Indulge in the bold, tangy-sweet flavors of **Heart-Healthy Homemade Chicken Tocino**, a guilt-free twist on a beloved Filipino classic. This recipe swaps out traditional processed meats and high-sodium ingredients for lean chicken breast, low-sodium soy sauce, and a touch of natural honey, creating a dish brimming with vibrant flavor and wholesome goodness. Infused with pineapple juice for a subtle tropical sweetness, and seasoned with paprika and garlic for a hint of savory depth, this dish is marinated to perfection before being pan-seared to golden caramelized goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes of combined prep and cook time, it's the perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Pair it with steamed vegetables or fluffy brown rice for a satisfying, nutrient-packed dinner thatβs both heart-healthy and delicious. Keywords: heart-healthy chicken tocino, Filipino-inspired recipes, healthy chicken dinner, sweet and tangy chicken, easy weeknight meals.
Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a marinade.
Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to a resealable plastic bag.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the pan in a single layer, without overcrowding.
Cook the chicken strips for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked. You may need to do this in batches if your pan is small.
Once all the chicken is cooked, add the water to the pan and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, scraping any bits stuck to the pan to create a delicious glaze.
Serve the heart-healthy chicken tocino warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside steamed vegetables or brown rice for a balanced meal.
Calories |
1080 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.2 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 430 mg | 143% | |
| Sodium | 2647 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.6 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.5 g | ||
| Protein | 145.2 g | 290% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 98 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1647 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.