5 Ulam Ideas: Easy Chicken Recipes

Wondering what to cook this week? Chicken is one of the most reliable friends in any Filipino kitchen—affordable, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. In our latest video, we gathered five easy chicken recipes you can rotate through the week, from crispy roasted chicken to a warm, soul-soothing bowl of rice porridge.

Whether you are feeding a hungry family or simply want a no-fuss ulam for a busy night, there is something here for you.

Watch the Video

If you enjoy the video, do not forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a new recipe.

The Five Ulam Ideas

1. Lechon Manok (Roast Chicken)

Golden, herb-rubbed, and irresistibly juicy—lechon manok made at home is easier than you think. Slow-cook it low and gentle to keep every drop of juice inside, then finish under the grill for that crispy, browned skin. It is a whole-chicken centerpiece that turns any meal into a feast. See our full guide to homemade lechon manok.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.2–1.5 kg)
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon crushed black pepper
• 1 whole lemon, cut into wedges

2. Chicken and Bell Peppers

A quick, colorful stir-fry of tender chicken tossed with sweet bell peppers and onions. It comes together in minutes and brings both crunch and color to the table—perfect for those nights when you want something bright, fresh, and fast over hot rice.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken (fillet or thighs), cut into bite-size cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, sliced into wedges
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

3. Creamy Mushroom Chicken

For a richer treat, chicken thighs simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce deliver comfort in every bite. The earthy mushrooms and velvety sauce cling to each piece, making it feel special without any fuss. Craving more? Try our chicken with mushrooms in blue cheese sauce.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken thigh fillets (deboned)
• 1 cup mushrooms (button or assorted), sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary), optional
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil for frying

4. Chicken Afritada

A classic one-pot Filipino stew, chicken afritada braises chicken in a savory tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It is hearty, homey, and even better the next day—great for baon and family dinners alike. Here is our chicken afritada recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 large carrot, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (olive or canola)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

5. Arroz Caldo (Chicken Rice Porridge)

When you need something warm and gentle, nothing beats arroz caldo—a thick chicken-and-rice porridge topped with a soft egg, toasted garlic, spring onions, and a squeeze of calamansi. It is the ultimate rainy-day comfort food and a favorite merienda or light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 1 cup glutinous rice (malagkit) or regular rice
• 6–8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 thumb-size ginger, julienned
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra for toasted garlic topping)
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

To serve

• Hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs, halved
• Toasted garlic
• Spring onions, chopped
• Calamansi wedges

Which One Will You Cook First?

Five dishes, endless combinations—that is the beauty of cooking with chicken. Mix and match them across the week so your table never gets boring.

Have you tried any of these chicken ulam ideas? We would love to see your version! Tag us on Instagram at @ulampinoy and share your cooking with us.

Happy cooking, and kain na!