Chicken Tocino
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken thighs, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 3 tbsp pineapple juice
- 8 drops red food coloring, optional
- Optional Garnish: scallions, sesame seeds, 2 fried eggs, cucumber
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with all ingredients for 15 minutes, ideally an hour.
- Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken until liquid evaporates and meat begins to caramelize, about 7 minutes.
- Serve over a bowl of rice. Optionally top with a fried egg, cucumbers, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Why I Love Chicken Tocino
Chicken Tocino is the kind of dish that’s impossible to stop eating once you start. It’s inspired by the classic Filipino breakfast staple, but it works just as well for lunch or dinner. The marinade blends soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, and a mix of white and brown sugar, creating that perfect balance of sweet and savory. When it hits the pan, the sugars caramelize into a sticky glaze that coats every bite, making it tender, glossy, and full of flavor.
Simple Marinade, Huge Flavor Payoff
The beauty of Chicken Tocino is how easy it is to make. Just mix everything together, let the chicken soak up the marinade, and then cook until it’s caramelized and slightly sticky. There’s no breading, no complicated steps, just pure flavor in minutes. The pineapple juice tenderizes the meat while adding a subtle tang, and the garlic infuses it with aromatic depth. The result is a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy with barely any effort.
Ingredients for Chicken Tocino
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 8 drops red food coloring (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- Scallions
- Sesame seeds
- 2 fried eggs
- Cucumber slices
How to Make Chicken Tocino
Marinate chicken with all ingredients for 15 minutes, ideally an hour for deeper flavor.
Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken until liquid evaporates and meat begins to caramelize, about 7 minutes.
Serve over rice, optionally topped with a fried egg, cucumbers, scallions, and sesame seeds.
Tips and Variations
• Swap chicken thighs for pork shoulder for a more traditional Tocino.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or gochugaru if you like heat.
• Marinate overnight for even more flavor penetration.
Why Chicken Tocino Is in My Weeknight Rotation
This is one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting, fast, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect as a breakfast rice plate with eggs, in a lunchbox for meal prep, or as a quick weeknight dinner. The sweet-savory glaze works beautifully with rice, and you can easily tweak it with a splash of vinegar or chili oil if you want to cut through the richness. It’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot.
How to Serve Chicken Tocino
Serve it over hot white rice with a fried egg and fresh cucumber slices for a classic Filipino-style plate. For variety, wrap it in a tortilla for a quick breakfast wrap or toss it into a noodle stir fry for something different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Tocino without pineapple juice?
Yes, you can substitute with orange juice for sweetness and acidity, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How long can I store cooked Chicken Tocino?
It will last up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container and reheats well in a pan or microwave.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Freeze either the raw marinated chicken or the cooked version for up to 2 months.
Is red food coloring necessary?
Not at all! It’s just for that classic red hue, but the flavor stays the same without it.
More Recipes to Try
• My Garlic Butter Fried Rice is the perfect quick and classic side for Tocino.
• Try my Spicy Peanut Noodles for a rich, nutty pairing.
• Make my Char Siu Chicken for another sweet-savory favorite.
