Rellenong Manok
Filipino rellenong manok is a showstopper stuffed chicken filled with savory ground meat, veggies, and a hint of sweetness from raisins, perfect for family celebrations and gatherings.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds, skin kept on Ask the butcher to help with initial deboning if needed.
- 1/2 pound ground pork or beef Use what’s available in the fridge.
- 2-3 pieces hotdogs or cooked ham, diced small This adds extra flavor.
- 1 medium carrot, minced tiny Helps to hide the veggies.
- 1/2 cup green peas Frozen or canned works fine.
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish Or chopped regular pickles.
- 1/4 cup raisins Important for the sweet pop.
- 2 pieces hard-boiled eggs, quartered Adds texture and looks cute in slices.
- 4 pieces eggs For binding the stuffing.
- 1 small onion, minced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper Eyeball to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- as needed Cooking oil Just a drizzle for sautéing.
- as needed String and needle For sewing the chicken.
Instructions
Preparing the Stuffing
- In a pan, sauté onion and garlic till golden and fragrant.
- Add ground pork or beef and cook until crumbly.
- Turn off the burner and mix in diced hotdog, carrots, green peas, raisins, and sweet pickle relish.
- Once cooled, beat the eggs and stir them into the mixture.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and ensure the mixture is chunky and holds together.
- Finally, gently incorporate the quartered hard-boiled eggs.
Stuffing and Sewing the Chicken
- Lay the deboned chicken flat on a board and patch any holes with skin from another area.
- Spoon the stuffing into the chicken, filling wings and thighs as well.
- Sew the opening closed with kitchen string.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
- Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan.
Baking or Roasting
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the chicken loosely with foil for the first hour, then uncover and roast for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Baste with pan drippings halfway through.
- Let the chicken rest before carving to prevent stuffing from falling out.
Presentation
- Slice the chicken on a platter to showcase the stuffing.
- Garnish with parsley or pan-roasted veggies.
- Serve with leftover pan sauce for added flavor.
Notes
Rellenong manok is a festive dish that can be slightly challenging, but the result is impressive. Feel free to customize the stuffing to your taste.