickled vegetables, try this dish with a side of atchara!

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs chicken thighs skinless or with skin (trim excess fat)
  • 3 stalks chives chopped

Marinade

  • 1½ cups 7-up equal to 1 can
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup white cane vinegar
  • 1 cup oyster sauce
  • 1½ cups brown sugar
  • 1 head garlic minced
  • 1 cup banana ketchup
  • ¼ cup sesame oil
  • ¼ cup thai chili peppers (optional)
  • black pepper to taste

Fun fact: In the Philippines, 7-up is used frequently in cooking! Filipino cuisine adopted lemon lime soda as a substitute for citrus because of lack of fresh fruit availability. Lemon-lime soda provides acidity and carbonation that helps to tenderize the meat.

Recipe

Marinate overnight

  1. Cut the chicken meat into ribbons or cubes. Make them about 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch thick.
  2. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Mix well.
  1. Reserve 1/4 cup marinade for basting.
  2. Add the chicken to the marinade and gently massage the marinade into the meat. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for overnight.

Grill the skewers

  1. Before grilling, soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. This will prevent the skewers from burning or catching fire.
  2. Skewer the meat with 3-4 pieces.
  1. Grill for 10-20 minutes (flipping every 2-3 minutes) over charcoal until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste in between flipping.
  2. Top with chives to serve.

Tips for Making the Best Filipino BBQ Chicken Skewers

  • If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning over the charcoal.
  • If you want to make it spicy, add chopped thai chili peppers to the marinade.
  • Trim the chicken thighs to remove excess fat. This will help prevent too much fire from happening while grilling.

Final Thoughts

Sweet, savory, and beautifully charred, this chicken recipe is a sensational dish that always pleases! Find joy in grilling outside and don’t forget to invite your friends and family too!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this recipe, please give a star rating and review on the recipe card below + share your creations on Instagram and tag us @itsforkandspoon!

Print

Filipino BBQ Chicken Skewers (Inihaw na Manok)

Sweet, savory, and beautifully charred, this chicken recipe is a sensational dish that always pleases! Find joy in grilling outside and don't forget to invite your friends and family too!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Filipino
Keyword barbeque, chicken, grill
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Overnight Marinade 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 40 minutes
Servings 15 skewers

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs chicken thighs skinless or with skin (trim excess fat)
  • 3 stalks chives chopped

Marinade

  • cups 7-up equal to 1 can
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup white cane vinegar
  • 1 cup oyster sauce
  • cups brown sugar
  • 1 head garlic minced
  • 1 cup banana ketchup
  • ¼ cup sesame oil
  • ¼ cup thai chili peppers (optional)
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate overnight

  • Cut the chicken meat into ribbons or cubes. Make them about 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch thick.
  • In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Mix well.
  • Reserve 1/4 cup marinade for basting.
  • Add the chicken to the marinade and gently massage the marinade into the meat. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for overnight.

Grill the skewers

  • Before grilling, soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. This will prevent the skewers from burning or catching fire.
  • Skewer the meat with 3-4 pieces.
  • Grill for 10-20 minutes (flipping every 2-3 minutes) over charcoal until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste in between flipping.
  • Top with chives to serve.

Notes

  • Grilling time varies due to the temperature of your grill, the thickness of your skewers, and the quality of the meat. For chicken, cook until the temperature reaches 165 F.
  • You can also use this recipe for pork. To grill pork, cook until the temperature reaches 145 F
  • Serve with dipping sauces such as banana ketchup or sinamak!

More Recipes You’ll Love

Atcharang Chayote (Pickled Vegetables With Chayote)
Sweet, pickled chayote squash is the Filipino condiment you need in your kitchen. Its tangy flavor will brighten up your fried or grilled dish. You'll be tempted to eat the whole jar!
Check out this recipe
Char Siu Pork
This easy-to-prepare char siu pork will please your taste buds and your wallet. Create this famous Cantonese dish at home, and indulge in its juicy meat and sticky glaze!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Filipino Veggie Lumpia
With this recipe, you'll enjoy all the satisfying flavor of Lumpia Shanghai with no meat, less fat, and less calories. You might want to double or triple this recipe, because the pieces are sure to disappear in the blink of an eye!
Check out this recipe

References & Further Reading

https://eatyourworld.com/destinations/asia/philippines/manila/what_to_eat/inihaw_na_manok

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_inasal

https://bbqbarbecuegrill.com/other/grill-history/

Noelle Noriesta

Noelle Noriesta, a Filipino-American home cook, is the principal creator of Fork and Spoon. Her recipes have a modern and playful approach inspired by her food experiences growing up in the Bay Area and now in Los Angeles. --Read more about me

View Comments

Recent Posts

Easy Gochujang Mac and Cheese

Gochujang Mac n' Cheese offers a spicy twist on classic comfort food, harnessing the bold…

2 weeks ago

Simple Miso Braised Cabbage Recipe

Miso Braised Cabbage is a simple and tasty side dish created with just five ingredients.…

3 weeks ago

Irresistible Biscoff S’mores Cookies

Campfire s’mores meets caramel-y biscoff in this twist on a chocolate chip cookie! Biscoff S'mores…

1 month ago

Modern Filipino Polvorons – Fruity Pebbles, Strawberry Shortcake, and Biscoff

This is your next cookie obsession! Modern Filipino Polvorons combine traditional Filipino shortbread with contemporary…

1 month ago

Chicken Adobo Fried Rice Recipe

Adobo Fried Rice is a simple yet flavorful Filipino stir-fried side dish. Made with rich…

1 month ago

Not Too Sweet Mung Bean Milk Tea Recipe

7 Leaves who? Your next favorite homemade milk tea is Mung Bean Milk Tea! Mung…

3 months ago