Authentic Filipino Chicken Tocino Recipe (Manok na Tocino)

User Reviews

0

0 reviews
Unrated
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Additional Time

    4 hrs

  • Total Time

    4 hrs 40 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    473 kcal

  • Cuisine

    Filipino

Authentic Filipino Chicken Tocino Recipe (Manok na Tocino)

Chicken Tocino is a beloved Filipino cured meat dish that transforms humble chicken thighs into a sweet-savory breakfast staple. Using pineapple juice as a natural tenderizer and banana ketchup for depth and color, this healthier adaptation of the traditional pork tocino captures the same caramelized edges and garlicky notes that make the original version a Filipino breakfast favorite. The chicken is marinated overnight in a carefully balanced blend of seasonings, then pan-fried until the sugars caramelize to create those coveted charred spots, making it perfect for the classic "-silog" breakfast plate alongside garlic rice and sunny-side-up eggs.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings

For the Meat:

  • 2 pounds chicken thigh meat or leg meat, boneless and skinless, 1 kg, Manok na hita o paa
  • Choose thigh meat for best results as it stays juicier

For the Marinade:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice Katas ng pinya
  • ¼ cup banana ketchup Banana catsup
  • ½ cup sugar Asukal
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder Pulbos na bawang
  • 1 tablespoon salt Asin

For Cooking:

  • 1 cup water Tubig
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil Mantika, generic cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into thin, bite-sized pieces about ½-inch thick.
  2. Mix pineapple juice, banana ketchup, sugar, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, making sure each piece is coated. Place in a container and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.
  4. Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking.
  5. Place chicken and marinade in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup water and bring to a boil.
  6. Lower heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender.
  7. Once liquid is mostly absorbed, add cooking oil and increase heat to medium-high.
  8. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning chicken pieces occasionally, until they turn golden brown and slightly charred.
  9. Turn off heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve hot with garlic rice and sunny-side-up egg for a complete breakfast meal.
  11. Note: Don't marinate longer than overnight as the pineapple juice can make the chicken too soft.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier results
  • Don't skip the meat pounding step – it helps tenderize and ensure even cooking
  • The natural enzymes in pineapple juice help tenderize the meat
  • Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan
  • Allow meat to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking
  • Save the marinade for basting during cooking

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 473kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 0.02g (1%) Cholesterol 35mg (12%) Sodium 1374mg (57%) Potassium 103mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 23g (46%) Vitamin A 5IU (0%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 11mg (1%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 473 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 473kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0.02g 1%
Cholesterol 35mg 12%
Sodium 1374mg 57%
Potassium 103mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 23g 46%
Vitamin A 5IU 0%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

0

0 reviews
Unrated

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Crispy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Irish
5.0 (639 reviews)

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Italian
5.0 (108 reviews)

Filipino Adobo Chicken

Filipino
5.0 (84 reviews)

Cajun Roasted Turkey

American
5.0 (39 reviews)

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

American
5.0 (27 reviews)

Chicken Burrito

Mexican
5.0 (24 reviews)

Spatchcock Turkey

American
5.0 (45 reviews)

Chicken and Spinach Pie

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Yogurt Parfait

American with French influence
5.0 (15 reviews)

One Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

American
5.0 (18 reviews)

Easy Braised Short Ribs

American
5.0 (18 reviews)

Kung Pao Shrimp

Chinese
5.0 (12 reviews)