Chicken marinated in garlic, calamansi and soy sauce

Chicken marinated in garlic, calamansi and soy sauce
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines the tangy sweetness, umami depth, and mesmerizing aroma of garlic, look no further. Chicken marinated in garlic, calamansi and soy sauce is a dish traditionally inspired by Filipino cuisine, but it appeals to palates all over the world. Thanks to the unique combination of calamansi – a small Filipino citrus fruit with a taste between lime and mandarin – and soy sauce, this dish offers a harmony of flavors that leaves no one indifferent.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the preparation of this marinated chicken step by step. You’ll learn about the necessary ingredients, essential utensils, chef’s tips, suggestions for side dishes, and even the nutritional value of the dish. By following our tips, you can turn a simple meal into a real feast with Asian accents.

Ingredients of Chicken marinated in garlic, calamansi and soy sauce
Here is the complete list to prepare a tasty marinade and obtain tender and fragrant meat:

1 kg chicken (thighs, drumsticks or boneless pieces according to your preference)
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed
8 to 10 calamansis (or, failing that, 3 limes)
120 ml soy sauce (prefer a light soy sauce and not too salty)
2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar for a caramelized taste)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, to boost acidity)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, but recommended for more depth)
Spring onion or fresh cilantro to garnish
Necessary utensils
A large salad bowl or pickling bowl
A sharp knife and a cutting board
A juicer (or your hands to squeeze out the juice from the calamansis)
Cling film or a tight-fitting lid
A non-stick pan, grill or oven depending on the cooking method chosen
Kitchen tongsPreparation steps
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, calamansi juice, honey, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic and grated ginger. Whisk lightly to obtain a homogeneous marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in the bowl. Coat them generously with the marinade, then cover with cling film. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for a more intense flavor.