Chicken Tinola (Tinolang Manok) 

A Comforting Ginger-Garlic Filipino Chicken Soup

A soothing, flavorful and traditional chicken soup, this Filipino recipe is one of the popular ones among households in the Philippines. The Chicken Tinola, otherwise known as ‘Tinolang Manok’ in the Philippines, is a clear chicken soup that is well-seasoned with ginger and garlic - making it the perfect dish for rainy days and cold weather. 

The Chicken Tinola is a quick, tasty and refreshing recipe if you want to try something new in the kitchen! A chicken soup for the soul, this easy Filipino recipe is a one-pot dish combining simple ingredients like chicken, ginger, onion and green papaya for a healthy and nourishing meal. A favourite Filipino food among families, it is guaranteed to have you going back for seconds, thirds, and more!

Frequently-Asked Questions About Chicken Tinola

Is this your first time cooking the Chicken Tinola? Fret not, this Filipino chicken soup is a fairly easy dish to make at home and can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your liking. 

Is chicken broth necessary? 

Adding chicken broth into your Chicken Tinola recipe is optional. However, you will have to cook the soup for a couple of hours on low heat to really extract the flavor from the chicken bones. To really bring out the flavor that is reminiscent of this traditional Filipino recipe, add some chicken broth into your soup. 

What alternative ingredients can be used in place of Malunggay leaves? 

Malunggay leaves are native to tropical climates - they may not be readily available at your favourite local supermarkets. Spinach is a good alternative! 

How can the Chicken Tinola recipe be adapted for spice levels? 

If you are a fan of spicy foods, you can include long green chili peppers or the Jalapeno into your Chicken Tinola broth. This will make your dish spicier than usual. 

Is the Chicken Tinola a nutritious recipe? 

Yes it is! With good amounts of unripe papayas and Malunggay leaves, this Filipino food is a healthy main dish for weeknight dinners. 

What is another popular but easy variation of the Chicken Tinola recipe?

Adding coconut milk into the recipe makes for a very creamy, rich and flavorful updated Chicken Tinola recipe! 

How do I serve the Chicken Tinola dish? 

This Filipino family recipe is a simple but flavorful dish packed with seasoning from salt, ginger and garlic. It is best served with some warm, fluffy white rice and can be accompanied with a sour plum dish or fish dipping sauce. For healthier alternatives, you can use brown rice to go with the Chicken Tinola.

Cooking Chicken Tinola: Recipe Tips and Tricks 

One of the relatively simple Filipino recipes, the Chicken Tinola is a good recipe for beginners who want to cook nutritious and flavorful meals at home. 

1. Prepare your ingredients beforehand: Chop up all your primary ingredients - onions, ginger, garlic and chili before starting the boil for the chicken soup. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces so that they can turn tender easily in the boiling soup. 
2. Sautée your aromatics: Sautéeing your aromatics can pack more flavor into the chicken soup. Using heated oil, make sure you sautée the onions, garlic and ginger until they soften in the pan. 
3. Use bone-in chicken for the recipe: Bone-in chicken offers better flavor when it is boiled in the broth until tender. The low boil of the Chicken Tinola allows for the extraction of flavors in the recipe.