Chicken Estofado
Chicken Estofado is a Filipino braised chicken dish with a rich, savory-sweet sauce. It typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and star anise, often enhanced with the addition of potatoes, carrots, and sometimes saba bananas or pineapple for a touch of sweetness and texture. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a family meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 0.25 cup Vinegar
- 0.25 cup Brown sugar
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, sliced
- 2 pieces Star anise
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 Saba bananas (or regular bananas), sliced
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 cup Water or chicken broth
- to taste Salt and black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, star anise, and bay leaves for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
💡 Tip: Marinating helps the chicken absorb the flavors and tenderizes the meat. - 2
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until lightly browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Searing the chicken creates a flavorful base for the sauce. - 3
In the same pot, sauté the sliced onions until softened and translucent. Add the marinated chicken back into the pot along with the marinade.
💡 Tip: Ensure all the marinade ingredients are added to the pot for maximum flavor. - 4
Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced saba bananas (if using). Pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
💡 Tip: Simmering on low heat allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become very tender. - 5
Uncover the pot and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning as needed. Some soy sauces are saltier than others. - 6
Serve hot, preferably with steamed white rice.
💡 Tip: Chicken Estofado is best enjoyed with rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of oyster sauce to the marinade.
- ✓If saba bananas are unavailable, regular ripe bananas can be used, but add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- ✓Some variations include adding pineapple chunks or juice for a sweeter, tangier profile.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of pineapple juice along with the water for a fruity twist.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a sliced chili pepper.
- Some recipes call for frying the chicken, potatoes, and bananas separately before braising for added texture.