Bicol Express(CHICKEN)

If you’re someone who enjoys dishes that are rich, flavorful, and come with a little kick of heat, then you’re going to love Bicol Express. This Filipino classic is a beautiful blend of spicy chilies and creamy coconut milk, creating a comforting and irresistible dish that hits all the right notes.

What’s even better? It’s easy to make at home, uses simple ingredients, and pairs perfectly with a warm plate of steamed rice.

🌶️ What is Bicol Express?

Bicol Express is a beloved dish from the Philippines, inspired by the bold and spicy cuisine of the Bicol region. Known for their love of coconut milk and chili peppers, Bicolano dishes often combine the creamy and the spicy in the most delicious ways. Bicol Express is the perfect example.

This dish features tender cuts of meat simmered in a rich coconut sauce with plenty of green and red chilies. The result? A creamy, spicy, and savory dish that’s warming, filling, and full of character.

It’s named after the train route that connects Manila to the Bicol region — a symbolic tribute to where the flavors originate.

🍲 Recipe Overview

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

📝 Ingredients

• 500g chicken thigh or breast, cut into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sautéed shrimp paste or fish sauce
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup coconut cream (thick top layer)
• 5–10 green or red chilies, sliced (adjust to your spice level)
• 2–3 bird’s eye chilies (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Bicol Express

Bicol Express is more than just a spicy dish — it’s a warm hug in the form of food. The richness of the coconut milk combined with the heat of the chilies makes every bite exciting. Whether you're cooking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish brings people together with its unforgettable flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 500 g chicken thigh or breast cut into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger minced
• 1 tablespoon sautéed shrimp paste or fish sauce
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup coconut cream thick top layer
• 5–10 green or red chilies sliced (adjust to your spice level)
• 2–3 bird’s eye chilies optional for extra heat
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until lightly browned and most of the juices have evaporated.

Add Aromatics

1. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir and sauté until the onions become soft and everything is aromatic.

Stir in the Shrimp Paste

1. Add the shrimp paste (or fish sauce) and stir for a minute or two. This adds a layer of depth and umami flavor to the dish.

Simmer in Coconut Milk

1. Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a light simmer. Let the chicken cook in the coconut milk for about 15 minutes until it becomes tender.

Add Chilies and Coconut Cream

1. Stir in your sliced chilies, and then add the thick coconut cream. Allow it to simmer for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Season and Serve

1. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with plenty of steamed rice to balance the spice.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken
   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until lightly browned and most of the juices have evaporated.
2. Add Aromatics
   Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir and sauté until the onions become soft and everything is aromatic.
3. Stir in the Shrimp Paste
   Add the shrimp paste (or fish sauce) and stir for a minute or two. This adds a layer of depth and umami flavor to the dish.
4. Simmer in Coconut Milk
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a light simmer. Let the chicken cook in the coconut milk for about 15 minutes until it becomes tender.
5. Add Chilies and Coconut Cream
   Stir in your sliced chilies, and then add the thick coconut cream. Allow it to simmer for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
6. Season and Serve
   Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with plenty of steamed rice to balance the spice.

🍛 Tips for a Perfect Bicol Express

• Use boneless chicken thighs if you want a juicier texture. Chicken breast is leaner but still works well.
• Control the spice by adjusting the number of chilies. You can remove the seeds for less heat.
• Stir frequently once the coconut cream is added to avoid curdling or burning at the bottom.

🔄 Variations You Can Try

• Seafood Twist: Try using shrimp or squid instead of chicken for a coastal variation.
• Meatless Version: You can use tofu, mushrooms, and eggplant for a delicious plant-based take on this dish.
• Add Vegetables: Long beans or bell peppers can be added for extra texture and color.

🥢 Serving Suggestions

Bicol Express is best enjoyed with a big scoop of steamed rice — perfect for soaking up that rich, spicy sauce. A cold drink on the side makes it even better, especially when the chilies start to kick in.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Bicol Express is more than just a spicy dish — it’s a warm hug in the form of food. The richness of the coconut milk combined with the heat of the chilies makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish brings people together with its unforgettable flavor.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, and absolutely mouthwatering, give Bicol Express a try. It might just become your new favorite comfort food.

Related Recipes to Try

Love the idea of making delicious meals from canned sardines? Here are a few more dishes that are affordable, comforting, and easy to make:

• Pancit Canton Recipe
• Grated-egg-toast
• Sinigang na Baka (Beef Tamarind Soup) 
• Cacio e Pepe