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.
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.
Every ingredient plays a role in achieving the perfect taste. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:
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.
Each serving of Chicken Mechado is not only delicious but also nutritious:
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.
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 |
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.
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
Heat oil in a deep pan or pot. Sauté garlic, onion, and chopped tomatoes until softened and fragrant.
Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This helps build flavor into the stew.
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.
Add potatoes and carrots. Cook until almost tender, then add bell peppers and simmer for another 5 minutes.
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.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Hi, I’m Marisa M. Hsu, a food blogger and recipe creator. I share easy, comforting, and authentic dishes from my kitchen to yours. When I’m not cooking, you’ll find me exploring farmers’ markets, traveling for food inspiration, or enjoying family time around the dinner table.
