Are you craving the taste of the Philippines from your own kitchen? Then look no further!
We’ve got you covered with a mouthwatering lineup of 10 delicious Filipino chicken thigh recipes that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the vibrant Southeast Asian nation.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventure, these amazing dishes offer a delightful fusion of flavors that are easy to create in the comfort of your own home.
From the bustling streets of Manila to the tranquil beaches of Palawan, Filipino cuisine is a delightful medley of influences, blending indigenous flavors with Spanish, Chinese, and American elements.
And one thing Filipinos truly excel at is making chicken sing with rich, aromatic, and comforting dishes.
You’ll find these recipes to be an open invitation to explore the diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines, offering a taste of tradition and innovation.
So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to embark on a delectable journey through the diverse world of Filipino cuisine, all from the cozy familiarity of your kitchen.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the magic of Filipino chicken thigh recipes!
Inihaw na manok is a mouthwatering Filipino grilled chicken dish. Marinated in a special blend of spices and often served with a side of spicy vinegar dipping sauce, this dish boasts smoky, char-grilled flavors that make it a favorite at backyard gatherings and street food stalls.
Cooking Tip: Marinate the chicken with a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon) juice, and minced garlic for at least 30 minutes before grilling to properly infuse it with flavor.
Pairing Dish: Serve with a side of green mango salad (ensaladang mangga) to balance the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken with some tangy freshness.
This next recipe is a classic comfort food in the Philippines. Marinated in a seasoned mixture and then deep-fried to golden perfection, it’s all about that irresistible crunch on the outside and tender, juicy meat inside. This dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Cooking Tip: Achieve extra crispy skin by double-dipping the chicken in seasoned flour and egg wash before frying. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Pairing Dish: Classic fried chicken pairs perfectly with a serving of garlic rice and banana ketchup.
Chicken asado, Kapampangan-style, is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
With a subtle hint of sweetness, this dish strikes a perfect balance between savory and slightly tangy, making it a unique twist on the traditional Filipino chicken stew.
Cooking Tip: Make a flavorful tomato-based sauce by simmering the chicken with tomatoes, soy sauce, and bell peppers until the chicken is tender.
Pairing Dish: Serve this savory-sweet chicken dish with steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal.
The next recipe that we’re looking at is an amazing fusion of Filipino and Spanish flavors. It features tender chicken slices marinated in soy sauce, calamansi juice, and garlic.
The dish is then cooked with onions and garnished with fried garlic. The result is a delightful symphony of savory and citrusy notes.
Cooking Tip: Be sure not to marinate your chicken for too long. The acid present in the calamansi juice can break down the proteins in the chicken thighs, which can leave you with mushy meat. Thirty minutes should be enough.
Pairing Dish: Serve with garlic fried rice and sauteed vegetables to create a balanced plate.
Arroz caldo is the Filipino answer to chicken congee. This soothing rice porridge is cooked with chicken thighs and flavored with ginger, saffron, and sometimes fish sauce.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially during cool or rainy days, and often garnished with crispy garlic and green onions.
Cooking Tip: Use homemade chicken broth for the most authentic flavor. Store the rice constantly to achieve a creamy consistency.
Pairing Dish: Top this Filipino chicken rice porridge with hard-boiled eggs, fried garlic, and green onions.
Braised Filipino chicken thighs are a delightful combination of tender, succulent chicken thighs braised in a flavorful broth. The dish is rich in flavor with a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen.
It’s perfect for those seeking a comforting, homestyle meal.
Cooking Tip: For extra tenderness, braise the chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices until they almost fall off the bone.
Pairing Dish: Serve over a bed of garlic fried rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fragrant twist.
The final recipe on our list is this wonderful chicken pastel. This is a creamy and savory Filipino pot pie. This comforting dish features tender chicken thigh chunks, mixed vegetables, and a super creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky pastry crust.
It’s a delightful twist on the traditional chicken casserole.
Cooking Tip: For a flaky and golden pastry topping, brush the pie crust with an egg wash before baking.
Pairing Dish: Enjoy this creamy chicken pie with a side salad or a serving of buttered vegetables.
Final Thoughts
In a world teeming with culinary delights, Filipino cuisine stands out for its rich flavors, vibrant history, and sheer deliciousness.
As we explored these 10 delectable chicken thigh recipes from the Philippines, we embarked on a flavorful adventure right in the heart of Filipino home kitchens.
You’ve now journeyed through an array of tantalizing dishes, from the comforting embrace of chicken adobo to the kick of inihaw na manok, to the crowd-pleasing BBQ fried chicken.
These recipes showcase the beautiful marriage of flavors, bringing together influences from different corners of the world to create something truly unique.
But what truly makes these recipes remarkable is the heart and soul that goes into every pot, pan, and plate. Filipino cooking is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a celebration of tradition, family, and togetherness.
No matter your experience in the kitchen, these recipes offer a warm invitation to experience the Philippines through the delightful lens of food.
So, why not grab your apron and try your hand at one of these recipes? Who knows, you might discover a new family favorite or a way to transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked islands of the Philippines. Kain tayo!
FAQs
Is adobo Filipino or Mexican?
The concept of adobo was present in the Philippines long before the Spanish occupation; however, the name and use of soy sauce was introduced by the Spanish in the 1500s. Because of colonization, you can find similar recipes to adobo worldwide, but what sets Filipino adobo apart is that it’s characteristically salty and sour.
How do you make Adobo less bitter?
Filipino adobo is generally well-balanced with its flavors; however, if you end up with a particularly bitter adobo, you could add more garlic or soy sauce to increase the salty taste and reduce the bitterness from the vinegar.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
