Chicken Menudo is one of those classic dishes that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor—and for me, it’s simply irresistible. I could honestly eat this once a week and never get tired of it. Some might call it a craving or even an obsession, but I just think of it as a staple in my kitchen.
In many Filipino gatherings and celebrations, especially town fiestas, this dish often makes an appearance. It’s one of those well-loved recipes that families keep close, often with their own special twist. You’ll find variations that include green peas, garbanzos, raisins, or red hotdogs. Every region seems to have its take on this delicious favorite, but for me, nothing beats the version I grew up with Mom’s cooking at its finest.
What is Chicken Menudo?
Chicken Menudo is a tomato-based stew made with chunks of chicken, vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and a unique touch—liver, which adds a distinct richness to the dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and goes perfectly with freshly steamed rice.
Ingredients for Chicken Menudo
- 2 lbs chicken thigh or breast, cubed
- 1/4 lb chicken liver, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, cubed
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or calamansi
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup water (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- 4 pieces beef or chicken hotdogs, sliced diagonally
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 2–3 pieces dried bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour. For best results, cover and refrigerate during marination.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and the onion is soft.
3. Add the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces (reserve the marinade) and cook until they start to brown. This will seal in the flavor.
4. Simmer the Stew
Pour in the tomato sauce, reserved marinade, and water or broth. Add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
5. Add Liver and Hotdogs
Stir in the chicken liver and sliced hotdogs. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the liver is cooked through.
6. Add the Veggies
Add the diced potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle in the sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked to your liking, serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal!
Storage Tips
This dish actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors continue to blend. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in 2–3 minute intervals until hot.
Menudo vs. Afritada vs. Kaldereta – What’s the Difference?
These three dishes look quite similar but have key differences:
- Menudo uses diced meat and liver, simmered in tomato sauce with carrots, potatoes, and hotdogs.
- Afritada is cooked by frying the meat before stewing, often with green peas and red bell peppers.
- Kaldereta includes mashed liver or liver spread for a richer, thicker sauce and has a bit of spice, often made with beef or goat.
Each dish has its charm, but Chicken Menudo is a timeless favorite for its balance of hearty ingredients and savory sauce.
Chicken Menudo Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour. For best results, cover and refrigerate.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until softened and fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken (reserve the marinade) and cook until it turns light brown.
- Pour in tomato sauce, reserved marinade, and water. Add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–40 minutes until the chicken becomes tender.
- Stir in the chicken liver and hotdogs. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the liver is cooked.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 10–12 minutes or until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy this hearty Filipino comfort dish with family or friends.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Menudo is more than just a recipe—it’s a taste of home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight meal, it never disappoints.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments. You can also tag your creations on Instagram with #pinoyflavor or @yourhandle so we can see your delicious version!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~480 kcal per serving (estimate)
❓ What is Chicken Menudo?
Chicken Menudo is a Filipino-style tomato-based stew made with chunks of chicken, vegetables like carrots and potatoes, sliced hotdogs, and liver. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s often served during special occasions and family meals.
❓ What are the main ingredients of Chicken Menudo?
Here are the core ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken (thigh or breast)
- Chicken liver
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Hotdogs (beef or chicken)
- Soy sauce
- Lemon or calamansi juice
- Tomato sauce
- Onion and garlic
- Bay leaves
- Sugar, salt, and pepper
Optional additions: green peas, garbanzos, or raisins depending on your taste or regional variation.
❓ Can I make Chicken Menudo without liver?
Yes, you can skip the liver if you prefer. However, liver adds a rich depth of flavor that’s traditional in menudo. If you’d like a milder taste, sauté the liver in garlic and ginger before adding it to the dish.
❓ Can I substitute tomato sauce with something else?
Yes! You can use crushed tomatoes or even Filipino-style spaghetti sauce for a slightly sweeter taste. Just adjust the sugar level accordingly.
❓ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Both work well, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If you use breast meat, be careful not to overcook it to avoid dryness.
❓ How do I store Chicken Menudo?
Let the dish cool to room temperature first. Then:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
❓ Is Chicken Menudo spicy?
No, this dish is not traditionally spicy. However, you can always add chili flakes or chopped chilies if you like a bit of heat.
❓ What can I serve with Chicken Menudo?
Chicken Menudo is best served with:
Steamed white rice
Fried rice
Pandesal (Filipino bread rolls)
A side of atchara (pickled papaya)
❓ Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Its rich, tomato-based sauce and slightly sweet taste make it a hit with both kids and adults. You can adjust the salt and pepper to suit younger palates.
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