Savoring Filipino cuisine is not just about trying new flavors, it’s also about exploring the versatility of its ingredients. Here are 23 Filipino chicken recipes that’ll add soul to your everyday meals. If rich, hearty, and delectable dishes are what you’re looking for, you’ve just found them. Filipinos have mastered the art of transforming simple and affordable ingredients into mouthwatering masterpieces.
This is particularly evident in their use of sauces and broths that add depth and richness to their dishes, making them a perfect match for steamed white rice. In fact, a Filipino meal is never complete without a heaping bowl of rice! This staple food is not just a side dish but an integral part of the meal itself. These Filipino recipes showcase chicken (‘manok’) in various ways that make this humble bird so much more appealing.
From the rich and fatty chicken adobo to the cozy arroz caldo, these dishes will surely delight your palate and warm your heart with their comforting flavors.
Filipino Chicken Adobo
Beneath the surface of Philippine cuisine lies a dish that has become an integral part of the country’s culinary identity – the chicken adobo. This unbelievably rich and flavorful dish consists of succulent meat braised in a sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaf. While recipes for adobo may differ depending on the region, one thing remains constant: the essential ingredients that flavor the stew remain the same.
Pininyahang Manok
Year after year, the popularity of Filipino cuisine continues to rise globally. One reason behind this phenomenon is their unique taste preferences, particularly when it comes to sweet-salty flavor combinations. You’ll notice that many traditional dishes showcase this distinctive taste profile, such as the pininyahang manok, which translates to pineapple chicken in English.
The dish itself is a hearty stew made with tender chunks of chicken, alongside carrots, bell peppers, and occasionally potatoes. What sets the pininyahang manok apart from other stews is its rich and savory broth, achieved through the addition of milk and fish sauce.
Ginataang Manok
Just as coconut is one of the most abundant crops in the country, it’s also a staple ingredient in many local dishes. Ginataang manok is a perfect example of this, featuring a rich and flavorful broth made with a combination of coconut milk and ginger that brings out the best in the dish. Unlike some other chicken stews, the simplicity of ginataang manok allows the delicate flavors from the coconut milk and ginger to take center stage, unencumbered by any competing flavors or textures.
Chicken Barbecue Filipino Style
Visitors to the Philippines often marvel at the country’s unique take on traditional dishes, such as the Filipino-style chicken barbecue. This popular street food has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from its international counterparts, thanks in part to its sweet marinade of banana ketchup, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime soda.
The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that perfectly complement the tender chicken.
Filipino Chicken Macaroni Sopas
Delighting Filipinos of all ages, chicken macaroni soup is a beloved comfort food that’s perfect for rainy days and cozy nights in. This satisfying meal in a bowl is packed with macaroni, tender shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, and sweet chunks of carrots, making it a complete and filling experience. But beyond its impressive list of ingredients, this humble soup has another role to play – it’s the ultimate remedy for when someone’s feeling under the weather.
Its magical properties are said to have the power to cure what ails you, at least with one spoonful.
Arroz Caldo
Joining the ranks of Filipino comfort foods that warm the soul during chilly weather is Arroz Caldo, a hearty soup made with rice, chicken wings, and a flavorful broth infused with ginger and garlic. The dish is expertly garnished with a slice of hard-boiled egg to add a touch of creaminess to each spoonful.
Tinolang Manok
Keeping its unassuming appearance in mind, it’s not hard to see why Tinolang manok often gets overlooked. However, this Filipino dish is one of the most flavorful soups I’ve had the pleasure of trying, and its simplicity is actually part of its charm. Made with bone-in chicken cutlets, green papaya slices, and spinach swimming in a richly salty broth, it’s a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.
Once you try it, be prepared to crave it again and again, because trust me, it’s worth going back for.
Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai
Filling the tables of Filipino gatherings with their signature snacks is an unwritten rule – one that’s hard to break. A Pinoy party isn’t truly complete without a stack of crispy egg rolls in brown wrappers, and among them, lumpiang shanghai stands out as a crowd favorite. This delectable snack typically consists of ground pork mixed with minced carrots, but creative variations using ground chicken can be just as tasty and satisfying.
Chicken Pastel
Looking at the inspiration behind Chicken pastel, it’s clear that this Filipino dish draws from its Spanish roots in the form of the popular pastel de pollo. This rich and creamy chicken stew is typically topped with a flaky pie crust, giving way to a comforting and satisfying meal. In essence, Chicken pastel can be thought of as the Philippine equivalent of the Western classic chicken pot pie.
The filling of this beloved dish isn’t just limited to cubes of chicken; it’s also packed with an assortment of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers that add depth and texture. To further enhance its flavor profile, a mix of chorizo and canned Vienna sausage is often included in the filling.
Nilagang Manok
Filling the requirements for a perfect comfort food, Nilagang manok is another hearty stew that boasts a thin, savory broth. At first glance, it may seem plain and simple, but this unassuming appearance belies its rich flavors. The dish is loaded with tender chicken and a medley of colorful vegetables, making it an extremely satisfying meal.
As with many classic Filipino dishes, the flavor profile relies on a timeless combination of soy sauce and peppercorns to create a deliciously addictive broth that’s impossible to resist slurping down.
Chicken Inasal
Making its way from the heart of the Filipino province of Iloilo is a delectable dish that has captured the hearts of many – Chicken Inasal. This mouth-watering grilled chicken dish owes its incredible juiciness to a carefully crafted marinade consisting of lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon, and other expertly selected seasonings. When served with a side of rice and atsara (pickled grated papaya), the true essence of this culinary delight is revealed.
Chicken Afritada
Generally speaking, afritada dishes are known for their rich and savory flavors. Chicken afritada is a quintessential example of this, with its tomato-based stew packed with chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. The inclusion of soy sauce gives the dish its distinct Filipino flair, elevating it beyond a standard tomato sauce base.
Interestingly, some variations of afritada may incorporate pork or beef instead of chicken, but the latter remains the most commonly used protein due to its affordability.
Pinoy Chicken Curry
Generally speaking, I’m a big fan of curry and always look forward to trying different variations of this classic Indian dish. I’m delighted to share that this Filipino-style curry is an absolute winner, far surpassing my expectations. The unique combination of coconut milk, evaporated milk, fish sauce, and just a hint of curry powder gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional versions.
While the dish doesn’t strictly adhere to authentic Indian cuisine, it’s clear that the use of milk and coconut as primary flavors has been cleverly balanced with a touch of warmth from the curry. Is this unique take on curry any good? Absolutely, without a doubt.
Sizzling Chicken Sisig
Creating a culinary experience that’s quintessentially Filipino, sisig has become a staple in many local pubs. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder why this dish is a crowd-pleaser, often served alongside a cold glass of beer. The classic version of sisig typically consists of a medley of chopped-up pork cuts, including the pig’s face, liver, brains, and ears, which are then cooked until crispy and infused with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers.
However, for those who prefer a milder take on this beloved dish, a chicken-based version offers a great alternative, minus the more adventurous elements that come with traditional sisig.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Most Chinese dishes have been adapted to fit the Filipino taste buds, and one such example is sweet and sour chicken. The Filipino twist on this classic dish gives it a unique flavor that’s both sweet and tangy at the same time. To make sweet and sour chicken, breaded chicken cutlets are deep-fried to crispy perfection and then coated in a sauce made from a combination of ketchup, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar.
The dish is not only limited to the chicken, but also includes other ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, carrots, and chunks of pineapple that add texture and flavor to each bite.
Lechon Manok
Zest for delicious and convenient food options is abundant in the Philippines, where you can find small shops selling lechon manok on almost every corner. Similar to rotisserie chicken, it’s a staple dish among Filipinos, often referred to as ‘ulam’ (food) when there’s no time or energy left to cook.
Lechon manok is a mouthwatering roast chicken flavored with a blend of onions, garlic, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and calamansi juice – the tangy flavor of which comes from the small citrus fruits.
Chicken Caldereta
Flavorful and rich, chicken caldereta is a beloved Filipino dish that’s full of surprises. At its core, it’s a hearty stew made with tender chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, all swimming in a thick and savory tomato-based broth. What sets this stew apart from others in the same category are two key ingredients: liver spread and grated cheese.
These additions not only add depth and complexity to the dish but also elevate it to new heights, making caldereta superior to many other Filipino tomato-based dishes.
Chicken Potato Salad
Taking inspiration from the classic potato salad we all adore, the Filipino version boasts an identical mix of potatoes, shredded chicken, carrots, and hard-boiled onions. However, there are some key differences that set it apart. Filipinos often incorporate sweeteners into their dishes to make them more appealing to children, which is especially true in this particular recipe.
In addition to traditional mayonnaise, the dressing also includes a hint of sweetened condensed milk, adding an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. Furthermore, the salad features sweet ham and crushed pineapples, contributing to its distinctive sweetness.
Pancit Bihon
Understanding the diversity of Filipino cuisine, it’s no surprise that pancit bihon has become a crowd-pleaser in various gatherings and celebrations. This popular dish boasts an intriguing blend of Chinese flavors merged with local tastes, making it a staple at Filipino parties and get-togethers. At its core, pancit bihon consists of glass noodles tossed in a rich savory sauce, accompanied by the delicate flavors of shredded chicken and mixed vegetables.
Chicken Binakol
Known for its unique blend of Asian-inspired flavors, Chicken Binakol is a delicious and revitalizing stew that showcases the richness of Filipino cuisine. Key ingredients such as coconut juice, ginger, and lemongrass contribute to its distinct taste profile, while chicken, spinach leaves, papaya, and young coconut milk add depth and visual appeal to the dish.
Filipino Crispy Fried Chicken
Noteworthy among the many international takes on fried chicken, the American version may have its loyal followers. Nevertheless, I highly recommend giving the Filipino version a chance to win your heart. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by its crispy exterior and rich flavor profile that’s both familiar yet distinctively local. Seasoned with an array of herbs and spices like fish sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and others, this fried chicken is a true reflection of the country’s culinary identity.
Chicken a la King
Packed with flavors and textures, Chicken a la King is a rich and indulgent dish that combines succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy bell peppers in perfect harmony. Its signature thick sauce is crafted from a generous amount of heavy cream, which is expertly infused with the subtle warmth of peppercorns and the depth of wine for added complexity.
Chicken Empanadas
Generally, Filipino cuisine is known for its fusion of different cultures, particularly Spanish influence. One classic example of this fusion is the Chicken empanadas, which are essentially hand pies with a flaky crust and a savory filling. The fillings can vary from ground beef to pork to potatoes, but the most common combination is shredded chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas, making it a perfect representation of Filipino cuisine.
23 Best Filipino Chicken Recipe Collection
Delight in exploring the diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine with these mouth-watering chicken recipes. Ditch the monotony of everyday meals and try something new for dinner – perhaps a hearty stew, a sweet and savory barbecue dish, or a rich and aromatic curry to spice up your evening routine.
Instructions
You can’t start cooking without a plan, so let’s get organized first! Choose a simple Filipino chicken recipe that suits your taste buds. Once you’ve selected a dish, take note of all the necessary ingredients and gather them in one place to avoid any last-minute trips to the store. With these steps completed, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and authentic Filipino meal in under 30 minutes!
