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Philippines · Food

Chicken Tinola

55 min
490 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Chicken Tinola🇵🇭Anne Molina · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

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Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Chicken Tinola. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

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A comforting, ginger-rich chicken soup that is a staple of Filipino home cooking. It is perfect for chilly days and known for its medicinal, warming properties.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Chicken Tinola from another cuisine is Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Api (Malaysia): the two share 57% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and sliced ginger until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

  • 2

    Add 1kg chicken pieces to the pot and sear for 5 minutes until the skin turns lightly golden.

  • 3

    Pour in 1.5 litres water so the chicken is submerged and bring it to a gentle simmer, skimming off any foam that rises.

  • 4

    Season with 1 tsp salt, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.

  • 5

    Add the 500g green papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into wedges, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the papaya is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

  • 6

    Stir in the 30g malunggay leaves and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Taste the broth, adjust with more salt if needed, and remove from heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Tinola?

Chicken Tinola is a Filipino ginger-based chicken soup typically prepared with papaya or chayote and chili leaves. It is a staple home-cooked meal in the Philippines, commonly consumed as a main course with steamed rice.

Can I use spinach instead of malunggay leaves?

Yes. Spinach or chili leaves work well; add them at the very end and cook only until wilted.

Why is ginger essential?

It provides the signature spicy, warming base that defines Tinola.

How do I know when it's done?

The chicken should be tender enough to easily pull away from the bone.

Can I use sayote instead of green papaya?

Yes. Peeled sayote (chayote) wedges are a traditional alternative and cook in about the same time.

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