Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Mechado Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Dish to Try at Home

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Are you tired of the same old chicken dishes? Are you looking for something new and exciting to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than the Chicken Mechado Recipe! This Filipino classic is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its rich, savory flavor and tender, juicy chicken.

Firstly, let's talk about the star of the show - the chicken. This recipe calls for a whole chicken, which means you'll have plenty of meat to go around. And who doesn't love leftovers? Plus, cooking a whole chicken makes you feel like a real chef - even if you're just starting out in the kitchen.

But what really sets this dish apart is the sauce. Made with tomato sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar, it's the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy. And let's not forget the garlic and onion - because everything is better with garlic and onion.

Now, I know what you're thinking - vinegar in a sauce? That sounds weird. But trust me on this one. The vinegar adds a unique depth of flavor that you won't find in other chicken dishes. Plus, it helps to tenderize the meat, making it even more succulent.

But wait, there's more! This recipe also calls for potatoes and bell peppers, adding a pop of color and texture to the dish. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even throw in some green olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Now, I won't lie to you - this recipe does take some time to prepare. But trust me, it's worth it. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a truly unforgettable meal.

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice for a hearty main course, or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. You can even make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal down the road.

So what are you waiting for? Give the Chicken Mechado Recipe a try and discover your new favorite dish. Your taste buds will thank you.


The Chicken Mechado Recipe That Will Make You Go “Mmmmm”

Are you tired of the same old chicken dishes? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious, mouth-watering recipe? Look no further than Chicken Mechado! This Filipino dish is packed with flavor and will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds.

What is Chicken Mechado?

For those who are unfamiliar, Chicken Mechado is a traditional Filipino dish made with chicken, tomatoes, soy sauce, and various spices. It’s typically served with white rice and is a staple in many Filipino households. The dish is known for its rich, savory flavor and tender, juicy chicken.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Chicken Mechado, you’ll need:

  • 1 pound of chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chicken Mechado

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a large skillet, heat up some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).

3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

4. In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

5. Add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it come to a boil.

6. Add the chicken back into the skillet, making sure it’s fully coated in the tomato mixture.

7. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.

8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Mechado is traditionally served with white rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, couscous, or any other grain you prefer. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side, such as broccoli or green beans, for a balanced meal.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Mechado

There are so many reasons to love Chicken Mechado! For starters, it’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The combination of the tangy tomato sauce and savory chicken is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s a relatively easy dish to make, so you don’t have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen.

Another great thing about Chicken Mechado is that it’s versatile. You can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes by adding more or less of certain ingredients. For example, if you like your food spicier, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato mixture. Or, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add more sugar or honey.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe to add to your repertoire, give Chicken Mechado a try. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that will leave you feeling full and happy. And who knows, it might just become a new favorite in your household!


The What the Cluck is Mechado Introduction

Let’s face it—we all need comfort food sometimes, and chicken mechado is just that. Picture tender chicken stewed in tomato sauce and spices until it’s so flavorful, you’ll want to have it again…and again…and again. Trust us, this dish will make you feel like a chick magnet.

But Seriously, Let's Get this Recipe Rolling

Don’t worry, this recipe won’t have you running around like a chicken with its head cut off. You’ll need a few ingredients, but nothing too crazy. Plus, the end result is worth every clucking penny.

Get Saucy with It

The key to a good mechado is the tomato sauce base. It’s like the chicken’s favorite cozy blanket, enveloping it in a comforting hug of flavor. Even Colonel Sanders would approve of this sauce—it’s finger-licking good.

The Spice is Right

If you’re thinking of being a chicken and skimping on the spices, think again. This is what takes the dish from meh to oh my flocking goodness. Load it up with garlic, onion, and spices and watch the flavors dance in your mouth. Don't be afraid to get spicy!

Chicken, Meet Carrots

We all know that chickens and carrots are a match made in heaven—they’re like the Abbott and Costello of the food world. So chop up some carrots and throw them into the mix—your taste buds will thank you. Plus, it adds some healthy veggies to the mix.

The Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Now, time to cook this bad boy. Low and slow is the name of the game here. You want those flavors to fully develop and intertwine, so don’t rush it! Tell that chicken to chill and let it simmer in that tasty sauce for a while. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Make it a Winner, Winner, Chicken Mechado Dinner

When your kitchen starts smelling like heaven and your chicken is tender and bursting with flavor, it’s time to dish it up. Serve it over rice or with some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that savory sauce. Trust us, it’ll be a winner, winner, chicken mechado dinner.

A Chicken Recipe Worth Crowing About

Once your family and friends taste this chicken mechado, they’ll be crowing about it to all their friends. It’s the perfect comfort food that’ll warm your soul and make you feel like there’s nothing in the world that could go wrong. Plus, it's easy to make and oh-so-delicious.

The Best Part? Leftovers

Make enough of this delicious dish for leftovers, trust us. There's nothing better than waking up the next day and knowing you’ve got a delicious meal ready to go with minimal effort. Plus, it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.

Now Go Cluck Yourself Up Some Mechado

You’ve got the recipe, now it’s time to get clucking in the kitchen. Make this chicken mechado recipe your own by adding your own flavor twists. Summer savory? Go for it! Jalapenos? Spice it up! The world is your chicken coop, so get cooking! Trust us, you won't regret it.

The Delicious Chicken Mechado Recipe

The Origin of the Recipe

Chicken Mechado is one of the most popular Filipino dishes out there. The recipe has been passed down for generations and is a staple in many Filipino households. It's a delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or just a regular weeknight dinner.

The Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious dish:

  • 1 lb chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

The Cooking Process

To cook Chicken Mechado, follow these simple steps:

  1. Saute onions and garlic in a pan until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Add tomato sauce, water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add sliced bell peppers and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

A Funny Story About Chicken Mechado

One day, I decided to make Chicken Mechado for my family. I followed the recipe exactly, but when it was time to add the bell peppers, I realized that I had forgotten to buy them at the grocery store. I panicked for a moment, trying to think of a substitute, but then I remembered that I had some leftover jalapenos in the fridge. I decided to add them instead, thinking that it would give the dish a nice kick.

When I served the Chicken Mechado to my family, they took one bite and immediately started coughing and reaching for their glasses of water. It turns out that the jalapenos were way too spicy for the dish, and we ended up having to order pizza instead.

Lesson learned: always double-check your ingredients before cooking!


A Farewell to Arms...and Legs!

Well, well, well...look who's still here. You must really love chicken mechado, huh? Or maybe you just enjoy my delightful company and witty humor. Either way, it's time for me to bid adieu. But before I go, let's recap what we've learned about this tasty dish.

Firstly, we established that chicken mechado is a Filipino stew made with tomato sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and various spices. It's typically served with rice and vegetables, but I won't judge you if you eat it straight out of the pot.

Next, we talked about the importance of marinating the chicken beforehand. This step not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. And let's be real, who doesn't love tender meat? (Vegetarians, that's who. But they're missing out.)

Then we delved into the cooking process, which involves sautéing onions and garlic, browning the chicken, and simmering everything together until it reaches a glorious, mouth-watering consistency.

But let's not forget about the secret ingredient: bay leaves. These little guys may seem insignificant, but they add a subtle, earthy flavor that takes the dish to the next level. It's like adding a cherry on top of a sundae, except instead of a cherry, it's a leaf.

Of course, no recipe is complete without some helpful tips and tricks. We covered everything from using a Dutch oven for even cooking to using chicken thighs for maximum flavor. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some potatoes and bell peppers to the mix. Go wild, my friend.

Finally, we arrived at the moment of truth: tasting the chicken mechado. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors was nothing short of magical. It's like a symphony in your mouth, except instead of music, it's food.

So there you have it, folks. A comprehensive guide to making delicious chicken mechado. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. And if you decide to try the recipe for yourself, I wish you the best of luck. May your chicken be tender, your sauce be flavorful, and your belly be full.

Until next time, my fellow foodies. Keep cooking, keep eating, and keep being awesome. And remember, if all else fails, just order pizza.


People Also Ask About Chicken Mechado Recipe

What is Chicken Mechado?

Chicken Mechado is a Filipino dish that is typically made with chicken, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and various vegetables. It is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for any occasion.

How do you make Chicken Mechado?

Here's a simple recipe for Chicken Mechado:

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers in the same pot.
  4. Add tomato sauce, soy sauce, bay leaves, and water; bring to a boil.
  5. Add the browned chicken and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Add potatoes and carrots and continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! While Chicken Mechado is traditionally made with chicken, you can also use beef or pork if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as these meats may take longer to cook.

What are some variations of Chicken Mechado?

Here are some variations you can try:

  • Use coconut milk instead of tomato sauce for a creamier version of the dish.
  • Add other vegetables like green beans or peas for added texture and flavor.
  • Spice it up by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.

Is Chicken Mechado healthy?

While Chicken Mechado can be a nutritious meal, it can also be high in sodium due to the use of soy sauce. To make it healthier, use low-sodium soy sauce and limit your intake of the dish.

Now that you know more about Chicken Mechado, go ahead and try making it for yourself! It's a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.