Ginataang Manok is translated as chicken stewed in coconut milk. This is a simple Filipino dish wherein chicken is sautéed in garlic, onion, and ginger then stewed in coconut milk. It is also one of my favorite simple ginataan recipes.
A more traditional approach requires native hen (usually grown in the backyard). It is much tastier compared to broiler chickens and adds more flavor to the dish. As many might have noticed, coconut milk plays a huge part in Filipino cuisine — like in this Ginataang Manok recipe, for example. Different Filipino recipes require the use of coconut milk and coconut juice. I think that this is a good thing because we are making the most out of what is abundant to us but let’s keep in mind that there are some people that still need to develop their taste buds for these types of dishes.
Don’t be afraid to try if you are one of those people. It just takes a few baby steps to get there; it’s time to experience the great taste that you are missing. I enjoy eating the outcome of this ginataang manok recipe because it really tastes good. No matter how I control myself, it did not help me from scooping additional servings of rice.
Try this Ginataang Manok recipe and send us your feedback.
Watch the Video on How to Cook Ginataang Manok
Ginataang Manok Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken cut into serving pieces
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 bunch spinach
- 2 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 tbsp ginger julienned
- 8 ounces green papaya wedged
- 1/2 tsp paprika optional
- 1 piece long green chili optional
- 4 pieces Thai chili or siling labuyo if available, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the cooking pot and pour-in the cooking oil.
- Sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger.
- Add the chicken and cook until the color of the outer part turns light brown.
- Pour-in the coconut milk while stirring and bring to a boil.
- Sprinkle some paprika then simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the coconut milk becomes thick.
- Add the long green chili and Thai chili then simmer for 5 minutes
- Add the green papaya then simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Put-in the spinach, salt, and pepper then simmer for 3 minutes.
- Turn-off the heat then transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate
- Serve hot. Share and enjoy!
Panlasang Pinoy says
November 17, 2009 at 10:02 pmYou could use chayote as a substitute honey.
Rex says
July 26, 2011 at 8:04 pmOk thank you so much…
vivi says
November 18, 2009 at 3:31 amhi looks so yummy! any substitute for spinach? thanks!
Panlasang Pinoy says
November 18, 2009 at 7:19 pmYou can use malunggay leaves
vivi says
November 18, 2009 at 8:20 pmok. thanks mucho… i will do that.
Ronald says
October 14, 2010 at 12:08 pmPepper leaves will work well too (here in the US- it’s usually sold frozen)
Sirod says
November 18, 2009 at 9:43 amI’m not fun of “gata” before.It makes my stomach upset. But when I tried this one ….hmmmm…it’s delishhhh..thx for sharing po!Good luck and post more pinoy dish…By the way you really have a good hands….
Lheeza says
November 19, 2009 at 5:33 pmGreetings,
Wow my husband will truly like this, and kuya wish me luck for preparing this tomorrow! Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Lheeza
Panlasang Pinoy says
November 19, 2009 at 7:24 pmYou’re welcome Lheeza
juvylin V. Hill says
February 12, 2010 at 4:39 pmEveryday I check your website waiting for a new recipe:) Im so happy that I found it! your website here. by the way i tried your puto cheese recipe OMG its taste really good 🙂 and Im so happy coz you can use only all purpose flour and my husband like it!!! God bless
Jelyn Jobey says
May 1, 2010 at 6:26 amHello there! It’s a good thing I’ve found your website. I’m on my second month of pregnancy and always craving for Filipino foods. Unfortunately, I don’t cook a lot, though am willing to learn 🙂 Your recipes are great! I’ve already tried cooking some of your recipes and the result was superb! Just the right taste I want! Thanks for helping me and my fellow followers here in Panlasang Pinoy. Best wishes and happy cooking to all!! x
Florence says
May 27, 2010 at 1:16 amhi! im a fan of ginataan even when i was young. this is a superb recipe for any filipina mom! my kids love it. More chicken recipe please….:) GOD BLESS!
Dina says
July 11, 2010 at 6:34 amWow! I just love it so much! Thank you.
jkm24 says
July 27, 2010 at 11:36 pmThanks for sharing this recipe! Very delicious! Added it to our favorites. God bless!
mary jean says
September 12, 2010 at 4:36 amit’s my first time to open this site and i can’t wait to learn all your recipes..God Bless!!!
rodel says
October 31, 2010 at 4:22 pmano po b ang paprika?…
[email protected] says
January 25, 2011 at 12:32 pmJust wanna thank u, for this recipe, ginataang manok.. first time i cooked this @ i was great @ i love it.. thanks so much!!
Godspeed 🙂
reymond says
February 19, 2011 at 1:37 amthe best recipe two thumbs up…
Mrs. H. says
May 11, 2011 at 1:15 pmThis recipe is really good. I added eggplant too and red bell pepper…yummy!!!
marie says
June 10, 2011 at 10:45 amits look so yummiiiilicious…i’ve never imagine pd pala to…na try ko lng un tinola sa gata w/malungay & green bell pepper and its great! i love to cook so i think this one is very very great! i will add this recipe in my weekmeal..;) more power i realy enjoyed watching you.God Bless po
Dina says
December 8, 2011 at 2:01 pmThis is another hit in my household. I’m starting to get very dependent on your recipe! Thank you.
Alfred Velasco says
April 27, 2012 at 4:29 pmTrying this tonight! All your recipes and easy directions are amazing..
I would just like to say that as being a filipino american and only one who kicks at home; after getting married and leaving my parents; I had to learn how to cook. I’ve always liked filipino food that my mom has cooked and just did not know how to; Until I saw your website. Easy how to directions and the food is amazing. Great work, were no longer starving and buying take out anymore! I have learned to cook thanks to you, my all time favorite filipino cuisine… Thank you
Marc Bautista says
April 25, 2014 at 11:06 pmThanks for all your recipes Vanjo! Your recipes are blockbuster to my kids. Share ko lang po for this recipes I used carrots and potato as replacement for the spinach. Yummy!
kaye says
August 18, 2016 at 7:39 pmpwede po ba substitute ang coconut cream sa coconut milk? ? TY
Vanjo Merano says
August 18, 2016 at 8:09 pmHi Kaye, pwedeng pwede. Mas maganda kung coconut cream ang gagamitin mo para mas rich yung gata.