Tocino is a popular Filipino dish made with thinly sliced meat that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. While traditional tocino is made with pork, this recipe will show you how to make a healthier version using chicken. Chicken tocino is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

To make chicken tocino, you will need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. The marinade is made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, pineapple juice, garlic, sugar, and some spices. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful sauce that will give the chicken its distinct taste.

Once the chicken is marinated for a few hours or overnight, it is ready to be cooked. You can either grill the chicken for a smoky flavor or fry it in a pan until it is caramelized and cooked through. The result is tender and juicy chicken tocino that is bursting with flavor.

Chicken tocino is typically served with garlic fried rice and eggs, creating a complete and satisfying meal. You can also enjoy it with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a healthier option. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, chicken tocino is a versatile dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Tip: If you have any leftover chicken tocino, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for future use. It can be easily reheated in a pan or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

What is Chicken Tocino?

Chicken tocino is a popular Filipino breakfast dish made with sliced chicken meat marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. Tocino comes from the Spanish word “tocino,” which means bacon or cured meat. Traditionally, pork is used to make tocino, but chicken is a healthier and leaner alternative.

The chicken meat is typically marinated overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and various spices. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. After marinating, the chicken is usually pan-fried or grilled until it is caramelized and cooked through.

Chicken tocino is often enjoyed with a side of garlic fried rice and a fried egg, creating a complete and satisfying breakfast or brunch meal. It is also commonly served with pickled vegetables or atchara on the side to balance out the flavors.

Chicken tocino can be easily prepared at home, making it a versatile and convenient dish to enjoy any time of the day. Its sweet and savory taste makes it a favorite among many Filipinos, and it is often considered a comfort food that is enjoyed by both young and old alike.

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History of Chicken Tocino

Chicken tocino is a popular Filipino dish that is often served for breakfast. It is made from thinly sliced chicken meat that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The word “tocino” comes from the Spanish word “tocino,” which means bacon or cured meat.

The origins of chicken tocino can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, when the country was under Spanish rule. During this time, the Spaniards introduced various ingredients and cooking techniques to the Filipino cuisine.

Chicken tocino was influenced by the Spanish dish “tocino,” which is usually made from pork belly. However, due to the abundant availability of chicken in the Philippines, people started experimenting with using chicken as a substitute for pork.

Over time, chicken tocino became a popular alternative to pork tocino, especially among those who preferred a lighter meat option or did not eat pork for dietary or religious reasons. Chicken tocino is also commonly enjoyed by health-conscious individuals as it is lower in fat compared to pork tocino.

Today, chicken tocino is a staple dish in Filipino households and can be found in many local restaurants and eateries. It is often served with garlic fried rice and a side of fresh tomato slices. The sweet and savory flavor of the marinade combined with the tender and juicy chicken meat makes chicken tocino a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to cook delicious chicken tocino:

  • 1 kilogram of chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of ketchup
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional)

Note: You can adjust the amount of sugar and soy sauce according to your taste preference.

Main Ingredients for Chicken Tocino

The key ingredients for making delicious chicken tocino are:

  • Chicken breasts or thighs
  • Garlic
  • White vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Pineapple juice
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Red food coloring (optional)

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and tender chicken dish that is perfect for breakfast or any time of the day. The garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice add tanginess while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness. The salt, pepper, and red food coloring (optional) enhance the taste and appearance of the chicken tocino.

To prepare the chicken tocino, simply marinate the chicken in the mixture of these ingredients for a few hours or overnight. Then, cook the marinated chicken in a pan until it is fully cooked and caramelized. Serve the chicken tocino with steamed rice or enjoy it in sandwiches for a delicious meal.

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Optional Ingredients for Chicken Tocino

If you want to add some extra flavor to your Chicken Tocino, you can try incorporating these optional ingredients into your recipe:

Ingredient Description
Pineapple juice Adds a tangy and sweet taste to the marinade.
Soy sauce Gives a savory and umami flavor to the dish.
Minced garlic Enhances the overall taste and aroma of the chicken tocino.
Liquid smoke Provides a smoky flavor to mimic the traditional tocino taste.
Sesame oil Brings a nutty and aromatic note to the marinade.
Brown sugar Helps in achieving a caramelized and slightly sweet glaze on the chicken.
Black pepper Adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Chili flakes Gives a fiery kick to those who prefer a spicier version of chicken tocino.

These optional ingredients provide various flavors and twists to the classic chicken tocino recipe, allowing you to customize the dish based on your personal preferences. Remember to experiment and adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences.

Preparation

Before cooking the chicken tocino, you will need to prepare the ingredients and marinate the meat.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 kilogram of chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper

In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the sliced chicken breast to the marinade and coat it thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Once the chicken tocino is marinated, it’s ready to be cooked. Remember to save some of the marinade for basting while grilling or frying the meat.

Note: You can also add optional ingredients like calamansi juice or lemon juice for an extra tangy flavor.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is an essential step in making delicious chicken tocino. This process allows the flavor to penetrate the meat and makes it tender and juicy. Here is a simple recipe for marinating the chicken:

Ingredients:

  • 1 kilogram of chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of banana ketchup
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Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and banana ketchup. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add the sliced chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure that each piece is fully coated. You can use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to become more tender.
  4. Once the chicken has marinated, it is ready to be cooked. You can grill it, pan-fry it, or even bake it in the oven. Enjoy your homemade chicken tocino!

Remember that marinating times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique chicken tocino recipe!

Q&A

What is chicken tocino?

Chicken tocino is a Filipino dish made from marinating chicken in a sweet and savory sauce. It is traditionally served as a breakfast item and is often accompanied by fried rice and a fried egg.

What ingredients do I need to make chicken tocino?

To make chicken tocino, you will need the following ingredients: boneless chicken thighs, garlic, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Optional ingredients include annatto powder or food coloring for added color.

How do I marinate the chicken for tocino?

To marinate the chicken for tocino, you will need to combine the garlic, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and annatto powder or food coloring (if desired) in a bowl. Mix the ingredients well until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and make sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.

How do I cook chicken tocino?

To cook chicken tocino, start by heating a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. You can also grill the chicken on a barbecue for a smoky flavor. Serve the chicken tocino with garlic fried rice and a fried egg for a complete meal.