Chicken Hamonado is a beloved Filipino dish known for its glossy, sweet-savory sauce made with pineapple, soy sauce, and sugar. This whole chicken version is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or Sunday lunches—beautiful on the table and full of comforting flavor.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 whole chicken (1.5–2 kg / 3–4 lb), cleaned
- 2 tablespoons oil
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon calamansi or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce & Add-ins
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for color)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, onion, brown sugar, calamansi/lemon juice, and black pepper.
Rub marinade all over the chicken and inside the cavity.
Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
2️⃣ Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large deep pan or pot over medium heat.
Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade).
Brown the whole chicken on all sides until golden.
3️⃣ Simmer in Sauce
Pour reserved marinade into the pot.
Add bay leaf, pineapple chunks, and ketchup (if using).
Cover and simmer on low heat for 35–45 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until fully cooked and tender.
4️⃣ Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until glossy.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Spoon the rich pineapple sauce generously over the top.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Chicken Hamonado
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible for brighter flavor
- Adjust sugar depending on how sweet you like it
- Baste the chicken frequently for a shiny glaze
- Serve extra sauce on the side
🍚 Best Served With
- Steamed white rice
- Garlic fried rice
- Buttered vegetables
- Pickled papaya (atchara)
🏁 Final Thoughts
This Whole Chicken Hamonado is sweet, savory, and deeply comforting—an impressive centerpiece dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. One bite and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.