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You are here: Home / Cuisine / Filipino / Tinolang Manok (Chicken Tinola)

Tinolang Manok (Chicken Tinola)

April 24, 2021 by Liza Agbanlog 11 Comments

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Tinolang Manok Filipino Chicken Soup with Papaya Along with sinigang (tamarind based soup), chicken tinola was my favorite soup when I was growing up. Tinolang manok traditionally consists of chicken pieces cooked in broth flavored with ginger, onion and fish sauce. Green papaya and pepper leaves are then added afterwards.

My mom’s tinola is different from the traditional one. She uses semi-ripe papaya instead of the regular green one. I have tried both and I prefer the semi-ripe one because the broth tastes better and adds sweetness to it.  Others use malunggay instead of pepper leaves but I personally prefer to use spinach for the simple reason that it is readily available here in Vancouver. My family loves chicken tinola all year round especially on cold winter days.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Chicken pieces – I use chicken thighs in this recipe but other pieces of chicken may also be used.
  • Aromatics: ginger and onion – adds aroma and impart deep flavor to this dish.
  • Vegetable oil – brings out the flavor of the aromatics.
  • Fish sauce or salt – adds a savory and umami flavor to this dish
  • Water – is used to cook and soften the chicken pieces
  • Papaya – add sweetness and texture to the broth
  • Spinach leaves – add flavor and texture as well as nutritional benefits
  • Optional: serrano pepper – adds a certain taste and flavor to the broth

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TINOLA (TINOLANG MANOK):

To make this chicken tinola (tinolang manok) recipe, first season the chicken pieces with salt. Next, sauté the chicken with the aromatics until brown and the meat is no longer pink.  Then, season the browned chicken with fish sauce. Add the water next, and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and cook the chicken for 35 minutes. Next, add the papaya and further cook for 5 minutes. Correct the seasoning by adding more fish sauce or salt, if needed. Finally add the leaves (spinach or pepper) and serrano pepper, if using. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and let stand for a few minutes to let the spinach and serrano peppers impart their flavors into the broth.

TIPS:

  • To achieve tastier and flavored chicken pieces, season them before cooking.
  • Make sure to give the chicken pieces time to brown before adding the water. This step is necessary for flavorful chicken pieces.
  • I used semi-ripe papaya in this chicken tinola recipe. It adds nice sweetness to the broth.
  • Other regions use chayote instead of papaya.

Tinolang Manok Filipino Chicken Soup with Papaya

Tinolang Manok (Chicken with Papaya Soup)

Avatar photoLiza Agbanlog
4.60 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs skinless chicken thighs or any chicken pieces of your choice
  • sea salt
  • 1 thumb size ginger peeled and julienned
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 10 cups water
  • 1 semi-ripe papaya, peeled seeds removed and cut into cubes
  • Bunch of spinach or pepper leaves, trimmed
  • 2 pieces Serrano peppers optional

Instructions
 

  • Season chicken pieces with salt. Set aside.
  • In a pot, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the ginger and onion, and sauté until onion is soft, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
  • Add the fish sauce and stir to combine flavor.
  • Add the water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until chicken is cooked, about 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Add the papaya and cook for another 5 minutes or until the papaya is tender.
  • Season to taste by adding fish sauce or salt. Add the spinach (or pepper leaves) and serrano peppers, if using. Cover and remove from heat.
  • Serve with steamed rice and fish sauce with lemon juice on the side.

Video

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tinolang Manok Filipino Chicken Soup with Papaya

Filed Under: Filipino, Recipes, Soups Tagged With: chicken, filipino, fish sauce, onion, papaya, soup, spinach

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol

    February 19, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for a houseguest last night. He had been driving in snow all day and I thought this was the perfect meal after a day of fast food. He raved about it. He said it was the best soup he had ever had and ate several bowls. No highwr compliment to the chef. I use bone in an skin on thighs as I think it adds flavor but have also used skinless breasts. It is great no matter what kind of chicken.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLiza Agbanlog

      February 20, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Carol,
      Awwww! What an awesome story! Glad that you and your houseguest were able to enjoy this chicken soup. It is still my adult kids all time favorite soup and made it for them every time they visit. Stay safe and thanks for writing!

      Reply
  2. Cindy Wilson

    February 18, 2021 at 9:35 am

    5 stars
    1st time cooking it a few months ago and absolutely love it…I continue making it and it’s so delicious
    thank you so much (Salamat)

    in Hawaii I used the kalamungai leaves…
    can’t find the leaves in Colorado so I use the spinach
    I also at one time didn’t have either….I KNOW..YOU MUST THINK GROSS to use Cilantro…I put it on the side to see who would use it in the soup…We loved it
    no cilantro was left..

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLiza Agbanlog

      February 19, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      Hi Cindy,
      It’s fine if cilantro works for you guys and it won’t gross me out lol 🙂

      Reply
  3. Anonymous

    April 1, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    Thank you. It was delicious.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLiza Agbanlog

      April 2, 2020 at 12:48 pm

      You’re welcome!

      Reply
  4. hannah

    June 21, 2018 at 1:18 am

    Yaaaay! So great thank you for sharing this recipe i hope my family like my chicken soup 😍😍😍

    Reply
  5. Mo

    November 17, 2017 at 8:20 pm

    5 stars
    I tried your recipe to cure my colds and after having the chicken Timor’s soup with papaya and I good night’s rest, I felt so much better the next morning😊
    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLiza Agbanlog

      November 17, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      Yay! That’s so great 🙂

      Reply
  6. Anonymous

    November 10, 2016 at 12:51 am

    Thank you for sharing Ma’am… I want to cook with this recipe for tomorrow’s Mom’s birthday :-). Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Ericka Grace Murcia

    March 24, 2015 at 11:52 pm

    Wow! tinolang manok with papaya soup is really unique. I will try this one day. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

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Avatar photoHi, I'm Liza and welcome to my blog. Salu-salo is a Filipino word that means getting together with friends and family to eat. I am not a cook by profession, but I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking for my family. Read More…

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