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Chicken Tinola with Spinach

A comforting Filipino soup made with chicken, ginger, and spinach for a delicious twist on the classic tinola recipe.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Chicken Tinola, comfort food, Filipino Soup, Healthy Soup, Tinola Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 340kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces Use free-range or organic chicken for better flavor.
  • 2 tbsp ginger, sliced Fresh ginger gives the best flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, sliced Sauté for added sweetness.
  • 4 cups water Adjust based on desired broth consistency.
  • 2 cups spinach, fresh Add at the end to prevent wilting.
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce For added umami flavor.
  • 2 pieces calamansi or lemon, for serving Enhances flavor when squeezed in.

Optional Additions

  • 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks Makes the dish more filling.
  • 1 cup sweet corn, canned or fresh A sweet addition that complements the broth.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Heat a pot over medium heat and sauté ginger and onion until fragrant.
  • Add chicken pieces and brown slightly, about 5 minutes.

Cooking

  • Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  • Add spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt.

Serving

  • Serve hot, optionally squeezing calamansi or lemon juice on top.
  • Top with extra spinach for presentation and serve with rice.

Notes

Let the flavors meld by avoiding over-stirring while simmering. Feel free to improvise with greens. Avoid freezing if you want spinach to retain its texture. Reheat gently if using a microwave.