Cebu Lechon Manok (Baked)
Cebu lechon manok is a flavorful Filipino roast chicken, renowned for its aromatic lemongrass stuffing and crispy, golden-brown skin achieved through traditional or oven roasting methods.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 55 minutes mins
Course: Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: baked lechon manok, cebu lechon manok, cebu style, lechon manok, oven roasted lechon manok
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 223kcal
Author: Manny
- 1 whole large dressed chicken
- 1 tsp. table salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 head garlic minced
- 1/2 Tbsp. ginger minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 stalks lemon grass
- 2 pcs saba bananas quartered
- Aluminum foil
How to cook Baked Cebu Lechon Manok:
Rub the skin and inside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Then rub the skin of the chicken with garlic, ginger and soy sauce.
Stuff the chicken with lemon grass and bananas. Wrap the chicken tightly with aluminum foil.
Roast in a preheated 400 °F oven for about an hour. Then open the foil and let it roast until the skin is golden brown and crisp (approximately 30 minutes or more).
Serve with dipping sauce made from a mixture of vinegar, onions and pepper.
Cooking Tips:
Perfecting the Marinade
To achieve a rich, deep flavor in your roast chicken, make sure to thoroughly rub the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce into both the skin and the cavity. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors penetrate deeply. This will ensure that every bite of the chicken is flavorful and aromatic.
Achieving Crispy Skin
For crispy skin, start by roasting the chicken wrapped in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Once the initial cooking time is up, carefully remove the foil and let the chicken roast uncovered until the skin turns golden brown and crisp. This method helps to lock in juices while giving you that deliciously crunchy exterior.
Flavorful Stuffing
When stuffing the chicken, make sure to place the lemongrass and bananas snugly inside the cavity to maximize flavor infusion. The lemongrass imparts a fragrant aroma, while the bananas add a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste. Be sure to tie the legs and wings close to the body to keep the stuffing in place and ensure even cooking. 