Chicken Menudo

Chicken menudo tomato based dish and a variation of pork menudo and resembles chicken afritada because of one ingredient, the bell peppers. Pork menudo doesn’t have bell peppers. Cooking is almost the same on the dishes I’ve mentioned and it is easier.

One advantage of cooking chicken dish compared to pork dishes is the shorter time needed to cook it. Chicken is also healthier compared to pork. In cooking this dish, if you don’t like to include chicken liver, you can use liver spread. In the pork menudo dish, it is tastier to include the pork liver so the same thing as in chicken menudo.

A Flavorful Journey]

When it comes to comforting Filipino dishes, one of the most beloved by many is the rich and flavorful chicken menudo. This tomato-based stew, a variation of the classic pork menudo, carries the same hearty flavors but with a few unique twists that set it apart. A delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory seasonings, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions.

One of the hallmarks of this chicken dish is its similarity to another Filipino favorite, chicken afritada, primarily due to the inclusion of bell peppers. This key ingredient not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the dish with a subtly sweet and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Interestingly, this is where it differs from its pork counterpart, as pork menudo traditionally skips the bell peppers.

Why Chicken?

One of the many reasons why this chicken stew is a go-to for busy home cooks is the ease of preparation. Compared to pork, chicken cooks faster, making it an excellent option when you’re pressed for time but still want to serve something delicious and satisfying. Additionally, chicken is often considered a healthier alternative to pork due to its lower fat content, making this dish a bit lighter while still offering that rich, savory experience.

For those who may have an aversion to chicken liver, there’s an easy workaround. While the liver adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate, some might prefer to use liver spread as a substitute. This can be a welcome change for those who want to maintain the dish’s savory richness without the distinctive taste of liver. It’s a flexible recipe, adaptable to your preferences, which is part of what makes it so appealing.

The Steps to Perfection

Creating this flavorful stew begins with marinating the chicken in a simple mixture of calamansi juice and soy sauce. This step not only tenderizes the meat but also imbues it with a subtle tangy and salty flavor, forming the foundation of the dish. The marinade works its magic in just 10 to 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to prep the other ingredients.

Next, the potatoes and carrots are lightly fried until they take on a golden hue. This quick fry helps to seal in their flavors and keeps them from getting too soft when they’re later added to the stew. After setting them aside, it’s time to sauté the garlic and onions in the same pot. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the garlic and onions cook is nothing short of delightful and is a sure sign that something delicious is on its way.

When the chicken is added to the pot, it’s sautéed briefly to lock in those flavors from the marinade. Water and laurel leaves are then introduced to the pot, bringing everything to a gentle boil. This step not only helps to cook the chicken through but also allows any impurities to rise to the surface, which can be skimmed off for a clearer, cleaner broth.

Once the chicken is nearly cooked, the liver, tomato sauce, and a touch of ketchup are stirred in. The addition of ketchup might surprise some, but it’s a common ingredient in Filipino cooking that adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the color of the dish. The stew is then left to simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a rich, harmonious blend.

Bringing It All Together

After the stew has had a chance to simmer, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients: green peas, bell peppers, the pre-fried potatoes and carrots, hotdogs, and raisins. Each of these elements contributes to the dish in its own way. The green peas and bell peppers add a burst of color and freshness, while the hotdogs lend a meaty, slightly smoky flavor. Raisins, with their natural sweetness, provide a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the dish, making each bite a little more complex and interesting.

As the stew simmers for a final few minutes, the ingredients soak up the flavors of the rich tomato sauce, resulting in a dish that’s wonderfully balanced and satisfying. The stew is best served hot, with a side of steamed white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

A Dish with History

Menudo has long been a staple in Filipino households, often served during special occasions or Sunday family lunches. The dish’s origins are deeply rooted in Spanish influence, like many Filipino dishes. However, over time, it has evolved to suit local tastes, incorporating ingredients readily available in the Philippines and reflecting the resourcefulness and creativity of Filipino home cooks. This chicken version, in particular, is a testament to the adaptability of traditional recipes, offering a lighter, quicker alternative that’s just as flavorful as the original.

Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or it’s a familiar favorite, this stew is a dish that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a connection to the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines, a dish that tells a story with each bite.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, flavorful, and distinctly Filipino, give this chicken stew a try. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a regular part of your recipe rotation, cherished for its simplicity, flavor, and the way it brings people together around the table.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Chicken Menudo

Chicken menudo tomato based dish and a variation of pork menudo and resembles chicken afritada because of one ingredient, the bell peppers.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time17 minutes mins

Total Time32 minutes mins

Course: Chicken Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: chicken menudo, menudong manok

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 223kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

• 3/4 kilo chicken breast cut into cubes
• 1/4 kilo chicken liver cut into cubes
• 1 small can tomato sauce 8 Oz
• 1 cup banana ketchup
• 1 pc carrot slice into cubes
• 1 pc potato slice into cubes
• 2 medium sized red and green bell peppers cut into squares
• 1 small can cooked dry peas
• 2 pcs bay leaves
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 large red onion chopped
• 3 Tbsp cooking oil
• 2 pieces hotdog sliced
• 2 tablespoons dried raisins
• 3 pcs calamansi extract the juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cups water
• salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

How to cook chicken menudo:

• In a large bowl, marinate the chicken breast in calamansi and soy sauce for at least 10 to 20 minutes. Set aside.
• In a pot, heat some cooking oil and fry the potatoes and carrots until light brown. Set aside.
• In the same pot, saute garlic and onion until the fragrant and soft.
• Add the chicken and saute for at least 2 minutes in medium low fire.
• Add water and laurel leaves and bring to a boil. Remove the scum floating on the broth.
• Then add the chicken liver, tomato sauce and ketchup and stir. Simmer for at least 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, add the green peas, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, hotdogs, raisins, salt and pepper. Simmer again for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Serve hot.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the chicken in calamansi juice and soy sauce not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a deeper, more robust flavor. To ensure the chicken absorbs the marinade well, cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes to maximize flavor penetration.

Pre-Cook the Vegetables

Lightly frying the potatoes and carrots before adding them to the stew helps them maintain their shape and texture during the simmering process. This step also enhances their natural sweetness and prevents them from becoming too mushy. Be sure to set the vegetables aside after frying to avoid overcooking when added back to the dish later.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic, onions, and tomatoes contribute significantly to the dish's overall flavor profile, making it more vibrant and aromatic. Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs instead of canned or dried options. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a fresher, healthier dimension to your chicken stew.