Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Tocino served on a rustic plate

tocilog recipe tocino with garlic rice and egg

Sweet, savory, and full of Filipino comfort, this Chicken Tocino recipe is a make-ahead favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a traditional tocino breakfast. With juicy chicken and a sticky caramelized glaze, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 22 hours
Total Time 1 day
Course Healthy chicken dinner recipes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into strips
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 Tbsp vinegar cane or white
  • 1/4 cup banana ketchup or tomato ketchup with vinegar
  • 6-10 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil for caramelizing
  • 1 cup water for simmering
  • few drops red food coloring or annatto oil optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat thoroughly.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Transfer chicken and marinade to a skillet. Add water and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Simmer covered for 15–20 minutes, or until liquid is mostly reduced and chicken is tender.
  • Add oil and cook until chicken caramelizes and sauce becomes glossy and sticky.
  • Serve with garlic rice and fried egg for a classic tocino breakfast (tocilog).

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken 1–2 days in advance for deeper flavor. You can also freeze it raw in the marinade for up to a month.
  • Cooking Tip: Keep the heat medium-low when caramelizing. High heat can burn the sugar before the chicken finishes cooking.
  • Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to bring back the glaze.
  • Serving Ideas: Classic tocino pairs perfectly with garlic fried rice and a fried egg, but it’s also delicious tucked into sandwiches or wraps.
  • Coloring: The red tint is traditional but optional. Use annatto oil for a natural glow instead of food coloring.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 22gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 670mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chicken tocino calories, chicken tocino marinade, chicken tocino recipe, homemade tocino, how to make chicken tocino, recipe of chicken tocino, tocilog recipe (tocino with garlic rice and egg), tocino recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!