Craving Filipino? Delicious & Cheap Chicken Recipes You'll Love!

Who doesn't love Filipino food? The problem is, sometimes those delicious dishes can seem intimidating, or worse, expensive! But don't worry, kabayan! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the cheap chicken recipe Filipino, proving you can enjoy authentic flavors without emptying your wallet. We're talking adobo, tinola, sinigang, and more – all made easy and affordable. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these amazing recipes!

Professional illustration showcasing cheap chicken recipe filipino concepts and best practices

Why Chicken is Your Budget-Friendly Best Friend

Chicken is a staple for a reason. It's versatile, readily available, and generally more budget-friendly than other meats like beef or pork. Plus, it absorbs flavors beautifully, making it perfect for those bold and savory Filipino sauces and spices. But how do we keep it truly *cheap*? Let's break it down:

1. Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts

The cut of chicken you choose significantly impacts the cost per serving. Here's a quick guide:

• Whole Chicken: Often the cheapest option per pound. Roasting a whole chicken is fantastic, and you can use the leftover carcass to make a flavorful broth for soups like tinola.
• Chicken Thighs: Usually more affordable than chicken breasts and packed with flavor. They're also more forgiving to cook, staying moist and tender even if you accidentally overcook them slightly.
• Chicken Drumsticks: Another budget-friendly option, especially great for braising and frying. Kids (and adults!) love them.
• Chicken Wings: Perfect for appetizers or snacks. Watch for sales and buy in bulk when you can.
• Chicken Breasts: While versatile, they tend to be the most expensive. Look for sales or buy family packs and freeze individual portions.

Pro-Tip: Don't be afraid to buy frozen chicken! It's often cheaper than fresh and can be just as delicious. Just make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator before cooking.

2. Stretching Your Chicken: Making the Most of Every Piece

A little creativity goes a long way when you're on a budget. Here are some ideas to stretch your chicken further:

• Shredded Chicken: Use leftover roasted or boiled chicken to make sandwiches, wraps, or add to salads.
• Chicken Broth: As mentioned earlier, chicken bones are liquid gold! Simmer them with vegetables and herbs to create a rich and flavorful broth for soups and sauces.
• Chicken Flakes: Flake cooked chicken and mix it with rice and vegetables for a simple and satisfying meal.
• Carcass Value: Don't throw away that carcass! It's full of collagen and flavor, perfect for making a hearty stock.

3. Smart Shopping Strategies

Becoming a savvy shopper is key to keeping your chicken recipes cheap.

• Compare Prices: Check prices at different grocery stores and supermarkets. Don't be afraid to shop around!
• Look for Sales: Pay attention to weekly flyers and sales. Stock up when chicken is on sale and freeze it for later.
• Buy in Bulk: Buying larger quantities is often cheaper per pound. Divide the chicken into smaller portions and freeze them.
• Consider "Ugly" Produce: Some stores sell slightly bruised or imperfect fruits and vegetables at a discount. These are perfectly fine to use in cooking, especially in dishes where they'll be chopped or blended.
• Farmers Markets: While not always the cheapest, farmers markets can offer better quality and support local farmers. Look for deals and seasonal produce.

Our Top 5 Cheap Chicken Recipe Filipino Dishes

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are five budget-friendly Filipino chicken recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

1. Chicken Adobo: The Undisputed King

Chicken adobo is arguably the most iconic Filipino dish, and for good reason! It's incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 cup water
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (for a sweeter adobo)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken and marinade to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
4. Add water if needed to prevent the sauce from drying out.
5. If desired, add sugar during the last 10 minutes of cooking to sweeten the adobo.
6. Serve hot with rice.

Budget Tip: Use chicken leg quarters instead of thighs or drumsticks for an even cheaper option. You can also add potatoes or hard-boiled eggs to the adobo to make it more filling.

2. Chicken Tinola: Comfort in a Bowl

Chicken tinola is a classic Filipino soup known for its comforting and nourishing qualities. It's perfect for a rainy day or when you're feeling under the weather.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in is best for flavor)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 green papaya, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• Sili leaves (chili pepper leaves) or spinach
• Fish sauce (patis) to taste
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
4. Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
6. Add the green papaya and cook until tender.
7. Season with fish sauce to taste.
8. Stir in the sili leaves or spinach just before serving.
9. Serve hot.

Budget Tip: Use chicken backs or necks to make a flavorful broth for the tinola. You can also substitute sayote (chayote squash) for green papaya if it's cheaper or more readily available.

3. Chicken Sinigang: Sour and Satisfying

Chicken sinigang is a sour and savory soup that's incredibly refreshing and satisfying. The sourness comes from tamarind, guava, or other souring agents.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 tomatoes, quartered
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 packet sinigang mix (tamarind or guava flavor)
• Water spinach (kangkong) or long beans (sitaw)
• Radishes (labanos), sliced
• Fish sauce (patis) to taste
• 8 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, onion, tomatoes, and ginger.
2. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
4. Add the sinigang mix and stir until dissolved.
5. Add the radishes and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add the water spinach or long beans and cook until just wilted.
7. Season with fish sauce to taste.
8. Serve hot with rice.

Budget Tip: Sinigang mix can be expensive. You can make your own souring agent by boiling tamarind pulp or guava fruits and extracting the juice. You can also use kamias (bilimbi) if available.

4. Chicken Afritada: Tomato-Based Goodness

Chicken afritada is a hearty stew cooked in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Green peas

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
4. Add the potatoes and carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the bell peppers and cook for 3 minutes.
6. Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. If desired, add green peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
9. Serve hot with rice.

Budget Tip: Use canned diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce to save money. You can also add other vegetables like cabbage or green beans to make the afritada more filling.

5. Fried Chicken: Filipino Style!

Who doesn't love fried chicken? Filipino-style fried chicken is extra crispy and flavorful, thanks to a simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
2. In a separate bowl, place the flour.
3. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Heat the cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with rice and your favorite dipping sauce.

Budget Tip: Use chicken wings or drumettes for a cheaper fried chicken option. You can also add a pinch of MSG to the flour mixture for an extra savory flavor (optional). Consider using a pressure cooker before frying for extra tender chicken.

Expert Insights and Analysis

Beyond the recipes themselves, understanding the nuances of Filipino cooking can help you adapt and create your own budget-friendly variations. Here are some expert insights:

The Importance of "Gisa" (Sautéing)

Many Filipino dishes start with "gisa," which involves sautéing garlic, onion, and sometimes ginger in oil. This foundational step builds flavor and aroma. Don't skip it! Even a simple gisa can elevate a dish from bland to delicious.

Embracing "Patis" (Fish Sauce)

Patis is a staple in Filipino cuisine. It adds a salty and umami flavor that's essential to many dishes. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. A little goes a long way!

Vinegar: More Than Just Sourness

Vinegar is used not only for its sourness but also as a tenderizer and preservative. In adobo, for example, the vinegar helps to break down the chicken fibers, making it more tender. It also helps to prevent spoilage, which was especially important before refrigeration was widely available.

The Art of "Timpla" (Seasoning)

"Timpla" refers to the art of seasoning a dish to perfection. Filipino cooking is all about balancing flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and savory. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Beyond the Recipe: Adapting to Your Pantry

The best Filipino cooks are resourceful and adaptable. Don't be afraid to substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, if you don't have green papaya for tinola, you can use sayote or even zucchini. The key is to understand the basic principles of the dish and adjust accordingly.

Practical Applications: Making it Work for You

Now that you have the recipes and insights, let's talk about how to make these cheap chicken recipe Filipino dishes work for your busy life.

Meal Planning and Prep

Planning your meals for the week can save you time and money. Choose a few of these chicken recipes and create a shopping list. Prepare ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables or marinating the chicken. This will make cooking during the week much easier.

Batch Cooking and Freezing

Cook large batches of these dishes and freeze them in individual portions. This is a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand whenever you need it. Soups like tinola and sinigang freeze particularly well.

Leftovers: Reinventing Your Meals

Don't let leftovers go to waste! Use leftover chicken adobo to make adobo flakes for rice toppings or sandwiches. Turn leftover tinola into a creamy chicken and vegetable soup by adding a little cream or coconut milk.

Get the Family Involved

Cooking is a great way to bond with your family. Get your kids involved in the cooking process, even if it's just washing vegetables or stirring the pot. This will teach them valuable skills and create lasting memories.

Embrace the Community

Check out local Filipino markets or community events. You might find unique ingredients at better prices or discover new recipes and cooking tips from other home cooks. Sharing food and recipes is a big part of Filipino culture!

Conclusion

With a little planning and resourcefulness, enjoying delicious and authentic Filipino food on a budget is totally achievable. These recipes for a cheap chicken recipe filipino are just a starting point. Explore, experiment, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on these classic dishes! ```