Ginataang manok is easy to make and full of flavor. It's loaded with moist chicken, potatoes, bell peppers, and a spicy coconut sauce for a creamy dish that pairs well with steamed rice.
Of all the types of cooking in our cuisine, ginataan is one of my favorites to make. Nothing beats the taste of succulent meat or vegetables swimming in a rich, creamy coconut sauce in my book!
I have a few recipes on the blog, such as ginataang kalabasa at sitaw, ginataang seafood, and Bicol Express, and I am excited to include this ginataang manok on the list.
If you're looking for the perfect dish for busy weeknights, it can't get easier than this! With simple pantry ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cook time, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the wonderful flavors this creamy chicken in spicy coconut sauce brings to the table in minutes!
Ingredient notes
- The recipe calls for a whole chicken, but any choice of parts, such as wings or thighs, will do. You can also substitute boneless meat for ease of prep, although bone-in delivers the most flavor.
- I like to add potatoes and bell peppers to extend servings deliciously, but eggplant, papaya, chayote, kalabasa, pechay, spinach, or malunggay leaves are also great options.
Cooking tips
- Cut chicken in uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- For a smooth consistency, simmer and do not boil the coconut milk as it might curdle or separate in high heat cooking.
- Pan-fry the potatoes to keep from falling apart when finished off in the sauce.
- If you want to temper the heat, scrape off the seeds and veins of the Thai chili peppers before chopping or use a milder variety such as finger chilies (siling haha).
How to serve and store
- Ginataang Manok is delicious for lunch or dinner paired with steamed rice.
- Store leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don't normally freeze dishes with coconut milk as the sauce tends to separate when frozen and thawed. It will be safe to eat but might look slightly grainy.
- To reheat, place in a saucepan and warm up over medium-low heat to an internal temperature of 165 F. Add water or coconut milk to loosen the consistency, and adjust the taste with salt and pepper if needed.
More ginataang recipes
Ingredients
- ยผ cup canola oil
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 thumb-size ginger, peeled and julienned
- 1 (3 to 4 pounds) whole chicken, cut into parts
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
- ยฝ cup water
- 4 Thai chili peppers, stemmed and chopped
- ยฝ red bell pepper, seeded, cored and sliced into strips
- ยฝ green bell pepper, seeded, cored and sliced into strips
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a wide skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add potatoes and cook, turning as needed, until lightly browned. With a slotted spoon, remove potatoes from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Remove excess oil from pan except for about 2 tablespoons. Add onions, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add coconut milk, water, and chili peppers. Bring to a simmer, skimming any scum that floats on top.
- Lower heat, cover, and continue to cook for about 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and liquid is reduced.
- Add potatoes and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until potatoes are tender and sauce is thickened.
- Add bell peppers and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes or until tender yet crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Cut chicken in uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- For a smooth consistency, simmer and do not boil the coconut milk as it might curdle or separate in high-heat cooking.
- Pan-fry the potatoes to keep them from falling apart when finished off in the sauce.
Video
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Ron says
So where is the half cup of water??
Lalaine Manalo says
I am sorry for the oversight. The water is added along with the coconut milk and chili peppers.
Harish mahara says
Thanks so much.... for the recipe..I need some more philipines dish..
rommel antonio says
Nice and simple recipe and really very tasty and delicious!!!!!!
Lalaine Manalo says
Thank you for your feedback, Rommel. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Ron says
the recipe calls for 1/2 cup water but never says when to add it.
Lynne says
Excited to try this tonight. ๐ By the way, if I may ask, what kind of skillet do you usually use? The material I mean. Iโm about to replace my non-stick as the coating is already starting to peel off. And itโs not that good for searing or browning๐
Lalaine Manalo says
Hi Lynne, it's a cast-iron skillet!
Chriszychri says
Thank you for your recipe my kids love the chicken meat with gata they just actually ate chicken skin when its fried.
Lalaine says
Thanks for the feedback, I am glad the family enjoyed the recipe ๐
Noel D. Amor says
Hi Laine,
I always love the succulent taste of coconut milK that It brings me back memories of Bicol and ARMM.
Lalaine Manalo says
Hi Noel! Somehow anything with coconut milk reminds me of the Philippines, as well (in a good way!)
Roanne says
Tried this tonight. Oh so yummy!
Lalaine says
๐
Nenette says
Anything that's cooked in coconut milk I love ๐
Lalaine says
You and me both ๐
Georgiana says
When do we add in the thai chili pepperss? You mentioned adding the fish sauce twice when cooking, does that mean we add half a tablespoon in each time or a tablespoon in each time?
Lalaine says
HI Georgiana,
I corrected the recipe, thank you ๐ The second fish sauce was supposed to be chili peppers ๐
Judy says
Foreign names can make simple chicken and veges sound so exotic!! Thanks for sharing!!
Lalaine says
Yes, make them sound more exciting ๐