Description
Tender Chicken Tocino is a flavorful Filipino-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken breast slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy pineapple-soy sauce blend. This recipe ensures tender, juicy chicken coated in a thick, vibrant sauce with a subtle hint of garlic and a touch of annatto for color.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breast (boneless skinless)
Marinade
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons annatto powder (paprika can be substituted)
- 4 drops red jell food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Thickening Mixture
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into strips about two inches wide or into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl or container, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, ketchup, annatto powder, red food coloring, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and press down so every piece is coated thoroughly. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for two to three hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Set your slow cooker to high heat. Pour the entire chicken and marinade mixture into the slow cooker and cover with the lid. Cook for three and a half hours without lifting the lid to retain heat and moisture.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a jar with a lid, combine one third cup water and the cornstarch. Shake until fully dissolved to make a slurry. Remove the slow cooker lid and whisk the slurry into the cooking juices. Cover again and cook for an additional thirty minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the slow cooker, uncover, and serve the chicken tocino hot, perfect with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For a more vibrant color, use red jell food coloring sparingly or substitute with paprika for a natural hue.
- Marinating time is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken; do not skip or reduce it significantly.
- You may substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier variation.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly but add gradually to avoid clumping.
- This recipe works well in a slow cooker; avoid using high pressure cookers as it might dry out the chicken.
