Chicken Tocino Inasal Recipe: A Flavorful Fusion of Filipino Classics

When it comes to Filipino cuisine, it’s all about bold flavors and creative combinations. This Chicken Tocino Inasal recipe takes the sweet-savory goodness of tocino and merges it with the smoky, tangy profile of inasal. The result? A mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds chicken leg quarters

• 1.5 cups pineapple juice

• 3/4 cup banana ketchup

• 1.5 tablespoons salt

• 10 cloves garlic, minced

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped

• 1/3 oz annatto powder

For the Rub:

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup annatto oil

• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: Start by dissolving the annatto powder in pineapple juice. Once dissolved, mix in the banana ketchup, salt, minced garlic, brown sugar, and chopped lemongrass.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken leg quarters to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.

3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Before grilling, remove the lemongrass from the marinade. Lightly coat the chicken with the prepared rub of paprika, salt, and ground black pepper.

4. Grill to Perfection: Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 180°F, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.

5. Add a Flavorful Glaze: Brush the chicken with the glaze made from annatto oil, melted butter, and honey. Sear the chicken briefly to caramelize the glaze.

6. Final Touches: Remove the chicken from the grill and give it one last brush with the glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

A Fusion of Filipino Favorites: This recipe is a delightful combination of two beloved Filipino dishes—Chicken Tocino and Chicken Inasal. It brings together the sweet, savory, and smoky flavors of tocino with the tangy, aromatic notes of inasal, creating a unique culinary experience.

Enjoy the Taste of the Philippines: Serve your Chicken Tocino Inasal hot off the grill, and savor the harmonious blend of flavors that make this dish a true Filipino favorite.