Chicken Tocino without Pineapple Juice (Easy Recipe)

You’ll love this Chicken Tocino without Pineapple Juice!

Chicken Tocino is a popular Filipino breakfast dish that is sweet, savory, and tender.

It’s typically made with pork, but this recipe uses chicken for a lighter and healthier twist.

Plus, it’s made without pineapple juice, making it perfect for those who may have allergies or simply don’t have pineapple juice on hand.

Using chicken instead of pork results in a leaner and less fatty version of the dish.

It’s also an excellent source of protein that will keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day.

This Chicken Tocino without Pineapple Juice recipe is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients.

It’s a great option for a quick and delicious breakfast or brunch.

Chicken Tocino without Pineapple Juice

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy alternative to the traditional pork tocino, this chicken tocino recipe is a must-try.

It has all the flavor and tenderness you love from the classic dish, but without the use of pineapple juice. It’s a great recipe to keep in your repertoire for whenever you’re craving a Filipino breakfast favorite.

And the best part? It only takes a few ingredients and minimal prep time to make!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this chicken tocino recipe:

• Chicken breasts. Use boneless and skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
• Soy sauce. This will add the savory and salty flavor to the marinade.
• Brown sugar. It will help caramelize the chicken and give it that characteristic sweet taste.
• Garlic. Add minced garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
• Black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper will add a hint of spice.
• Vinegar. Use vinegar to help tenderize the chicken and balance the flavors.

How to Make Chicken Tocino without Pineapple Juice

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making this chicken tocino:

1. Slice the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into thin slices or bite-sized pieces. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat.
2. Prepare the marinade. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and vinegar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
3. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken slices in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Cook the chicken. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
5. Serve and enjoy! Transfer the cooked chicken tocino to a plate and serve it with steamed rice, eggs, and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete Filipino breakfast experience.

For the complete list of ingredients and directions, see the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Chicken Tocino

• For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it more tender.
• If you prefer a sweeter tocino, you can increase the amount of brown sugar in the marinade. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Make sure to slice the chicken breasts thinly or into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the marinade fully coats the meat and allows for more even cooking.
• If you like a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of chili pepper to the marinade.
• If you want a deeper flavor profile, you can add a splash of calamansi juice or lemon juice to the marinade. This adds a tangy and citrusy note to the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Pork Tocino: If you prefer the traditional pork version, simply substitute boneless and skinless pork loin or pork belly for the chicken breasts. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
• Beef Tocino: You can also use beef sirloin or tenderloin instead of chicken. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian Tocino: For a meatless alternative, you can replace the chicken with tofu or seitan. Marinate the tofu or seitan in the same marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

What to Serve With Chicken Tocino

• Garlic Fried Rice: A classic pairing with tocino is garlic fried rice. Simply sauté cooked rice with minced garlic until fragrant and lightly toasted. The garlicky flavor complements the sweetness of the chicken tocino perfectly.
• Sunny-Side-Up Eggs: Top your plate of chicken tocino with a sunny-side-up egg for a complete and satisfying breakfast. The rich, runny yolk adds a delicious creaminess to the dish.
• Atchara (Pickled Vegetables): Serve chicken tocino with a side of atchara, which is a Filipino condiment made from pickled green papaya, carrots, and onions. The tanginess and crunch of the pickled vegetables balance out the sweetness of the tocino.

Storage Tips

• Cooked chicken tocino can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• You can also freeze cooked chicken tocino. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
• If you have leftover raw marinated chicken, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date and cooking instructions for future reference. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cooking.