Ginger-Infused Tinolang Manok with Green Papaya and Chili Leaves

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Filipino chicken soup simmered with fresh ginger, green papaya, and peppery chili leaves, perfect for soothing the soul. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken pieces, chili leaves (dahon ng sili), washed, garlic cloves, crushed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 4 crushed garlic cloves, 1 medium quartered onion, and 2 inches sliced fresh ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs bone-in chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken starts to brown lightly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 8 cups water and 3 tbsp fish sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim off any scum that rises to keep the broth clear.
  4. Step 4: Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups cubed green papaya to the pot and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the papaya is tender but not mushy.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup washed chili leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 2 minutes until the leaves wilt. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Infused Tinolang Manok with Green Papaya and Chili Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ginger-Infused Tinolang Manok with Green Papaya and Chili Leaves?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken pieces from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Infused Tinolang Manok with Green Papaya and Chili Leaves?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ginger-Infused Tinolang Manok with Green Papaya and Chili Leaves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ginger-Infused Tinolang Manok with Green Papaya and Chili Leaves?

Filipino chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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