Asado Manok Recipe – Traditional Filipino Flavor

Asado Manok Recipe is one of those Filipino dishes that immediately wins hearts with its comforting aroma and rich, balanced flavors. I first tried this recipe during a family gathering, and I was amazed at how tender and flavorful the chicken turned out. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy notes creates a memorable taste that perfectly represents Filipino home cooking.

When I made it myself for the first time, I realized how simple it is to prepare yet how unique the outcome is. The glossy sauce coating the chicken, paired with warm steamed rice, instantly became one of my favorites. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or guests, this dish never fails to impress with its irresistible homemade taste.

Origin of Asado Manok Recipe

Asado Manok traces its origin to Filipino-Chinese culinary traditions, where the word asado means “roasted” or “braised in sauce.” Over time, Filipino cooks adapted the Chinese version by infusing local flavors soy sauce, calamansi, sugar, and bay leaves. This fusion created a uniquely Filipino recipe that balances sweet and salty perfectly. It’s often enjoyed on special occasions and family dinners, representing comfort, heritage, and togetherness in Filipino culture.

What Is Asado Manok Recipe?

Asado Manok is a traditional Filipino chicken dish made by marinating chicken in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon), garlic, onion, and spices, then braising it slowly in its own marinade until tender. The result is juicy chicken bathed in a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Unlike other Filipino chicken dishes such as adobo, asado manok has a sweeter and more aromatic touch, making it ideal for those who love balanced, rich flavors.

Why Try This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to try this recipe at home:

• It’s beginner-friendly yet tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
• The ingredients are simple and affordable, available in any kitchen.
• The dish delivers a perfect blend of Filipino comfort and festive flavor.
• It’s customizable you can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess easily.
• Most importantly, it brings the authentic taste of traditional Filipino cuisine to your table.

Equipment Needed

To prepare this flavorful chicken dish, you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools:

1. Mixing Bowl: For preparing the chicken marinade.
2. Non-stick Pan or Deep Skillet: To braise the chicken evenly.
3. Tongs or a Wooden Spoon: For flipping and stirring without breaking the meat.
4. Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping garlic, onions, and chicken portions.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To maintain the right flavor balance.
6. Serving Dish: To present the beautifully coated chicken attractively.

Simple tools, but they make a big difference in keeping your recipe clean, organized, and delicious.

Ingredients of Asado Manok

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this traditional Filipino chicken asado:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into serving pieces)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for deeper color)
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• Salt to taste

This blend delivers that classic homemade asado manok flavor savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly aromatic.

How to Cook Asado Manok Recipe – Step-by-Step Perfection

Follow these detailed steps to create a tender and flavorful traditional Filipino chicken asado at home:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, onions, brown sugar, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and let it marinate for at least one hour (overnight gives a richer taste).
 Tip: This marinade forms the base of the dish’s signature flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve the liquid) and sear each piece until golden brown on both sides. This step locks in the juices.

Step 3: Add the Marinade and Simmer: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan along with bay leaves and tomato paste. Add water or chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes or until the chicken is soft and the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt or sugar according to your preference. Some like it sweeter; others prefer a more savory profile.

Step 5: Finish and Serve: Once the sauce is thick and glossy, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed white rice or garlic rice for the best experience. Garnish with sliced onions or parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.

Nutrition Information of Asado Manok

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg

This dish is a good source of protein and energy, especially when paired with rice or vegetables.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Asado Manok warm with freshly cooked rice and a side of sautéed vegetables or pickled papaya (atchara). For gatherings, you can arrange it on a large platter topped with caramelized onions for an elegant look. Leftover sauce makes a great drizzle for grilled meat or fried rice — don’t waste a drop!

Benefits of This Recipe

• High-Protein Meal: Builds strength and energy.
• Low-Complexity Preparation: Perfect for beginners learning Filipino cuisine.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Thanks to garlic and calamansi.
• Versatile: Works as lunch, dinner, or festive dish.
• Budget-Friendly: Delicious meals without expensive ingredients.

FAQs

1. What is in chicken asado?

Chicken asado contains soy sauce, calamansi or lemon, garlic, onions, brown sugar, bay leaves, and other aromatic ingredients that create a sweet-savory sauce.

2. How to chicken asado marinade?

Combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, onions, brown sugar, and pepper. Mix well and soak chicken pieces for at least an hour before cooking.

3. What makes homemade asado manok flavor special?

 It’s the balance of tangy citrus, savory soy, and subtle sweetness that gives the dish a comforting homemade touch.

4. Can I make this recipe with other meats?

Yes, the same technique works with pork (asado baboy) or beef for variety.

5. Is asado manok spicy?

Traditionally, it’s not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chili for a mild kick.

Conclusion

In summary, the Asado Manok Recipe is a flavorful and heartwarming Filipino dish that showcases the beauty of simplicity. From its marinated tenderness to its glossy sauce, every bite tells a story of Filipino tradition and comfort. It’s beginner-friendly, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for family or exploring global cuisines, this recipe is a must-try. Its perfect blend of flavors makes it one of the most beloved Filipino chicken dishes you’ll ever make at home.