Filipino Asado Chicken Recipe

There's something magical about the aroma of asado chicken simmering on the stove that instantly transports you to a Filipino kitchen filled with warmth and love. This beloved Filipino comfort food combines tender chicken pieces braised in a rich, sweet-savory tomato sauce that creates the perfect balance of flavors your family will crave again and again.

As someone who has perfected this asado chicken recipe over years of cooking for my own family, I can promise you that once you master this dish, it will become your go-to weeknight dinner solution. The beauty of asado chicken lies in its simplicity; using everyday ingredients like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and garlic, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and brings everyone to the dinner table with smiles.

Background & Why This Asado Chicken Recipe Stands Out

This particular asado chicken recipe has been passed down through generations of Filipino families, each adding their own special touch to create the ultimate comfort food experience. Unlike other chicken dishes that can be complicated or time-consuming, this authentic Filipino chicken dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and satisfying.

What sets this asado chicken apart from other recipes is the perfect balance of sweet and savory elements that create a complex flavor profile without overwhelming your palate. The tomato-based sauce slowly reduces during cooking, concentrating all those beautiful flavors while keeping the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. Whether you're new to Filipino cuisine or looking to recreate childhood memories, this asado chicken recipe will exceed your expectations every single time.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Delicious Dinner Ideas to Try Next
• Related
• Pairing
• Filipino Asado Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
• Soy sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Brown sugar
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Bay leaves
• Chicken broth
• Vegetable oil
• Pepper to taste

Optional Additions

• Potatoes, cubed
• Bell pepper, sliced
• Oyster sauce
• round black pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels
2. Season generously with salt and pepper
3. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, half of the minced garlic, and brown sugar
4. Marinate chicken pieces for at least 15 minutes (longer for deeper flavor)

Sear the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat
2. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the liquid)
3. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side
4. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside

Build the Sauce Base

1. In the same pot, sauté sliced onions until translucent, about 3 minutes
2. Add remaining garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
3. Pour in the reserved marinade, tomato sauce, and chicken broth
4. Add bay leaves and bring to a gentle boil

Braise and Finish

1. Return chicken pieces to the pot
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes
3. If using potatoes, add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking
4. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional brown sugar if needed

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfect Chicken Selection: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks for this asado chicken recipe as they stay moist during braising and add incredible flavor to the sauce.

Marinating Magic: While 15 minutes works for quick meals, marinating your chicken overnight transforms this dish completely. The longer marination allows the soy sauce and garlic to penetrate deep into the meat.

Sauce Consistency Control: If your sauce seems too thin, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes to allow reduction. For thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in during final minutes.

Temperature Matters: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent the chicken from becoming tough and to allow flavors to develop properly.

Taste and Adjust: Filipino cooking is all about balance; taste your sauce frequently and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and acidity to match your family's preferences.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Protein Alternatives: While traditional asado chicken uses bone-in pieces, you can substitute with boneless chicken breast (reduce cooking time to 20 minutes), pork shoulder, or even beef chuck for different flavor profiles.

Vegetable Additions: Transform this into a complete one-pot meal by adding cubed potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, or green beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking. These vegetables absorb the delicious sauce while adding nutrition and color.

Sauce Modifications: For a richer flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with coconut milk, or add a tablespoon of banana ketchup for authentic Filipino sweetness. Some families prefer adding a splash of vinegar for extra tang.

Dietary Adaptations: Make this asado chicken recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, or reduce sodium by using low-sodium alternatives and increasing other seasonings like garlic and bay leaves.

Equipment Recommendations

Heavy-Bottomed Dutch Oven: A quality Dutch oven distributes heat evenly and prevents burning, making it perfect for achieving that ideal asado chicken texture and preventing sauce from sticking.

Sharp Chef's Knife: Proper knife skills make prep work faster and safer; invest in a good 8-inch chef's knife for efficient chopping of onions, garlic, and vegetables.

Wooden Spoon: Use wooden utensils to stir your sauce as they won't scratch your pot and won't conduct heat, preventing burns while you taste and adjust seasonings.

Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety without overcooking and drying out the meat.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover asado chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep.

Freezer Guidelines: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; freeze in family-sized portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating Instructions: Warm leftovers slowly over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works but stovetop maintains better texture.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare this asado chicken recipe completely up to 2 days ahead; the flavors develop even more, and you simply need to reheat before serving over fresh steamed rice.

FAQ

Delicious Dinner Ideas to Try Next

Now that you've mastered this incredible asado chicken recipe, your family will be asking for more amazing dinner options that deliver the same level of comfort and satisfaction. These two recipes pair perfectly with the Filipino flavors you've just experienced and will expand your weeknight dinner repertoire beautifully.

Consider trying Chimichurri Chicken Thighs next; this vibrant dish brings fresh herb flavors that complement the rich, savory notes of asado chicken perfectly, while the Chicken Alfredo Casserole offers a creamy, comforting alternative that's equally satisfying. Both recipes use similar cooking techniques you've already learned, making them natural next steps in your culinary journey while keeping your family excited about homemade dinners that bring everyone together around the table.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this asado chicken recipe: