Cooking The Perfect Chicken Filipino Recipe​

Filipino cuisine is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, with chicken recipes standing out as an essential part of family meals and celebrations. From the tangy, savory notes of adobo to the creamy comfort of ginataang manok, these dishes are a blend of tradition and innovation.

To explore more diverse recipes, check out this guide to versatile chicken dishes, which offers delicious inspirations for any meal.

Table of Contents

Classic Chicken Recipes in Filipino Cuisine

1. Chicken Adobo

Known as the Philippines’ national dish, Chicken Adobo is a delightful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, creating a uniquely tangy and savory taste.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
• Cooking Process:
  • Marinate chicken in soy sauce and vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
  • Sauté garlic, then add the chicken and marinade.
  • Simmer with bay leaves and peppercorns until tender.
  • Reduce sauce for a thick, caramelized glaze.
• Variations: Add coconut milk for a creamy twist or chili peppers for a spicy version.

Choose high-quality coconut milk for the best flavor. Check out this coconut milk buying guide for tips.

2. Chicken Afritada

A tomato-based dish with Spanish influences, Chicken Afritada is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for family dinners. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich tomato sauce and an array of vegetables, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Use bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Tomato Sauce: The base of the dish, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
• Potatoes: Adds heartiness and soaks up the flavors of the sauce.
• Carrots: Provides sweetness and additional texture.
• Bell Peppers: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle earthy flavor (optional).
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing.

Cooking Process:

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine with the garlic and onions. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Return Chicken to the Pan: Add the browned chicken back to the pan, ensuring it is coated with the tomato sauce. Add bay leaves if using. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Add Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers to the pan. Stir to combine, ensuring the vegetables are submerged in the sauce. Continue to simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and flavorful, with a balance of tangy and savory notes.
7. Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer uncovered for a few minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken and vegetables.
8. Serve: Serve the Chicken Afritada hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or garlic fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Afritada:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality tomato sauce make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Brown the Chicken: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the dish to simmer slowly ensures the chicken is tender and the flavors are well-developed.
• Customize: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Some variations include adding green peas, olives, or even pineapple chunks for a touch of sweetness.

Enhance your meals with these tips from a Banana Ice Cream Recipe with Cream for a delightful dessert pairing.

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Creamy Stews: Ginataan and Tinola

1. Ginataang Manok (Chicken in Coconut Milk)

This dish highlights the Filipino love for coconut milk, offering a creamy, slightly sweet flavor.

Ingredients: Chicken, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and leafy greens.

Cooking Process:

1. Sauté garlic and ginger: Heat oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic and ginger until aromatic.
2. Add chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned.
3. Pour in coconut milk: Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together.
4. Stir in leafy greens: Add leafy greens like spinach or malunggay just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients.

For more recipes using flavorful chicken preparations, you can also see this Chicken Wraps Recipe for quick, modern adaptations.

2.Chicken Tinola

A soothing ginger-based soup, Chicken Tinola is a staple in Filipino households.

Ingredients: Chicken, green papaya, ginger, and malunggay leaves.

Cooking Process:

1. Sauté ginger, onions, and garlic: In a pot, sauté sliced ginger, onions, and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned.
3. Pour in water or chicken broth: Add water or chicken broth, and add sliced green papaya.
4. Simmer until tender: Simmer the soup until the chicken and papaya are tender.
5. Add malunggay leaves: Stir in malunggay leaves just before serving to maintain their freshness.

These comforting stews showcase the rich, flavorful tradition of Filipino cuisine, perfect for family meals or special occasions.

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Grilled and Fried Chicken Favorites

1. Filipino Barbecue Chicken

A quintessential street food, Filipino Barbecue Chicken is beloved for its sweet and tangy flavor, which is achieved through a unique marinade featuring banana ketchup. Here’s how to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Banana Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth.
• Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
• Garlic: Infuses the marinade with aromatic flavors.

Cooking Process:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine banana ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
3. Preheat the Grill: Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. This ensures the grill is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and create a nice sear.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally. Baste the chicken with the remaining marinade during grilling to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
5. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The exterior should be caramelized and slightly charred, adding a smoky flavor.

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2. Filipino-Style Fried Chicken

Filipino-Style Fried Chicken is known for its crisp exterior and juicy, flavorful interior, thanks to a unique marinade and frying technique. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish at home:

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for the best results. These cuts are juicy and flavorful.
• Calamansi Juice: This citrus juice adds a tangy flavor. If you can’t find calamansi, you can substitute with a mix of lemon and lime juice.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth to the marinade.
• Spices: Common spices include salt, pepper, and possibly a hint of paprika or chili powder for an extra kick.
• Cornstarch: Ensures a crispy coating when fried.

Cooking Process:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine calamansi juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
3. Coat with Cornstarch: Before frying, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, ensuring an even coating that will result in a crispy exterior.
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature and maintain it throughout the frying process.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Fry each piece for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Double Fry for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, fry the chicken a second time. After the initial frying, let the chicken pieces rest on a wire rack or paper towels for a few minutes. Then, return them to the hot oil for an additional 2-3 minutes until they achieve a deep golden color.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Filipino Chicken Recipes

• Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality coconut milk, banana ketchup, and calamansi make a noticeable difference.
• Balance the Flavors: Filipino dishes often combine sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
• Experiment: Add unique ingredients like pineapple, boiled eggs, or chili for a personal touch.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep chicken tender and juicy by monitoring cooking times.

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