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Pininyahang Manok
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How to Cook Pininyahang Manok (Chicken Pineapple Recipe)

Pininyahang manok is a classic Filipino dish of tender chicken stewed in a sweet and tangy pineapple-infused sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory and fruity flavors.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: chicken with pineapples, coconut milk, pininyahang manok
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 235kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo chicken sliced in 2 inches
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. dried ginger
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup water
  • 1 cup cooking oil
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 cups pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup 7-UP or sprite

Instructions

How to cook Pininyahang Manok:

  • Wash the chicken thoroughly and drain.
  • In a big wok or kawali, heat the oil and fry the chicken until slightly brown.
  • Remove from the wok and set aside.
  • Sauté the onion and ginger and add the chicken.
  • Pour in the silantro, soy sauce, salt, sugar and pineapple juice.
  • Cook until chicken is tender. Add the cornstarch slurry, 7-Up and pineapple chunks.
  • Then simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Before stewing, lightly fry the chicken until golden brown. This step seals in the juices, giving the chicken a tender interior while adding a rich, caramelized layer of flavor to the dish. Skipping this step might result in a less flavorful and less appealing texture.

Use Pineapple Juice as a Tenderizer

The natural acidity of pineapple juice works wonders in tenderizing the chicken. Let the meat simmer in the juice long enough to absorb its sweet and tangy flavor fully. This technique not only enhances taste but also ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add 7-Up for a Unique Twist

A splash of 7-Up during cooking balances the tangy pineapple with a subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce. The soda's carbonation also acts as a tenderizing agent, ensuring the chicken stays moist. It’s an unexpected but effective ingredient for elevating this classic dish.