Chef John's Filipino-style skewered barbecue chicken thighs include a homemade banana ketchup that takes this summer-ready recipe over the top.
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Calories
368 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Mash ripe banana, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, oil, ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, allspice, and turmeric together in a saucepan. Add water and stir to combine.
Step 2
Place over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced and thickened, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat; reserve 3 tablespoons for the basting sauce, leaving about 1/2 cup for the marinade.
Step 3
Remove chicken from the refrigerator and place on metal skewers, folding in half with the smooth side on the outside, the rougher side folded in.
Step 4
Transfer ½ cup banana ketchup to a bowl and add lemon-lime soda, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, and lemon juice for the marinade. Whisk until combined.
Step 5
Add halved chicken thighs to marinade and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 18 hours.
Step 6
When you are ready to cook the chicken, combine reserved 3 tablespoons banana ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, oil, and fish sauce in a small bowl for basting sauce. Preheat a charcoal grill until coals are very hot.
Step 7
Grill chicken over hot coals until no longer pink in the centers, 15 to 20 minutes, turning and basting every 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 8
Serve with accumulated juices or extra basting sauce.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves crushed garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 medium lemon, juiced
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 medium very ripe banana, mashed
3 tablespoons reserved banana ketchup
0.5 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup water
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
0.125 teaspoon ground allspice
0.25 cup tomato paste
0.125 teaspoon ground turmeric
0.25 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ cup prepared banana ketchup
0.75 cup lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up®)
2.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut in half
