With a few simple kitchen staples, you can create this authentic and flavorful Filipino Chicken Asado recipe!
Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or a humble novice, I’m sure you already know that there are a million different ways to prepare chicken. But I’m guessing that you’ve never tried this Filipino recipe. Maybe you’ve tried Filipino chicken asado at a local restaurant or food truck. While it certainly tastes like a complex recipe, it’s actually really easy to make!
Even better, this recipe doesn’t have fancy ingredients or require much effort. Also known as Asadong Manok, this dish originated in the Pampanga province in the Philippines, where every family seems to have their own version of the dish. For example, some recipes call for calamansi juice, which comes from the Filipino lemon. If you can find one—great! But a regular lemon works just as well.
As for our take on this Filipino recipe, we stick to kitchen staples: potatoes, onions, bell peppers, lemons, garlic, and other ingredients you likely have on hand. The result is a sweet and tangy chicken dish with a little bit of a kick and a lot of flavor. And while I consider chicken asado a deliciously simple weeknight recipe, it’s tasty enough for your next dinner party!
Is Filipino Chicken Asado Healthy?
For most people, Filipino chicken asado will be part of a healthy diet. By cooking with skinless chicken thighs, you remove some of the fat while maintaining a good source of protein. Plus, the onion, garlic, and bell peppers provide a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients. The large potato also serves as a good source of potassium and vitamin C. However, if you’re on a low-carb diet, trade the potato for rutabaga instead. Rutabaga has a slightly different flavor, but it’ll pair well with the savory tanginess of the asado.
So Many Variations!
As mentioned, many families in the Philippines have their own version of chicken asado. So feel free to tweak things to suit your taste. This is particularly true with the marinade. If there’s a sauce, spice, or flavor you think would blend well with chicken, don’t hesitate to include it.
Some use soda like Sprite or ginger ale in the marinade, although cooking wine is also an option. Peppercorn and brown sugar are also two common add-ins for the marinade. Let loose and get creative, especially if you plan on making this recipe regularly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If there are leftovers, store them in the fridge inside an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
A side of rice is common when cooking Filipino chicken asado. Specifically, I’d recommend Ginger Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice because they fit the motif of the meal. But any type of rice, including Brown Rice Pilaf, will work. You don’t even have to use traditional rice, meaning Roasted Cauliflower Rice and Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice are options as well.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in, skin removed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon or calamansi juice
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large potato cubed
- 1/2 red bell pepper cubed
- 1/2 green bell pepper cubed
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce, lemon juice, half of the chopped onions, and minced garlic for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat and sauté the remaining onions until translucent.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pot (reserve the marinade) and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and tomato sauce, then add the bay leaves and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the chicken cook for about 30 minutes, or until tender.
- Add the cubed potatoes and bell peppers to the pot, and continue to cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve the chicken asado hot with steamed rice.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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