This chicken recipe pinoy is a flavorful Filipino classic made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Tender chicken is simmered to perfection and broiled for a caramelized finish. A perfect weeknight dish served with steamed rice. Easy, delicious, and authentically comforting.
If you’re craving a hearty Filipino meal that fills the home with rich, mouthwatering aromas, this chicken recipe pinoy will hit the spot. Cooking Filipino food always feels like coming home. The warmth, the simplicity, and the incredible depth of flavor make these dishes something truly special. It’s the same comforting feeling you’ll find in other classics like my chicken afritada recipe, another iconic Filipino favorite.
This recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients, long preparation steps, or complicated methods. Instead, it is built on foundational flavors: soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. As someone who cooks daily for her family, I love meals that are humble yet unforgettable. That’s what this dish is all about. It comes together with pantry staples, cooks beautifully in a single pot, and always brings smiles around the dinner table. If you want a taste of home-style Filipino cooking, this is a perfect starting point.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Chicken Recipe Pinoy
The magic of a great chicken recipe pinoy is that you don’t need a long list of ingredients. In fact, the simplicity is part of what makes it shine. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Chicken (bone-in thighs or drumsticks)
Bone-in cuts produce the best flavor. As they simmer in the sauce, they release richness that deepens the final broth. - Garlic
Garlic is a cornerstone of Filipino cooking. Smashing the cloves instead of chopping helps release oils and intensifies flavor. - Soy Sauce
Using a Filipino soy sauce brand gives the most authentic taste. It provides the salty, savory backbone of the dish. - Cane Vinegar
The vinegar brings brightness and balances the richness. It’s what gives Filipino dishes their signature tang. - Bay Leaves
Bay leaves add a subtle herbal aroma that deepens the broth while keeping it from tasting too heavy. - Black Peppercorns
Whole peppercorns spice the dish gently without overpowering the liquid. - Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce adds just a touch of sweetness and depth. It rounds out the flavors and enhances the glossy finish of the sauce. - Water
Water helps create the broth that your chicken will simmer in. As it reduces, it becomes rich, flavorful, and perfect for spooning over rice. For even more rice inspiration, you can explore dishes like Blackstone fried rice or the hearty chicken fajita rice bowl.
Additional Ingredients Suggestions
One of the beautiful things about Filipino cooking is how flexible it can be. Once you learn the backbone of a recipe like this chicken recipe pinoy, you can easily adjust it to suit your pantry or taste preferences. Here are some additional ingredients you can add:
- Onions
Adding sliced onions gives the sauce a sweeter, deeper aroma as they melt into the broth. - Brown Sugar
If you like a slightly sweeter sauce, a teaspoon or two of sugar can soften the acidity of the vinegar. - Hard-boiled Eggs
Adding eggs is a beloved Filipino tradition. They absorb the sauce and make the meal more filling, much like the comforting elements found in dishes such as chicken long rice. - Potatoes
Potatoes simmer beautifully in the broth and turn tender and flavorful. - Chili Peppers
If you enjoy heat, add chilies for a spicy kick.
These extras enhance the dish without taking it away from its roots. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Chicken Recipe Pinoy
If you want your chicken recipe pinoy to truly shine, here are some insider kitchen tips that make a world of difference. These are the small touches that separate good home cooking from unforgettable comfort meals.
- Pat the Chicken Dry Before Searing
Dry chicken skins brown much better. This step helps the meat develop a lovely caramelized exterior before simmering. Even if you’re in a hurry, give the chicken a few seconds with paper towels. - Don’t Skip Browning the Meat
Browning is a simple step that creates deep flavor. Those brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan are pure treasure. When the sauce gets added, they dissolve back into the broth and enrich everything. - Use Bone-In Chicken for Best Flavor
Sure, boneless works, but bone-in chicken gives you more tenderness and depth. The marrow and connective tissue break down slowly and make the sauce silkier. - Balance the Salt and Acid
Soy sauce and vinegar are the foundation here. If the sauce tastes too sharp, add a splash more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar. If you’re cooking for dietary needs, options like my halal chicken recipe also offer delicious variations. - Let the Sauce Reduce Uncovered
Cooking uncovered helps the sauce concentrate. You want a shiny, slightly thick broth that clings beautifully to the chicken and rice. - Broil for a Restaurant-Worthy Finish
This little trick elevates the entire dish. Browning the chicken under the broiler caramelizes the sugars in the sauce and creates golden spots of flavor that taste incredible. - Serve with Lots of Sauce
Don’t be shy when ladling sauce onto your plate. The broth is one of the best parts, so pour generously. It pairs beautifully with flavorful family favorites like chicken divan with rice if you’re building a full dinner spread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1:
Smash and peel the garlic. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season the meat generously with kosher salt. - Step 2:
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pot skin-side down and sear until browned on all sides. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove and set aside. - Step 3:
Add the garlic, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns to the pot. Stir just until fragrant. - Step 4:
Pour in water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cane vinegar. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavor-packed browned bits. - Step 5:
Return the chicken to the pot, arranging the pieces in a single layer. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. - Step 6:
Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165ºF. - Step 7:
Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place under the broiler until golden. Flip and broil again for caramelization on both sides.
Additional Guide – Variations and Special Techniques
Once you master the traditional version of this chicken recipe pinoy, you can start exploring small variations that bring the dish in new directions. For example, simmering with coconut milk creates a creamier, softer sauce that kids love. Adding a splash of fish sauce brings another layer of umami that deepens the broth beautifully.
If you want a deeper, smokier flavor, try grilling the chicken slightly before simmering. It takes a few extra minutes but the roasted notes are worth every second. You can also make this in a slow cooker by browning the chicken first and simmering on low for six hours. It turns into fall-apart tenderness without lifting a finger.
Some cooks prefer their sauce thinner while others like it thick and sticky. Both are valid. You can reduce the liquid longer for a glossy finish or add a bit more water for a more saucy, pour-over texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Recipe Pinoy
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless works fine. However, bone-in chicken adds more flavor to this chicken recipe pinoy, especially when simmered.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
Marinating is optional. The simmering process infuses plenty of flavor, so skipping a marinade is completely fine.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
Cane vinegar is traditional, but white vinegar works if that’s what you have. Try to avoid flavored or balsamic vinegar as they change the taste dramatically.
Conclusion
There’s a reason this chicken recipe pinoy remains a Filipino household favorite. It delivers big flavor from humble ingredients, fills the home with delicious aromas, and reminds us that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or preparing a comforting weekend meal, this recipe never disappoints. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Cooking meals like this has always meant more to me than just feeding my family. My name is Angela, I live in Florida, and as a mother of three, I’ve learned that some of the most beautiful memories start at the table. A comforting dish like this brings everyone together, even on the busiest days.
I hope this recipe becomes part of your family favorites. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite.
Chicken Recipe Pinoy
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup vinegar
- 1 large onion sliced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- water as needed
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside.
- Pour in the soy sauce and vinegar. Do not stir; let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add bay leaves and peppercorns, then stir and pour in enough water to partly cover the chicken.
- Cover and simmer over medium heat for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.