Delicious Chicken Tocino Recipe: Authentic Filipino Flavor

Introduction

Chicken Tocino, a beloved Filipino dish, combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Inspired by Spanish curing traditions, this vibrant breakfast favorite is typically served with garlic rice and fried eggs.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or legs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup banana ketchup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp canola oil

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, mix pineapple juice, banana ketchup, sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
• Add chicken and coat well. Massage marinade into the meat.
• Transfer to a sealed container or ziplock bag.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken (Choose a Method)

Pan-Frying:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized.

Grilling:

• Grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side.

Air Frying:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–10 minutes.

Baking:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Broiling:

• Broil for 5–7 minutes per side, watching closely.

Slow Cooking:

• Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Pressure Cooking:

• Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.

Tips

• Don’t over-marinate: acidic pineapple juice can break down meat if left too long.
• For leaner tocino: use chicken breast and less sugar.
• Add heat: incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce.
• For smoky flavor: grill instead of pan-frying.
• For a fruity twist: add pineapple chunks while cooking.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 250–400 kcal
• Protein: 20–25 g
• Carbs: 20–30 g
• Fat: 10–20 g
• Sugar: High (due to marinade)
• Sodium: High (moderation advised)

Serving Suggestions

• Traditional: With garlic fried rice (sinangag) and sunny-side-up egg (itlog)
• Sandwiches or wraps with lettuce and mayo
• In green salads with light vinaigrette
• With warm pandesal rolls
• As grilled skewers with dipping sauce
• Stir-fried into rice or noodles

Pairing Ideas

• With adobo or sinigang for contrast
• Plain steamed rice for simplicity
• Stir-fried or fresh vegetables
• Pancit noodles
• Eggs and toast
• Filipino desserts like leche flan
• Drinks: calamansi juice or iced tea

Storage

• Fridge: Up to 3 days
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in sealed containers

FAQs

How to make Chicken Tocino?
Marinate chicken in pineapple juice, banana ketchup, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Let sit overnight, then cook via your preferred method.

Can I air fry it?
Yes. Preheat to 375°F (190°C), cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Is it high in protein?
Yes, with about 20–25g of protein per serving.

What’s the best cooking method?
Pan-frying is traditional, but grilling and air frying offer great alternatives.

Can I use tofu instead?
Yes! Firm tofu or tempeh works well for vegetarian versions.

Conclusion
Chicken Tocino is a flavorful, comforting Filipino dish that can be customized to your taste. Whether served traditionally or creatively, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For more recipes, visit YummyOlk for global culinary inspiration!

Print