This chicken hamonado recipe is I think the easiest hamonado dish you can cook at home. You only need to combine all the ingredients in a pot then cook it until the chicken is tender. No need to sauté the chicken or aromatics just to enhance the flavor. The special feature of this dish is the addition of cheese that you will surely love!
A Delightful Twist to a Classic Dish
Discover the delightful flavors of Cheesy Chicken Hamonado, a dish that offers a unique twist to the traditional Filipino favorite. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Learn about the history of this dish and why adding cheese makes it even more irresistible.
The History of Chicken Hamonado
Chicken Hamonado is a Filipino dish that is often served during special occasions or family gatherings. It is believed to have originated from the Spanish dish “jamón,” which means ham. The dish was adapted by Filipinos, who added their own flavors and ingredients to create a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients Used
The dish typically uses simple ingredients such as chicken pieces, sugar, star anise, black pepper, salt, bay leaves, and grated cheese. These ingredients are combined to create a sweet and savory dish that is sure to please the palate.
The Unique Twist: Adding Cheese
What sets hamonado apart from the traditional recipe is the addition of cheese. The cheese adds a creamy and rich flavor to the dish, making it even more indulgent and delicious. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the dish, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Marinating the Chicken
Begin by placing the chopped chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add the sugar, star anise, black pepper, salt, bay leaves, and grated cheese. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a lid and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste of the dish.
Cooking the Chicken
After marinating, transfer the chicken to a pot or deep pan. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook the chicken until it is tender and the sauce has reduced to a thick consistency. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Serving
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Garnish it with additional grated cheese if desired. Serve the dish hot, paired with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. The cheesy goodness of this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Cheesy Chicken Hamonado
Ingredients
- 1 kilo chicken leg quarter or any chicken parts
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 pcs star anise
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 pcs bay leaves
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
Instructions
How to Cook Cheesy Chicken Hamonado
- Put the chop chicken pieces in a mixing bowl.
- Add the rest of the ingredients: sugar, star anise, black pepper, salt, bay leaves and grated cheese.
- Cover the mixing bowl with cling wrap or a lid that will fit the mixing bowl. Put in the refrigerator overnight or at least 8 hours.
- Then transfer to a pot or deep pan then put on a stove and turn on heat.
- Cover and let it simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce is reduced.
- Transfer to serving plate and serve while it is hot. You can garnish it with grated cheese if you want.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips of Cheesy Chicken Hamonado Recipe:
1. Infusing Flavor Tip: Marinate OvernightFor maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices, sugar, and cheese to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. 2. Tenderizing Trick: Simmer Slowly
To ensure tender chicken, simmer the marinated chicken slowly over low to medium heat. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and become tender without overcooking. 3. Cheese Enhancement Tip: Add More Before Serving
For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle additional grated cheese over the dish before serving. This adds a creamy and rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.
