Calamansi
A small Filipino citrus that gives inasal its bright, tangy lift.
Flame-Grilled Chicken in Springfield, IL
Our grilled chicken is chicken inasal — Filipino flame-grilled chicken marinated with calamansi, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto, then cooked over fire until smoky, juicy, and deeply savory.
The Filipino grilled chicken with a story
Inasal is one of the Philippines' most beloved grilled chicken traditions. It is known for a marinade that tastes bright, savory, aromatic, and smoky all at once. The flavor is bold enough for people who already love Filipino food, but familiar enough for anyone who enjoys great grilled chicken.
At McInasal in Springfield, IL, we use that chicken inasal inspiration as the center of a modern menu: flame-grilled chicken plates, sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls, family meals, and catering.
Flame-grilled
Citrus-herb marinade
Springfield, IL
A flame-grilled alternative to fried chicken
If you are searching for fried chicken in Springfield but are open to something different, chicken inasal trades breading and the fryer for citrus, aromatics, annatto, and open flame. It is grilled chicken with a smoky, distinctly Filipino point of view.
Garlic
The savory backbone that makes the marinade smell as good as it tastes.
Ginger
Warmth and aromatic depth that balance the citrus and smoke.
Lemongrass
Fresh herbal fragrance that makes each bite feel vivid and clean.
Annatto
Golden color, subtle earthiness, and the classic inasal glow.
How McInasal serves it
McInasal is not a typical Filipino restaurant. We start with the bold flavors of chicken inasal, then serve them in familiar ways: flame-grilled chicken plates, sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls, and family meals.
Chicken plates
Classic grilled chicken with rice and Filipino-inspired sides.
Grilled chicken wings
Inasal-inspired wings with smoky char — grilled over flame, never breaded.
Chicken BBQ skewers
Smoky, glazed chicken skewers and shareable packs for your whole crew.
Sandwiches and wraps
The inasal flavor you want in a fast, handheld meal.
Salads and bowls
Flame-grilled chicken built into fresher everyday options.
Family meals
A practical way to bring smoky Filipino flavor to the table.
For first-timers
- Start with flame-grilled chicken if you want the classic flavor.
- Add garlic rice or Filipino sides for the full experience.
- Choose a sandwich, wrap, salad, or bowl if you want the same flavor in a familiar format.
- Ask about catering when you want grilled chicken that feels different from the usual party tray.
Chicken inasal FAQ
What is chicken inasal?
Chicken inasal is Filipino flame-grilled chicken known for a bright, savory marinade made with ingredients like calamansi, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto.
How is chicken inasal different from fried chicken?
Chicken inasal is marinated and cooked over an open flame rather than breaded and deep-fried. The result is smoky, juicy chicken with bright calamansi, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto flavor.
What does chicken inasal taste like?
Chicken inasal tastes smoky, citrusy, garlicky, and savory. Annatto gives it a golden color and subtle earthy flavor, while calamansi adds brightness.
Is chicken inasal spicy?
Chicken inasal is usually flavorful rather than very spicy. It is built around citrus, garlic, herbs, smoke, and savory depth.
Is chicken inasal like BBQ chicken?
They are cousins, not twins. Both are cooked over fire, but inasal skips the sweet tomato-based sauce. Instead it leans on a citrus, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass marinade with annatto, so it tastes brighter and smokier than typical American BBQ chicken.
Where can I get grilled chicken in Springfield, IL?
McInasal serves Filipino flame-grilled chicken in Springfield, IL — plates, sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls, and family meals, with pickup, delivery, and catering available.
Where can I try chicken inasal in Springfield, IL?
McInasal serves Filipino flame-grilled chicken in Springfield, IL. Browse the menu and check the site for current pickup, delivery, and catering availability.
Ready to try Filipino flame-grilled chicken?
Browse the McInasal menu and check current pickup, delivery, and catering availability in Springfield, IL.