Best Chicken Tocino Recipe

Who wouldn’t love to start their day with a plate of Chicken Tocino? As a passionate food-lover, I believe food isn’t just about filling our bellies – it’s about creating memories, building connections, and experiencing cultures. Today, my culinary bucket list has led me straight to the Philippines, exploring local gastronomy that the cuisine has to offer.

I will be sharing a sensational Chicken Tocino recipe with you – a recipe that is close to my heart and one that I have perfected over numerous mornings in my kitchen.

How to make Chicken Tocino

Chicken tocino, a popular Filipino breakfast fare, is usually known for its unique blend of sweetness, saltiness, and garlicky goodness. Traditionally made with pork, this variation, which uses chicken, offers a healthier, varied take while still preserving the delightful flavors that the dish is known for. Cooking this dish is no less than an art – an art that gained my fascination due to its simplicity and the impeccable flavors it offers.

What is chicken tocino made of?

• 1 kilogram of Chicken Thigh Fillets
• 1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar
• 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 3 tbsp Anisette liquor (alternatively, you can use Anise Extract)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pink Curing Salt (#1)
• 6 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 3 tbsp Pineapple Juice
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, anisette liquor, salt, curing salt, minced garlic, black pepper, pineapple juice, ketchup, and Vinegar.
2. Mix it well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Add the chicken thigh fillets into this mixture, ensuring that every piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours for the flavors to penetrate deeply. You may also leave it for up to 3 days for a more pronounced taste.
5. When it’s time to cook, heat a pan and place the marinated chicken. You can add a bit of water if you like your tocino a little bit saucy.
6. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes until it turns a lovely rich caramel color.
7. Serve it hot with garlic fried rice, sunny-side-up eggs and fresh tomatoes for the perfect Filipino breakfast.

Quick Tips

1. Opt for boneless chicken as it absorbs the marinade more efficiently and is quicker to cook.
2. Although the marinating process takes a bit of time, this step makes the tocino deliciously flavorful. So, don’t rush it!
3. Using curing salt gives the tocino its unique reddish color. However, if it’s not readily available, you could exclude it, but it may alter the color slightly.
4. The chicken tocino lasts for about a week in the refrigerator, so you can make a batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
5. A good pairing for tocino is sinangag (Filipino garlic fried rice) and a fried egg. This combination is a classic Filipino breakfast commonly known as ‘Tosilog.’

Servings

Chicken Tocino has an impressive flavor profile that blends seamlessly with several sides. While it is delicious on its own, the right accompaniments can work wonders, taking your tocino experience to an entirely new level.

1. Sinangag (Garlic Fried Rice)

As mentioned before, Sinangag is a popular Filipino garlic fried rice that is the traditional sidekick for Tocino. The mild garlic flavor of the rice pairs well with the sweet and savory profile of the Tocino, helping to balance out the flavors.

2. Sunny Side Up Eggs

Crack an egg open, cook up a beautiful sunny-side-up, and your perfect Filipino breakfast is ready to impress. The runny egg yolk adds an extra layer of creaminess when eaten with the Tocino and Sinangag, resulting in a well-balanced hearty meal.

3. Fresh Tomatoes

Fresh, sliced tomatoes or a simple tomato salad is again, a traditional side for Tocino. The sweet and sour taste of tomatoes can cut through the richness of the Tocino, thus giving a light, refreshing touch to your meal.

4. Pickled Papaya (Atchara)

To introduce a tangy, slightly crunchy side that complements the Tocino’s prominent taste, serve it with Atchara. Made from grated unripe papaya, it plays a similar role to pickles in Western cuisine, providing a delightful contrast in taste and texture.

5. Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables drizzled with a dash of soy sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also be served alongside Chicken Tocino. Broccoli, carrot, or bok choy make good choices for a wholesome, nutrient-packed side.

Storing Chicken Tocino:

1. Cool it down: Allow the cooked Chicken Tocino to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess.
2. Choose the right container: Use an airtight container to store your Chicken Tocino. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents any odors from the refrigerator from affecting it.
3. Separate into portions: If you cooked a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions before storing. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
4. Refrigerate promptly: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Chicken Tocino can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating Chicken Tocino:

Microwave method:

• Place the desired portion of Chicken Tocino on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover the plate with a microwave-safe cover or paper towel to prevent splattering.
• Heat on medium power for short intervals (30 seconds to 1 minute) to avoid overcooking. Stir or flip the pieces halfway through.
• Check the temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Stovetop method:

• Heat a non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat.
• Add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the Chicken Tocino in the pan and heat, turning occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
• Check the temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Oven method:

• Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C).
• Place the Chicken Tocino in an oven-safe dish, covering it with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Again, check the temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tocino Recipe is very simple to make and doesn’t take too long. Not to mention that the taste of this dish is just incredible by itself! It’s perfectly sweet, savory, and most importantly, delicious! This recipe was handed down to me from my mom’s side of the family.

More Chicken Recipes:

• BJ’s Parmesan Crusted Chicken
• Dave’s Hot Chicken Ingredients
• Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe