Chicken Tocino

Are you looking for tasty heavy breakfast with pork tocino and fried rice with fried egg on the side? But you are pondering the guilt of eating pork meat again…….hmmm….I think a lighter version of  tocino is what you need and here it is, the chicken tocino. Very simple to make and only needs ingredients found in your kitchen pantry or a short distance to a small grocery store.

There is also no complicated steps and cooking procedures to follow. Just mix the ingredients and cure the meat just like marinating the meat when preparing to marinate a chicken barbecue. Since this recipe is home made, I didn’t include curing salt or salitre which is used as a preservative to prolong the shelf life and if you are planning to sell it. The sugar and pineapple juice will serve as a curing agent and preservative as well.

Light and Flavorful Chicken Tocino

Are you searching for a delicious and filling breakfast option that doesn’t involve pork tocino? Look no further! We have the perfect solution for you. This lighter version of the classic Filipino dish provides all the flavors you love, without the guilt. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps of making tocino, a healthier alternative that is easy to prepare and uses common ingredients found in your kitchen pantry or local grocery store.

The Healthier Alternative

When it comes to traditional Filipino breakfasts, tocino is a popular choice. Traditionally made with pork, this cured meat is typically served alongside fried rice and a fried egg. However, if you’re looking for a lighter and leaner option, chicken tocino is an excellent alternative. By using boneless chicken breast and a homemade curing mixture, you can enjoy the same great flavors while making a healthier choice for your breakfast.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare it, you will need a few simple ingredients:

• Boneless chicken breast, sliced
• Brown sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Refined salt
• Ground black pepper
• Tomato catsup
• Annato powder or red food coloring (optional)

Note: This recipe does not include curing salt or salitre, which is commonly used as a preservative in commercial tocino. Instead, the sugar and pineapple juice in this homemade version serve as both a curing agent and preservative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the necessary information, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the tocino:

Step 1: Tenderize and Slice the Chicken Breast

Start by pounding the chicken breast to tenderize it. Then, slice it into serving pieces or your desired sizes. This step helps the meat absorb the flavors of the curing mixture more effectively.

Step 2: Mix the Curing Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, brown sugar, pineapple juice, refined salt, ground black pepper, tomato catsup, and annato powder (or red food coloring, if using). Mix well to ensure that the meat is thoroughly coated with the curing mixture. Feel free to adjust the amount of ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Step 3: Cure the Chicken

Transfer the chicken and the curing mixture into a container with a lid or a zip bag. Place it in the refrigerator and allow the meat to cure overnight. This process enhances the flavors and ensures that the chicken is tender and infused with the delicious marinade.

Step 4: Cooking Options

There are two primary ways to cook your tocino:

a) Pan-Frying: Heat a frying pan with at least 4 tablespoons of oil. Fry the tocino for approximately 3 minutes on each side over medium heat, or until the meat turns golden brown.

b) Boiling and Pan-Frying: Alternatively, you can boil the tocino with a small amount of water and the marinade until the liquid evaporates and the meat becomes tender. Add some cooking oil to the pan, then fry the tocino until it caramelizes and develops a delicious glaze.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Once your tocino is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! Pair it with fragrant fried rice and a sunny-side-up fried egg for a complete and satisfying breakfast experience. You can also add some vegetables or a side salad to complement the flavors and add a nutritious touch to your meal.

Wrap-Up:

With this recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful breakfast option while making a healthier choice. By opting for chicken breast and using a homemade curing mixture, you can relish the familiar tastes of tocino without the guilt. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor a delicious and nutritious start to your day with chicken tocino! Want to try pork version? Check this pork tocino recipe!

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Chicken Tocino Recipe

Enjoy a guilt-free breakfast with chicken tocino. Tenderize and slice chicken, mix with sugar, pineapple juice, salt, pepper, catsup, and cure overnight. Fry or boil and serve with rice and egg.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time11 minutes mins

Total Time21 minutes mins

Course: Chicken Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: chicken tocino, tocinong manok

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 402kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

How to Make Chicken Tocino

• 1/2 kilo boneless chicken breast sliced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 tsp. refined salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. tomato catsup
• annato powder or red food coloring optional

Instructions

How to make Chicken Tocino:

• Pound the chicken breast to tenderize. Then slice it into serving pieces or your desired sizes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, sugar, pineapple juice, salt, pepper, catsup and annato powder. mix well to combine the meat with the curing mixture.
• Transfer the chicken with the curing mix in a container with lid or a zip bag. Refrigerate overnight to cure the meat.
• To cook the chicken tocino, you can fry it straight in the frying pan with at least 4 tablespoons of oil. Fry the tocino for at least 3 minutes on each sides on medium heat or until brown.
• Or you also boil the tocino with small amount of water with the marinade until the liquid evaporates and the meat is tender. Then add some cooking oil and fry until it caramelized. Serve with fried rice and fried egg for breakfast.

Video

Watch the Video on How to Cook Chicken Tocino:

Notes

Cooking Tips:

1. Tenderize the chicken: Before marinating, pound the chicken breast to tenderize it. This helps the meat absorb the flavors of the curing mixture more effectively.
2. Marinate overnight: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the chicken with the curing mixture overnight. This allows the meat to absorb the marinade and become tender.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, pineapple juice, salt, pepper, and other seasonings according to your personal preferences. Add more or less to achieve your desired flavor profile.
4. Cook on medium heat: When pan-frying the tocino, use medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly and browns nicely. Avoid high heat, as it may cause the exterior to burn before the interior is fully cooked.
5. Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking the chicken. Cook until it reaches a golden brown color and the meat is cooked through but still tender.

Nutrition Notes:

Calorie and other nutrition information is derived from HappyFolks.Com recipe nutrition calculator. The percent daily value (%DV) is based on a daily 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutrition Information:

Amount per Serving:317g, Calories:402kcal, From fat:797,  Total fat:60g, Saturated Fat:1.4g, Trans Fat:0g, Cholesterol: 183mg, Sodium: 698g, Total Carbohydrate: 27g, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 24g, Protein: 57g, Vitamin A: 3%, Vitamin C: 6%, Calcium: 2%, Iron: 6%