Lechon Manok Recipe | March 23, 2025

Lechon Manok Recipe: A Filipino Favorite for Tender, Flavorful Roast Chicken

Lechon Manok is a beloved Filipino dish that’s as festive as it is delicious. Translating to “roast chicken,” Lechon Manok is a popular feature at gatherings, celebrations, and casual family meals. What sets it apart from the typical roasted chicken is the unique marinade, which infuses the chicken with a rich blend of spices, herbs, and citrus. When roasted, it creates a crispy, golden skin that gives way to incredibly tender and juicy meat.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Lechon Manok just like it’s done in the Philippines: full of flavor, crispy on the outside, and succulent on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to try something new for dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

What is Lechon Manok?

Lechon Manok is the Filipino version of rotisserie chicken, often seasoned with a variety of spices and marinated in a mixture of garlic, soy sauce, and citrus. The chicken is traditionally cooked over charcoal, which imparts a smoky flavor to the dish. While grilling is a classic method, many home cooks prepare it in the oven, and the results are equally delicious. The crispy skin and juicy, well-seasoned meat make it a go-to dish for many Filipino families.

Why You’ll Love This Lechon Manok Recipe

• Juicy and Tender: The secret to the juicy, tender chicken is in the marinade, which helps to infuse the meat with flavor while keeping it moist.
• Crispy Skin: The high heat of the oven or grill creates a perfectly crispy skin that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.
• Authentic Filipino Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, calamansi (or lime), and other spices makes the flavor profile distinctly Filipino, with a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need complicated or exotic ingredients to make this recipe. Most of the items are pantry staples or easy-to-find items at your local grocery store.
• Versatile: Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish works for any occasion.

Lechon Manok Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or substitute with lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon onion, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder (or Chinese five-spice)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (optional, for extra juiciness and flavor)
• 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for stuffing)
• 3-4 garlic cloves (optional, for stuffing)

For Basting:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions:

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