🇵🇭 Philippines · Food
Tinolang Manok
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
A classic Filipino ginger-based chicken soup, known for its clean, soothing, and warming properties. It is a quintessential home-style dish featuring tender chicken, chayote squash, and a punch of ginger.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot and sauté the 50g sliced ginger and 1 chopped onion until fragrant and soft, about 4 minutes.
- 2
Add the 800g chicken legs to the pot and sear for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
- 3
Pour in 2 tbsp fish sauce to coat the chicken, stirring well for 1 minute to develop the flavor.
- 4
Pour in the 1.5 liters of water and bring to a gentle boil.
- 5
Skim any impurities or foam from the surface to ensure a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- 6
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- 7
Add the 2 peeled and cubed chayote pieces to the pot.
- 8
Simmer for another 5-8 minutes until the chayote is tender but not mushy, then serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use if I can't find chayote?+
Green papaya is the traditional alternative, but zucchini is a common and acceptable substitute in many households.
Is it important to sauté the ginger?+
Yes, sautéing the ginger releases its oils, which provides the distinctive, warm base flavor for the entire soup.
Should I remove the skin from the chicken?+
Leaving the skin on provides more flavor and richness to the broth, but you can remove it if you prefer a leaner soup.
Can I add other greens?+
Yes, chili pepper leaves or moringa (malunggay) are frequently added just before serving for extra nutrition.
