Chicken Mechado with Tomato Sauce is a comforting Filipino dish that combines chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and a mix of vegetables. This is a traditional, simple dish that you can cook every day.
With its balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s no surprise that Chicken Mechado is a favorite on dining tables across the Philippines.
Here, we will cover everything you need to know about Chicken Mechado, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, nutritional value, and expert tips to achieve the best results. Hope you will enjoy this amazing recipe, and for cooking tasty and delicious recipes, visit our Blog Easy Recipe Journals.
Contents
What makes Chicken Mechado special?
Chicken Mechado is a Filipino tomato-based stew inspired by the Spanish dish “Mechado”. While beef is traditionally used, chicken is a lighter and quicker alternative. The tomato sauce gives the dish its flavor, while soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon), garlic, and onions provide depth of flavor. Potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers make it wholesome and colorful.
Unlike other Filipino stews like Afritada or Caldereta, Mechado has a distinct tang from tomatoes.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Mechado
Every ingredient plays a role in achieving the perfect taste. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:
- Chicken (bone-in, skin-on preferred): Adds richness and natural flavor to the sauce.
- Tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes: The heart of the dish, creating a bold and tangy base.
- Soy sauce: Provides umami depth and a rich, salty flavor.
- Calamansi or lemon juice: Balances the acidity of tomatoes with citrus brightness.
- Garlic and onions: Essential aromatics for a flavorful stew.
- Potatoes and carrots: Give body and sweetness.
- Bell peppers (red and green): Add color and freshness.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the sauce and keeps the stew moist.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, optional sugar): To fine-tune the taste.
Step-by-Step Chicken Mechado Recipe
Follow these instructions to cook Chicken Mechado at home.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix chicken with soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon juice), salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté garlic, onions, and chopped tomatoes until soft and saucy.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned. Browning locks in juices and flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Pour in tomato sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add potatoes and carrots. Cook until almost tender, then add bell peppers. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Time and Serving Size
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Serves: 4-5 people
Nutritional Information of Chicken Mechado
Each serving of Chicken Mechado is not only delicious but also nutritious:
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamins: A, C, and B-complex from vegetables and chicken
This is a healthy dish perfect for family meals.
Tips for the Best Chicken Mechado
Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor.
Simmer—don’t rush the cooking; low and slow yields a richer sauce.
Balance acidity with a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too tangy.
Enhance depth with a splash of fish sauce for authentic Filipino taste.
Make it creamy by adding coconut milk or evaporated milk towards the end.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Mechado: Add fresh chilies or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Vegetarian Mechado: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Beef-Mechado Style: Use beef chunks for a heartier version.
- Coconut Mechado: Add coconut milk for a creamy, tropical version.
Pairs and Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a traditional Filipino pairing.
- Pair with garlic fried rice for extra flavor.* Serve with a cucumber or tomato salad as a side dish.
- For special occasions, serve with pancit noodles and Filipino-style spring rolls.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Keep for up to 2 months in airtight containers.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce silky.
Chicken Mechado vs. Afritada vs. Caldereta
Many dishes are similar, but here’s the difference:
| Dish | Base | Flavor Profile | Meat Used | Distinct Feature |
| Mechado | Tomato sauce | Tangy & savory | Chicken or beef | Marinated meat, balanced tang |
| Afritada | Tomato sauce | Mild & sweet | Chicken or pork | Lighter sauce with peas |
| Caldereta | Tomato sauce with liver spread | Rich & bold | Beef or goat | Hearty, creamy sauce |
Conclusion
Chicken Mechado with Tomato Sauce is a Filipino comfort food that’s all about flavor, tradition, and nutrition. It’s easy to make, customizable, and pairs well with rice for a full meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing for a special occasion, Chicken Mechado will always be warm and cozy on the table.
How to Cook Chicken Mechado with Tomato Sauce
Chicken Mechado is a comforting twist on the well-loved beef version. Simmered in rich tomato sauce with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s a true Filipino classic—perfect for family dinners, Sunday get-togethers, and special celebrations
Instructions
Instructions
Step 1:
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Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, calamansi juice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 2:
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Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a deep pan or pot. Sauté garlic, onion, and chopped tomatoes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3:
-
Brown the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This helps build flavor into the stew.
Step 4:
-
Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 5:
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Add the Vegetables
Add potatoes and carrots. Cook until almost tender, then add bell peppers and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 6:
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Taste and Serve
Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving hot with steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Using bone-in chicken gives the dish a richer flavor compared to boneless cuts.
- If your tomato sauce tastes too tangy, a pinch of sugar balances the flavor beautifully.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors deepen while resting in the fridge.
Tried this Chicken Mechado with Tomato Sauce last night and—you guys—the rich tomato flavor and tender chicken hit just right. It feels cozy and comforting without any fuss. Totally saving this one for cold evenings!