If you’ve ever been to a Filipino restaurant, chances are you’ve seen “tocino” on the menu. But what exactly is it?
Think of it as the Filipino version of sweet cured breakfast meat – kind of like bacon, but with its own unique, incredible flavor.
I’m obsessed with the chicken tocino recipe, and once you try making it yourself, you will be too!
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Key Takeaways
- The chicken tocino recipe is a sweet and savory Filipino dish that’s perfect for breakfast …or any meal!
- The key to amazing tocino is all in the marinade – a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and umami.
- Making your tocino is easier than you might think.
Chicken Tocino Recipe
What You’ll Need
Getting that authentic tocino flavor means gathering a few special ingredients. Don’t worry; they’re easier to find than you might think!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose/Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 2 pounds | The main protein; thighs are juicy, breasts are leaner. |
| Pineapple juice | 100% juice | Sweetness, a hint of tanginess |
| Banana ketchup | (Amount) | Essential Filipino ingredient, sweet & slightly fruity |
| Brown sugar (light or dark) | 1/2 cup | Adds rich sweetness |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Saltiness, umami flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1 tbsp | Enhances the savory flavors |
| Red food coloring | Optional | For traditional reddish color |
| Rice flour | Optional | Thickens the marinade slightly |
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: A large one to mix your marinade and coat your chicken.
- Skillet: For simmering and frying up your tocino.
- Storage Container: To keep your leftovers fresh.
How to Make Chicken Tocino Recipe: Step by Step
Ready to try your hand at this tasty dish? Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In your mixing bowl, whisk together your pineapple juice, banana ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. In some recipes add a bit of rice flour to help thicken everything up.
- If you want that classic red color, add a few drops of food coloring – just a little goes a long way!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, or leave them in larger slices – it’s up to you!
- Add your chicken to the marinade and mix it well. You want every piece nicely coated in that delicious flavor.
- Cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least a few hours, but overnight is best. The flavors need time to soak in!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tocino
Step 1: Nudge the Chicken Towards Room Temperature
- Take your marinated chicken out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to come closer to room temperature, ensuring it cooks more evenly throughout.
- Tip: Avoid leaving the chicken out for longer than an hour, especially at room temperature, to maintain food safety.
Step 2: Simmering for Flavor and Tenderness
- Transfer the Fun: Carefully transfer your marinated chicken pieces, along with all that delicious marinade, into your chosen skillet or pan.
- Add a Splash of Water: Pour about 1 cup of water into the pan. The goal is to have enough liquid to mostly cover the chicken.
- Bring it to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling nicely,
- Reduce the Heat and Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover your pan with a lid, and simmer the chicken for 20-30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to cook through gently and absorb all those amazing marinade flavors.
- Monitor the Liquid: Keep an eye on the liquid level in the pan. If it starts to reduce too much, add a little more water in ¼ cup increments to keep the chicken mostly submerged.
Step 3: Caramelization Magic – Turning Up the Flavor
- Unleashing the Golden Goodness: Once the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has mostly evaporated, remove the lid and crank up the heat to medium-high.
- Introduce the Oil: Add about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well) to the pan.
- The Sizzle of Perfection: Let the oil heat up for a minute, then gently stir the chicken to coat it in the oil.
- Caramelize Away! Now comes the fun part – frying the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized. Stir the chicken frequently so it cooks evenly and develops those golden-brown, slightly crispy edges. This is where the magic happens – the sugars in the marinade caramelize, creating that incredibly sweet and savory flavor that defines tocino.
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush this step! The caramelization takes time, typically around 5-7 minutes. Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much; let it cook undisturbed for a bit at a time to achieve those crispy bits.
How to Serve Chicken Tocino Recipe
The most classic way is as part of a “slog” breakfast –that’s Filipino for any yummy protein served with garlic fried rice and a fried egg. Here’s how to nail those components:
The Ultimate Filipino Breakfast: The ‘Silog’
- Garlic Fried Rice: Heat a bit of oil in a pan, add a few crushed garlic cloves, and cook until fragrant. Toss in leftover cooked rice, season with salt, and fry until it gets a bit crispy. So simple, so good!
- Sunny-Side Up Egg: Fry an egg in butter or oil over low heat. The goal is to get the whites fully cooked but keep that yolk nice and runny for dipping!
But Wait, There’s More!
Chicken tocino is seriously versatile. Here’s how else I love to enjoy it:
- In a Sandwich: Pile it on toast with some lettuce, tomato, and maybe a fried egg. Messy but oh-so-delicious!
- On a Salad: The sweet and savory notes pair perfectly with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
- In a Rice Bowl: Load up cooked rice with tocino, veggies, and a drizzle of your favorite Asian sauce. Easy, satisfying dinner!
Chicken Tocino Recipe Variations
While the classic is amazing, why not try a few twists?
- Get Spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes or chili powder with your marinade for a fiery kick.
- Try Pork: Tocino traditionally uses pork, so feel free to use pork shoulder or belly instead of chicken.
- Other Proteins: Experiment with fish, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
- Healthier Options: Reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. Bake the tocino instead of frying for a less fatty version.
Tips for the Best Chicken Tocino Recipe
- Use Quality Chicken: Fresh meat makes a difference. Opt for local or organic chicken if you can.
- Get Marinating: The longer the chicken sits in that marinade, the better. Overnight is ideal!
- Caramelize It: Don’t rush to the frying stage. Get those golden-brown, slightly crispy edges – that’s where all the flavor is!
- Tweak the Sweetness: Everyone has a preference. Taste the marinade before adding your chicken and adjust the sugar as needed.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Tocino Recipe
We briefly touched on this, but let’s go a bit deeper for the best results:
- Fridge: Cooked chicken tocino keeps beautifully in the fridge for 4-5 days. Use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezer Raw and cooked tocino freeze fantastically for up to 3 months. Here’s how:
- Raw: Portion out your marinated chicken into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze flat.
- Cooked: Let your tocino cool fully before dividing it into freezer-safe containers (allow some headspace for expansion).
- Thawing: Thaw frozen tocino in the fridge overnight for the safest results.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: The best method to regain that crispy texture! Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and fry until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread out the tocino on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until hot and slightly crisp.
- Air Fryer: A quick and convenient option! Reheat at around 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does chicken tocino last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, your cooked chicken tocino will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal!
Q: Can I freeze the chicken tocino Recipe?
A: Absolutely! Both cooked and uncooked tocino freeze beautifully. For cooked tocino, let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen tocino in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
Q: Where can I find banana ketchup outside the Philippines?
Asian Grocery Stores: These are your best bet. Look in the Filipino or Southeast Asian sections.
Online Retailers: Stores like Amazon often carry banana ketchup.
Substitutions: If you’re in a pinch, try mixing regular ketchup with a bit of mashed banana and a splash of vinegar for a similar vibe.
Q: Is there a vegetarian/vegan alternative to chicken tocino?
A: Yes! You can make a delicious vegetarian version using tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate and cook it just like you would chicken. Firm or extra-firm tofu works best.
Q: What’s a side dish that goes well with tocino?
A: Here are my top suggestions:
Atchara: Filipino pickled green papaya adds a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet tocino.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies with some oil and seasoning – a classic pairing.
Q: I don’t have rice flour. Can I skip it?
A: Yes, you definitely can! The rice flour is mainly used for thickening the marinade slightly. Without it, your tocino will still be delicious.
Q: Can I cook the chicken tocino without simmering it first?
A: Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Simmering the tocino in the marinade ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes infused with flavor. Skipping this step could lead to undercooked chicken or a less flavorful final dish.
Chicken Tocino Recipe Conclusion
The chicken tocino recipe is a unique and flavorful dish that embodies the deliciousness of Filipino cuisine. With its sweet, tangy, and savory notes, and its versatility beyond breakfast, it’s a dish that anyone can easily fall in love with.
So, whether you’re a Filipino food enthusiast or just someone looking for a new flavor adventure, give chicken tocino a try. You won’t be disappointed!
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