This sweet Chinese-style Chicken Asado has just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness. Made from the juicy tender and flavorful chicken thigh that can be enjoyed with rice or as a filling to steamed buns.
What is Asado?
The name "Asado" would suggest Spanish origins but this Filipino dish is actually Chinese-influenced as you can see in the ingredients used. Not surprising, since the Philippines was under Spanish rule for 300 years a long long time ago, but longer than that, Filipinos were already trading with China. So I would say it is a mixture of both cultures as most of the Filipino dishes are.
The word Asado —from the Spanish word "Asar" that means to roast or grill, in general it refers to anything that is roasted, grilled or barbecued.
This Chicken Asado is actually a variation of the more popular pork version. that is closely related to Char Siu— a type of Chinese barbecued pork. And similarly, it is also used as filling to Filipino steamed buns, siopao Asado.
About the ingredients
In this recipe, I used chicken thigh because it is juicier and brings more flavor as it has enough amount of fats. However, like the common variation, pork can be used instead of chicken. I would suggest using pork shoulder that is ideal for braising and slow cooking. Beef can also be an alternative.
If you are to serve it as a viand, cook it bone-in. But if you plan to use it as a filling for steamed or baked buns, then remove the bones or buy the chicken thigh fillet.
Traditional Filipino Asado dishes do not use Hoisin sauce. But if you have it might as well use it. It adds a nice gloss and thicker sauce. If not, you can simply add 2-3 pieces of star anise or five-spice powder to the boiling liquid. You may also need a sauce thickener like cornstarch slurry added towards the end of cooking.
Other similar dishes to try:
Sweet Chicken Asado
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 medium onion - chopped finely
- 1 pound chicken thigh fillet
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3-4 pieces bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a deep pan or pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, skin side down, and sear both sides until cooked and lightly browned. Remove from oil and cut into small cubes.
- In the same pot with oil, saute garlic and onion until aromatic and lightly browned. Add back the cut chicken pieces.
- Pour in soy sauce and add brown sugar and bay leaves. Cook until the sugar has slightly caramelized, then add water. Once it starts to boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the meat becomes tender--add more water if needed.
- Once the liquids is reduced to a thick sauce and the meat is fork-tender. Add Hoisin sauce and season with pepper. Stir.
- Transfer into a serving dish and serve with steaming hot rice.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in February 2015. Updated in July 2020 to include new photos, more tips, and a recipe video.
Meg Badruddin says
Thanks for sharing this. Chicken siopao is a favorite of mine!
Bebs says
I am glad you like it, Meg.
Sherill says
Hi, how much five spice to use? Thanks
Bebs says
Start with a teaspoon and adjust as you like.
DRA says
Was wondering if you can do this recipe using instapot to reduce cooking time?
Bebs says
Of course, you can use intapot, but since chicken cooks fast, I do not think it will make that much of a difference in cooking time.
Timmy says
Another fabulous recipe to add to my collection. My family will love this. Thank you for sharing this idea!
Des says
Love this recipe! Is it possible to use pork meat with it? Or what changes would you make if I use pork meat? Thank you!
Bebs says
Hi Des, sure you can. I Will actually make it next time for my Puto Pau recipe.
Grace says
Hello, can I omit Hoisin sauce or use any other alternative?
Bebs says
Hi Grace, if you really cannot get hoisin sauce, you can use 5-spice powder.
Ann says
Thank you.
Chase says
Is it possible to cook this in a slow cooker?
Kheng says
I tried your Enseymada recipe last week to bring the enseymada for our prayer meeting, and everyone loved it and craving for more. I only made 1 recipe so only one piece per individual. Although I don't have a mixer and just mixed it by hand still it comes out successful. Thank you for sharing. God bless the works of your hands.