Chicken Tinola(Chicken Stew)
A comforting Filipino chicken stew with ginger, garlic, and leafy spinach, perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal that appeals to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic, onions, ginger, and chicken in cooking oil.
- Season with salt and ground pepper.
- Simmer over moderate heat for 10 minutes.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 25 minutes.
- Add green spinach leaves and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add yellow chilies and cook for 3 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and calamansi juice before cooking. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more yellow chilies or even a splash of fish sauce for depth. You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like bok choy or moringa if desired, making this dish versatile. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Tinola hot, garnished with additional spinach and chilies. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful broth. Consider serving side dishes like Fried Lumpia Rolls for a crunchy contrast, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the meal. This comforting stew is perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover the container to keep the moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tinola(Chicken Stew) contains roughly 753 calories, with 19g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2311mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins like pork or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying cooking durations to become tender.
What can I do if I can't find yellow chilies?
If yellow chilies are unavailable, you can use green bell peppers or jalapeños for heat. Alternatively, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can provide a similar spice level without altering the dish's essence.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Chicken Tinola can be made a day ahead of time. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).