Chicken Menudo Recipe

Written by: Vladimir Lapshin

What is the Chicken Menudo?

Chicken Menudo is a classic Filipino stew made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. It is a colorful and hearty dish filled with vegetables like diced potatoes, carrots, and strips of bell pepper. Some versions include ingredients like raisins or a splash of pineapple juice to add a gentle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. 

The name menudo might sound familiar, but this Filipino chicken menudo recipe is completely different from the Mexican soup with the same name. I love how all the flavors come together in one pot as it cooks. The chicken becomes soft, the sauce thickens into a delicious gravy, and every bite tastes comforting and homey. It is a popular dish for family meals, special occasions, or casual dinners that feel a little extra special.

Key Takeaways

• A Comforting Filipino Stew: Chicken Menudo is a warm and hearty tomato-based Filipino dish filled with tender chicken, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and colorful bell peppers. It is the kind of meal that feels comforting from the very first bite.
• Simple One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in one pot, which makes it perfect for busy days. I usually make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the flavor by adding a touch of soy sauce or a splash of pineapple juice for a hint of sweetness. It is easy to adjust based on what you like or what you have on hand. Other vegetables or spices can be added without changing the heart of the dish.
• Best Served with Rice: Chicken Menudo Filipino is usually served with steamed rice. The savory sauce soaks into the rice beautifully, turning every spoonful into a complete and satisfying bite. You can also enjoy it with a piece of crusty bread if you prefer.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Chicken Menudo is one of those dishes that tastes better after it sits. I usually make a big batch, and by the next day, the flavors are even deeper and richer. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, just warm it on the stove with a little water or broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

You can also freeze it. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. It stays good in the freezer for up to one month. When you want to use it, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

For meal prep, I like packing it with steamed rice in single-serving containers. It makes lunch or dinner super easy and satisfying during the week. Chicken Menudo holds up well and is great for planning.

Chicken Menudo Recipe

Recipe by Recipe Blossom

5.0 from 1 vote

This hearty Filipino stew has always been one of my favorite comfort foods. It feels like a big, cozy hug served in a bowl. Each bite is filled with tender chicken pieces, chunky potatoes, sweet carrots, and colorful bell peppers, all soaked in a rich tomato-based sauce. It reminds me of a meaty tomato soup, but with more depth and flavor. I often make this dish for family dinners or small gatherings, and it never lasts long. Everyone goes for seconds, and friends usually ask for the chicken menudo recipe when I bring it to potlucks. Cooking Chicken Menudo brings back memories of home, and I’m happy to share how simple and satisfying it is to prepare.

Course: MeatCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories per serving

450

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless chicken thigh or leg meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces

• 4 hot dogs, sliced (optional)

• ½ cup raisins (optional)

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 cup pineapple juice or canned pineapple chunks with juice (optional)

• 2 bay leaves (optional)

• 2 cups chicken broth or water

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a pinch of sugar or a few dashes of fish sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Marinate the chicken (optional): Place the chicken in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the juice of half a lemon or about 2 calamansi. You can also use 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Mix well and set aside for 15 to 30 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This adds more flavor, but you can skip it if you are short on time.
• Sauté onion and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring often so it does not burn.
• Brown the chicken: Turn the heat to medium-high. Drain the chicken if you marinated it, then add it to the pan. Let it brown on all sides for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then. This step helps seal in flavor.
• Add liquids and sauces: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and stir to coat the chicken. If using pineapple juice or chunks, add them now. Then pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything and scrape the bottom of the pan. Add the bay leaves if using.
• Simmer the mixture: In this recipe of chicken menudo, bring everything to a light boil, then lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 15 minutes so the chicken cooks through and the flavors come together. Check a few times and add a little water if the sauce gets too thick.
• Add potatoes and carrots: After 15 minutes, stir in the potatoes and carrots. Cover again and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are almost tender.
• Add bell peppers, hot dogs, and raisins: Stir in the bell pepper strips, hot dog slices, and raisins. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes, just until the peppers soften slightly and the hot dogs are warmed through.
• Taste and adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little salt or pepper may help, or even a small pinch of sugar if the sauce is too tangy. If you want more depth, add a splash of fish sauce.
• Serve hot: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the Chicken Menudo Filipino into bowls and pour the sauce on top. Enjoy with warm rice.

Chef Recommendations

• Go with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful even after simmering in the sauce. If you prefer breast meat for this chicken menudo recipe, just be careful not to overcook it so it does not dry out.
• Mix in extra veggies: In this recipe of chicken menudo, besides the usual potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, you can add peas, green beans, or even garbanzos for more texture and color. I sometimes toss in hard-boiled quail eggs for a fun touch, especially during special dinners.
• Add a little sweetness: Pineapple juice or chunks bring a light, tangy sweetness that balances the savory tomato sauce. Raisins are great too – they soften in the stew and give little bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Taste and season well: Fish sauce (patis) adds a deep, savory flavor. I often add a splash near the end of cooking instead of salt. Just keep in mind that soy sauce and hot dogs already bring some saltiness, so adjust gently.
• Cut everything evenly: I always cut the chicken and vegetables into even sizes so they cook at the same pace. This keeps the texture just right, with tender meat and perfectly cooked veggies.
• Let it sit before serving: If you let the stew rest for a few minutes after cooking, the sauce thickens a bit, and the flavors settle together beautifully. It tastes even better the next day, which makes it perfect for leftovers.

Best Ways to Eat Chicken Menudo

The classic way to enjoy Chicken Menudo is with a generous scoop of steamed white rice. That rich, savory tomato sauce blends into the rice and makes every bite satisfying. I always go for jasmine or long-grain rice, but even brown rice works if you want more fiber.

For a fun twist, try spooning the menudo into a warm pandesal roll. It turns into a messy but tasty sandwich, perfect for quick lunches. Sometimes I even serve it with crusty bread, just to soak up every bit of the sauce.

If you are looking for something lighter, cauliflower rice or a side salad can balance the richness. A cucumber and tomato salad or a simple slaw works well. And when I want something extra comforting, I top my plate of menudo and rice with a fried egg. The soft yolk mixes into the sauce and makes it feel like a special meal.

The Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and is calculated using ingredient values and serving sizes. Actual nutrition may be different based on specific brands used, ingredients, and preparation methods. Information provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. For personalized nutrition advice, please consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider.

The Nutritional Benefits

• Packed with Lean Protein: Chicken is the main protein in this dish, which helps build and maintain muscles. It also keeps you full for longer. Using chicken instead of pork lowers the fat and calories, making it a lighter, healthier option.
• Full of Vitamins and Antioxidants: This stew includes vegetables like carrots and bell peppers that are rich in vitamin A and C. Tomatoes bring in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart and immune health. Raisins, if added, offer iron and potassium.

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