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Filipino Chicken Tinola with Ginger

A comforting and nourishing Filipino soup made with chicken, ginger, and green papaya, perfect for rainy days.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Chicken Soup, comfort food, Easy Recipe, Ginger Soup, Tinola
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken bone-in pieces like drumsticks and thighs Provides deeper flavor.
  • 1 medium green papaya, peeled and cut into wedges or big chunks Substitute chayote if unavailable.
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, sliced into matchsticks Essential for flavor.
  • 1 large onion, sliced Adds sweetness.
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped Enhances aroma.
  • 6 to 7 cups water or low sodium chicken stock Use stock for richer flavor.
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fish sauce Plus more to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil For browning the chicken.
  • to taste salt and black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1 to 2 pieces green finger chili (siling pansigang) For aroma and light kick.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and a little pepper.
  • Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on both sides for a couple of minutes.
  • Move the chicken to one side of the pot, and add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is aromatic.
  • Add the sliced ginger to the pot and stir until fragrant.

Simmering Broth

  • Pour in the water or stock, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to pick up browned bits.
  • Stir in the fish sauce, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Skim off any foam that collects on the surface.
  • Let the chicken simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

Adding Vegetables

  • Once the chicken is tender, add the green papaya pieces and simmer gently for 8 to 12 minutes.
  • Add leafy greens and cook for a minute or two, then turn off the heat.

Serving

  • Serve hot with steamed white or brown rice.
  • Garnish with more sliced ginger or a few extra sili leaves.

Notes

Leftovers keep well; store in a sealed container and reheat gently to maintain tenderness. This soup is gentle yet flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal.