Lechon Manok sa Kawali: A Feast for the Senses in Filipino Cuisine

Imagine the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy chicken infused with the flavors of garlic, lemongrass, and onion leeks, cooked to perfection in a kawali. Welcome to the world of lechon manok sa kawali, a mouthwatering Filipino dish that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of lechon and the kawali, the story behind the term “lechon kawali,” and learn how to create a delicious lechon manok sa kawali using a simple and authentic recipe. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Lechon: The Star of Filipino Feasts

Lechon is a popular Filipino dish with a whole pig roasted over an open flame, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown skin, and tender, flavorful meat. It’s a centerpiece in many Filipino celebrations, such as fiestas, birthdays, and weddings. “lechon” originates from the Spanish term “lechón,” which refers to a suckling pig.

Kawali: A Filipino Kitchen Essential

Now, let’s talk about kawali, an essential tool in Filipino cooking. A kawali is a traditional Filipino frying pan, usually made of cast iron or aluminum, with a round bottom and deep sides. This versatile pan is perfect for frying, sautéing, and even braising dishes, making it a staple in most Filipino kitchens.

The Birth of “Lechon Kawali”

The term “lechon kawali” is a fusion of two Filipino culinary icons: lechon and kawali. The dish combines the flavors and textures of lechon with the convenience of cooking it in a kawali. Traditionally, lechon kawali features pork belly cooked in a kawali until the skin is delightfully crispy and the meat is tender and flavorful. This popular dish has inspired the creation of our primary focus, the lechon manok sa kawali.

Lechon Manok sa Kawali: A Flavorful Twist

Lechon manok sa kawali is a delightful spin on the classic lechon kawali, swapping out pork for a whole-dressed chicken. The result is a delectable, aromatic, and juicy chicken dish perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Tips for the Perfect Lechon Manok sa Kawali

To make your lechon manok sa kawali truly unforgettable, follow these tips:

1. Marinate longer for deeper flavors: While a 2 to 4-hour marination is sufficient, letting the chicken marinate overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in an even more flavorful dish.
2. Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, lemongrass, and onion leeks to maximize the flavors and aromas of your lechon manok sa kawali.
3. Keep an eye on the heat: Ensure the flame stays low to prevent the chicken from burning. You want the chicken to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in tender, juicy meat, and a beautiful golden-brown skin.
4. Rest the chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender final result.

The Lechon Manok sa Kawali Experience

Lechon manok sa kawali is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a celebration of Filipino culture and culinary heritage. With its enticing aroma, crispy skin, and tender, flavorful meat, lechon manok sa kawali will surely be a hit at your next gathering.
So gather your ingredients, fire up your kawali, and prepare to treat your family and friends to a delicious, satisfying taste of the Philippines. With lechon manok sa kawali, you’ll create a delightful meal and lasting memories you’ll cherish for years.

SEE THE FULL RECIPE BELOW!

Lechon Manok sa Kawali

5 from 1 vote

Course: MainCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

3

hours 

Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Calories per Serving

180

kcal

Total time

4

hours 

30

minutes

Lechon manok sa kawali is a delightful spin on the classic lechon kawali, swapping out pork for a whole-dressed chicken. The result is a delectable, aromatic, and juicy chicken dish perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 1 Whole-Dressed Chicken

• 1 knob 1 Garlic (peeled and minced)

• 2 stalk 2 Lemongrass

• 2 stalk 2 Onion Leeks

• 1 tsp 6 g Sea Salt

• 1 tsp 4.4 g Ground Mixed Peppercorn

• 6 tbsp 88.72 ml Soy Sauce

• 2 tbsp 29.57 ml Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 tsp 1 g Dried Oregano

• 1 tsp 1 g Dried Thyme

Directions

• Mix the garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the chicken on the skin and inside the cavity.
• Tie the lemongrass and onion leeks into a knot and stuff them inside the chicken. Marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
• Prepare a medium-sized pan or wok that will fit the whole chicken. Light the stove on low flame and cook the chicken for about one hour. Uncover and turn it upside down, then cook it for another 30 minutes.
• After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Serve with your favorite lechon sauce, and enjoy a flavorful, aromatic lechon manok sa kawali with your loved ones.

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