Chicken Oil 101: What It Is and How to Use It
If you’ve ever tried authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal, you’ve probably noticed its beautiful golden color, irresistible aroma, and rich, savory flavor. One of the secrets behind that signature finish? Chicken oil.
In Bacolod, chicken oil is more than just a condiment. It’s an essential part of the Chicken Inasal experience, traditionally brushed onto chicken as it grills and generously drizzled over steaming hot rice.
But here’s something that might surprise you: Not all chicken oil actually contains chicken.
At JM Manokan, our Chicken Oil is made with canola oil infused with annatto (atsuete) and garlic, with vitamin E added to help maintain freshness. It contains no chicken fat or chicken ingredients, yet delivers that familiar golden color and savory garlic flavor that pairs beautifully with authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
And while it’s traditionally associated with grilled chicken, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it.
How Should You Use Chicken Oil?
1. Basting Chicken While Grilling
This is where chicken oil truly shines.
In traditional Bacolod-style grilling, chicken oil is brushed onto marinated chicken as it cooks over hot charcoal. It helps give the chicken its signature golden-orange appearance while adding flavor and helping the surface brown beautifully.
Whether you’re grilling over charcoal, using a gas grill, or cooking indoors, brushing chicken oil onto your inasal is one of the finishing touches that makes the dish special.
2. Drizzling Over Steamed Rice
If you’ve been to Bacolod, you know that Chicken Inasal and rice drizzled with chicken oil go hand in hand.
Just add a little chicken oil to freshly cooked rice, mix it in, and enjoy. That beautiful golden color and savory garlic flavor can turn an ordinary bowl of rice into something you’ll look forward to eating.
And yes, you can always add a little more. We won’t judge!
3. Sautéing Garlic, Onions, and Other Ingredients
Chicken oil isn’t just for grilled chicken.
Try using a small amount when sautéing garlic, onions, or vegetables. It’s an easy way to introduce a subtle annatto color and savory flavor to everyday dishes.
You can even experiment with it in fried rice, noodles, or other Filipino favorites.
4. Adding Flavor to Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
Every Chicken Inasal lover has a favorite sawsawan.
Whether you prefer soy sauce with calamansi, vinegar with chili, or a combination of everything, try adding a few drops of chicken oil.
It’s a simple way to add another layer of flavor to your dipping sauce.
Can You Use Chicken Oil for Frying?
Yes, but it depends on what you’re cooking.
Because JM Manokan Chicken Oil is made with canola oil, it can be used for certain cooking applications, including light sautéing and pan-frying.
However, annatto and garlic can darken or develop bitter flavors when exposed to prolonged high heat. For deep-frying, we recommend using your regular neutral cooking oil and saving our Chicken Oil for basting, seasoning, or finishing your dish.
That way, you get to enjoy the color, aroma, and flavor that make it special.
A Little Taste of Bacolod, Wherever You Are
For those of us who grew up enjoying Bacolod Chicken Inasal, chicken oil brings back familiar memories of smoky grilled chicken, hot rice, and meals shared with family and friends.
At JM Manokan, we’re proud to share a little piece of that tradition with you.
And the best part? You don’t have to be in Bacolod to enjoy it.
Bring the flavors of Bacolod to your own kitchen.
How Much Chicken Oil Should You Use?
A little goes a long way, but it really comes down to personal preference.
For grilled Chicken Inasal, start with about 2–3 tablespoons of chicken oil for a whole chicken, brushing it on gradually as the chicken cooks. You can always add a little more toward the end for that beautiful golden finish.
For steamed rice, try starting with ½ to 1 teaspoon per bowl. Mix it in while the rice is still hot so the oil coats the grains evenly.
And if you’re using it for sautéing, fried rice, or other dishes, start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Our favorite combination? JM Manokan Bacolod Inasal Marinade and Chicken Oil. Marinate your chicken first, then brush it with chicken oil as it grills. They complement each other beautifully.
How to Store Your Chicken Oil
Proper storage helps preserve the color, aroma, and flavor of your chicken oil.
Unlike traditional chicken oil made from rendered chicken fat, JM Manokan Chicken Oil is made with canola oil infused with annatto and garlic. It contains no chicken ingredients.
Here are a few simple storage tips:
- Keep it in a cool, dry place. Store your bottle away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Close the cap tightly after every use. This helps limit exposure to air and maintain freshness.
- Always use clean utensils. Avoid introducing water, food particles, or other ingredients into the bottle.
- Check the product before using. If the oil develops an unusual or rancid smell, it’s best to discard it.
For the best experience, always follow the storage instructions and best-by date printed on your bottle.
How Do You Know You’re Using It Right?
You’ll know you’ve got it right when your grilled Chicken Inasal develops that beautiful golden-orange finish, your rice has a light golden sheen, and the chicken oil adds flavor without overpowering the dish.
If your food starts looking too greasy, you may have added a little too much. And if the annatto darkens excessively while cooking, try lowering the heat.
Remember, chicken oil is meant to complement your food, not overwhelm it.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Whether you’re grilling authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal, making garlic rice, or simply experimenting with your favorite dishes, there’s always room for a little chicken oil in your kitchen.
At JM Manokan, we’re proud to share the flavors we grew up with in Bacolod and make them easier for you to enjoy at home.
Pair our Chicken Oil with our Bacolod Inasal Marinade for the complete experience.