How to Cook Chicken Oriental

Chicken oriental is a comforting Filipino-style dish of tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory pineapple sauce with crisp vegetables.

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Course: Chicken Recipe

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: asian chicken recipe, chicken oriental, chicken recipe, oriental chicken recipe

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 342kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

1 kilo chicken drumsticks
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper ground
2 tsp. mustard
1/4 cup pineapple syrup from the pineapple chunks syrup
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour dissolved in 2 Tbsp. water
150 grams snap peas
1/2 cup pineapple chunks drained
1/4 cup spring onions chopped

Instructions

How to cook Chicken Oriental:

In a large bowl, marinate chicken in vinegar, olive oil, mustard, salt and pepper for about 2 hours.
Drain and reserve marinade. Pan fry chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
Boil reserved marinade in a saucepan and combine pineapple syrup, broth, soy sauce and flour.
Stir mixture and add chicken pieces. Cook until chicken is tender.
Add the snap peas and pineapple chunks.
Remove from heat. Arrange in a platter and top with spring onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Always marinate the chicken for at least two hours before cooking to let the vinegar, mustard, and spices penetrate the meat. This step not only deepens the flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, giving it a juicy bite. Skipping the marinade often results in bland and tougher meat.

Control the Sauce Consistency

When simmering the sauce, add the flour gradually to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth, glossy finish. Stir continuously while the mixture thickens so the chicken gets coated evenly. A well-balanced sauce clings to the meat without being too runny or too heavy.

Balance Sweetness and Savory Notes

Taste the sauce before finishing and adjust the pineapple syrup and soy sauce according to preference. Some like it sweeter while others prefer a stronger savory kick. Balancing the flavors makes chicken oriental versatile and appealing to everyone at the table.