This Chicken Bicol Express recipe reinvents the iconic Bicolano dish by swapping pork for tender chicken while keeping all the signature flavors that make this stew unforgettable. The result is a rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced dish that showcases the best of Filipino cuisine's bold flavors.
Why You'll Love This Version:
The Flavor Builders:
Cooking Secrets for Perfect Bicol Express:
✔ Toast the shrimp paste briefly to mellow its sharpness
✔ Simmer coconut milk slowly to prevent curdling
✔ Add chilies at different stages - some early for infused heat, some late for fresh bite
✔ Let the pineapple juices incorporate into the sauce
Serving Suggestions:
🍚 Steamed white rice to soak up the creamy sauce
🥒 Fresh vegetable sides like sliced cucumbers or blanched greens
🍻 Chilled beer to complement the spiciness
🍍 Extra pineapple chunks for garnish
The Pineapple Advantage:
The addition of pineapple isn't just for taste - it:
Cultural Twist:
While staying true to Bicolano cooking techniques, this chicken version makes the dish:
Make-Ahead Tip: The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making this an excellent dish to prepare in advance for gatherings or packed lunches.
Final Thought: This Chicken Bicol Express delivers all the comfort and excitement of the original, with a delightful sweetness that makes it irresistible to both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors. The creamy coconut sauce clinging to tender chicken pieces will have everyone reaching for second helpings!
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Try this recipe tonight and experience how chicken transforms this Filipino classic! 🌶️🍗🥥
Chicken Bicol Express is delicious rich and creamy Filipino stew. Originally, pork was used as the main ingredient in the Bicol Express dish. Though the cooking process is similar, we will substitute pork for chicken in this recipe. The main ingredient is cooked in coconut milk (gata), with ginger, garlic, and onion sautéed in.
Next, for saltiness, bagoong (shrimp paste) was added. Slices of green chilies, which lend a slight spiciness to the meal, are added to make this chicken recipe a bicol express. Red chilis are also included in our recipe to give a spicy kick to the dish. Pineapple tidbits are added to our recipe; this will help balance the saltiness of the entire dish and bring a delectable taste that everyone will enjoy.
Prepare the chicken breasts, slice them into pieces, and set them aside. Then peel, slice, and chop the spices needed for the recipe.
In a pan, heat cooking oil. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft and fragrant.
Add the chicken and stir until the color turns light brown.
Season with a dash of salt and black pepper to taste.
Pour in the coconut milk, bring to a gentle boil, then add the sauteed shrimp paste (bagoong), stir and simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
Add the pineapple tidbits, green chili slices, and red chili's.
Simmer again for another 2 minutes; adjust the taste as necessary.
Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot with a pair of steaming rice.
Share and enjoy the food.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.