Last Updated on February 15, 2023
It’s no secret that Filipinos love grilled food!
These chicken BBQ skewers are a perfect dish to serve at your next casual gathering. Sliced chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, banana ketchup (a Filipino pantry staple), and spices. They’re then grilled and basted over hot coals to juicy perfection!
Overall, this dish is a super easy and delicious meal to prepare with a sweet, salty, garlicky hot marinade that’s also great on pork.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Butcher Box boneless skinless chicken thighs sliced into 1-inch strips
- 2 cups banana ketchup Jufran or UFC Brand
- 1 cup lime soda 7Up or Sprite
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- bamboo skewers soaked in water for 10 minutes before using
Instructions
- Mix banana ketchup, lime soda, lemon juice, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced chicken thighs, cover, and marinate for at least two hours in the refrigerator.
- When chicken is done marinating, thread the meat through the skewers, leaving about 3-4 inches on one side. Set the skewers on a plate or sheet pan.
- Reduce the leftover marinade in a small pot over medium-high heat. In the meantime, light your grill (gas) or fire your coals to get them hot.
- Spray the grate with oil and grill chicken skewers over hot coals using direct heat (about 4 inches away) for about three minutes on one side. Turn over the other side and baste with the reduced marinade. Grill for another three minutes while frequently turning and basting to ensure the chicken is evenly cooked on both sides. It usually takes about 8-12 minutes to cook depending on how hot your grilling surface is.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and serve with warm rice and atchara (Filipino green papaya relish), cucumber, and tomato slices.
Louiie is a chef, recipe developer, food photographer and stylist based in Las Vegas. While working the line at Bazaar Meat, Louiie merged her twin passions of the visual and culinary arts. She has tested and developed recipes for Anova Culinary, Bon Appetit, and EATER. She also co-hosts and produces a food and hospitality based podcast, 2 Sharp Chefs and a Microphone. She frequently shoots architecture, food, and people for Eater Vegas. In her free time, Louiie loves to turn her phone to airplane mode, travel, do yoga, cook outdoors, and spend time with her naked cat, Dobby.
