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+ servings
Carmen Spillette

Chicken Tinola Recipe — The Filipino Comfort Food That Fixes Everything

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A Filipino chicken ginger soup with chayote and spinach. My lola made this for us when we were sick. Now I make it for my family
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken leg quarters split into drumsticks and thighs
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 2 chayotes peeled, seeded, and cut into quarters
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce to taste
  • 4 litres water or use boiling water for faster cooking
  • Neutral oil for searing

Method
 

Prep the chicken.
  1. Split leg quarters into drumsticks and thighs. Score the chicken with a few cuts on each piece so the flavor sinks in. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
    4 chicken leg quarters
Sear the chicken.
  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat with a drizzle of neutral oil. Sear the chicken pieces in batches until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
    Neutral oil for searing
Saute the aromatics.
  1. In the same pot add the garlic, ginger, and onion. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
    1 inch fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1 onion
Add the chicken and water.
  1. Return the chicken to the pot. Add 4 litres of water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. (Pour boiling water in to speed up)
    4 litres water
Add the chayote and fish sauce.
  1. Add the chayote quarters and fish sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until the chayote is tender.
    Salt and pepper to season, 2 chayotes, 2 tablespoons fish sauce
Add the spinach.
  1. In the last 2 minutes of cooking add the spinach and stir through until just wilted.
    4 cups fresh spinach
Serve.
  1. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice on the side.

Notes

STORAGE AND REHEAT
  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The broth gets better the next day.
  • Reheat: Bring to a gentle simmer on the stove. Add a splash of water if the broth has reduced. Microwave works in a pinch.
  • Freezer: Freeze the broth and chicken separately for up to 3 months. Add fresh chayote and spinach when reheating.

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