Chicken Binakol: A Refreshing Filipino Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Chicken Binakol

Filipino cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. Among the many culinary delights that grace Filipino tables, Chicken Binakol stands out as a comforting and nourishing dish that captures the essence of traditional Filipino cooking. Originating from the Visayan region, particularly in the province of Capiz, Chicken Binakol is a hearty soup that combines tender chicken, coconut water, and an array of aromatic herbs and vegetables. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of creating this beloved Filipino dish in your own kitchen.

Understanding the Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the key ingredients that make Chicken Binakol a flavorful and satisfying dish:

Chicken: Choose a whole chicken or chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, for the base of the soup. Opting for bone-in, skin-on chicken adds depth of flavor to the broth.
Coconut Water: The star ingredient of Chicken Binakol, coconut water adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the soup. Fresh coconut water is preferred for its authentic flavor, but canned or packaged coconut water can also be used as an alternative.
Coconut Meat: Coconut meat adds texture and creaminess to the soup. Freshly grated coconut or store-bought coconut meat can be used, depending on availability.
Aromatic Herbs: Lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves are essential aromatics that infuse the soup with fragrance and flavor. These ingredients are commonly used in Filipino cooking and can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
Vegetables: Green papaya, sweet potatoes, and chili peppers are traditional vegetables used in Chicken Binakol. These vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value to the soup.
Seasonings: Fish sauce (patis) or salt is used to season the broth, while calamansi or lime juice adds a hint of acidity to balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Chicken Binakol

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing the ingredients for the soup. Clean the chicken thoroughly and cut it into serving pieces if using a whole chicken. Peel and slice the ginger into thin strips, bruise the lemongrass stalks to release their flavor, and tear the kaffir lime leaves into smaller pieces. Peel and dice the green papaya and sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the chili peppers for garnish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced ginger, bruised lemongrass stalks, and torn kaffir lime leaves to the pot, and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. This process helps release the essential oils and flavors of the aromatics, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Coconut Water

Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the chicken pieces to the pot and sauté briefly until lightly browned on all sides. Pour in the coconut water, enough to cover the chicken completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is partially cooked.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Coconut Meat

After the chicken has partially cooked, add the diced green papaya and sweet potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender but still slightly firm. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the vegetable pieces. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the coconut meat to the pot and stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Season the soup with fish sauce or salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. Squeeze in the juice of calamansi or lime to add a hint of acidity to the soup. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the Chicken Binakol is ready, remove the pot from the heat and discard the lemongrass stalks. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include a generous portion of chicken, vegetables, and broth in each serving. Garnish the soup with sliced chili peppers for a hint of heat and additional freshness.

Chicken Binakol is more than just a soup; it’s a celebration of Filipino culinary heritage and a testament to the ingenuity of Filipino cooks. By following this step-by-step guide, you can recreate the comforting flavors of Chicken Binakol in your own kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in Filipino cuisine. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary journey that pays homage to the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines.