Transform Your Weeknight BBQ with This Filipino Chicken Inasal Sandwich
Summer grilling just got an exciting upgrade. This Chicken Inasal Sandwich brings the bold, smoky flavours of the Philippines straight to your backyard barbecue, transforming the beloved Filipino grilled chicken into a handheld feast that's perfect for any occasion.
Drawing inspiration from the streets of Bacolod, where Chicken Inasal originated, this recipe captures all the traditional tangy and aromatic elements you love about the classic dish. We've made it even more accessible by using boneless chicken thighs and serving it sandwich-style in pillowy brioche buns. The result? A juicy, flavour-packed meal that's as satisfying as it is Instagram-worthy.
The secret lies in our homemade Filipino-style special sauce—a perfect marriage of creamy garlic mayo, sweet banana ketchup, and a kick of RoniB's Garlic Chilli Oil that ties everything together beautifully.
What You'll Need
For the Sandwich:
- Boneless chicken thighs, marinated Inasal-style
- 4 brioche buns, split and lightly toasted
- Fresh crisp lettuce leaves
- Atchara (Filipino pickled vegetables)
For the Filipino-Style Special Sauce (good for 2 sandwiches):
- 2 tbsp garlic mayo
- 1 tbsp banana ketchup
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 tsp RoniB's Garlic Chilli Oil
How to Build Your Perfect Sandwich
- Grill the chicken: Cook your marinated chicken thighs over medium-high heat until beautifully charred and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the buns: Lightly toast your brioche buns on the grill for 30-60 seconds until golden and warm.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
- Layer with purpose: Start with the bottom bun, add a generous layer of lettuce, followed by the sliced chicken, a handful of tangy atchara, and a drizzle of that irresistible special sauce.
- Finish strong: Crown with the top bun, give it a gentle press to marry all the flavours, and serve immediately.
Why This Recipe Works
This isn't your ordinary chicken sandwich—it's a flavour journey that celebrates the best of Filipino cuisine in a format that's perfect for modern entertaining. The chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy, the atchara adds a bright, acidic crunch that cuts through the richness, and our special sauce brings everything into perfect harmony.
Perfect for:
- Casual weeknight dinners that feel special
- Summer barbecues with friends and family
- Weekend picnic adventures
- Impressing guests with something deliciously different
- Anyone looking to expand their grilling repertoire
Make It Your Own
Love a bit more heat? Double up on the Garlic Chilli Oil. Prefer things milder? Skip the chilli oil and add a touch more banana ketchup for sweetness. The beauty of this sandwich is how easily it adapts to your taste preferences while maintaining its Filipino soul.
Ready to bring more Filipino flavours to your kitchen? Browse our blog for more fusion recipes that celebrate traditional tastes with a modern twist, or sign up for our newsletter to get exciting new ideas delivered straight to your inbox.
Looking for ingredients? Visit our shop to stock up on authentic essentials like Banana Ketchup and our signature Garlic Chilli Oil—everything you need to make Filipino-inspired meals at home.
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