Chicken Menudo

Try this Filipino Chicken Menudo for dinner tonight! Loaded with chicken, hot dogs, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers in a flavorful tomato gravy, this hearty stew is sure to be a family favorite.

I enjoy cooking for a crowd, but I also prefer to keep things simple. I believe with a little creativity, we can easily turn our everyday dishes into special occasion favorites. Don't you love how the simple addition of pinya chunks makes pork adobo with pineapple into something fancy for guests?

One of my party staples is chicken menudo. Not only is it perfect for everyday family dinners, but it's also economical to make for a large gathering. You'll have enough to feed an army with three pounds of boneless chicken thigh meat extended with hotdogs, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and raisins.

This recipe yielded a big "kawa," and we had plenty of leftovers in the fridge to enjoy for days!

Ingredient notes

• Chicken- I use boneless, skinless chicken thigh or leg meat for ease of prep.
• Hot dogs- While pork menudo traditionally includes chunks of liver, I substitute sliced hot dogs in my chicken version for a family-friendly dish even the kiddos will love. This cured meat adds a smoky layer of flavor and deliciously extends the servings.
• Pineapple juice- What else makes this hearty Filipino stew a crowd-pleaser? I like to braise the chicken in pineapple juice for a subtly sweet taste.
• Canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste- for a thick, hearty sauce.
• Soy sauce- Taking inspiration from beef mechado, I add a tablespoon or two of soy sauce for a touch of umami flavor.
• Vegetables- potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers boost color and nutrition.
• Aromatics- onions and garlic provide the base for ginisa dishes, giving a robust umami flavor.
• Seasonings- salt helps perk up flavor, and pepper adds a touch of zing.
• Water- add more or less depending on the consistency desired.

Ingredient substitutions

• Chicken breast works, too, but tends to cook and dry out faster, so adjust cook time accordingly.
• Want more sweet and tangy flavors? Add one cup of pineapple tidbits!
• Add green peas or garbanzo beans at the last 10 minutes of cooking time to add bulk further.
• No hot dogs? You can substitute Vienna sausages.

Chicken Menudo cooking steps

1. Saute bell peppers until tender-crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Add hot dogs and cook until lightly browned. Set aside.
3. Saute onions and garlic until softened. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. 
4. Add soy sauce and pineapple juice.
5. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat, cover, and cook until chicken is tender.
6. Add potatoes, carrots, and raisins and cook until tender. 
7. Add bell peppers and hot dogs and cook until heated through.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve hot.

How to serve and store

• With steamed rice, of course! You can also enjoy it with warm pandesal; that rich, thick tomato gravy is just made for sopping!
• Got plenty of leftovers? Like giniling na baboy, this hearty chicken stew is delicious as a filling for a torta or omelet.
• To store for future meals, allow to cool completely and transfer to resealable bags or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat to 165 F or in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals until heated, stirring well between intervals.