Brief History:
Pininyahang Manok, or Pineapple Chicken when translated into English, is a beloved dish that many Filipinos enjoy preparing. As its name suggests, the main ingredients are chicken and pineapple. Some people substitute the chicken with other proteins such as pork or beef, which is perfectly acceptable. Since pineapples are abundant in the Philippines, they are commonly used in various dishes. According to the HomeNiches website, this dish is believed to have originated in the southern part of the Philippines. Locals created it as a way to make use of leftover chicken and pineapple, ensuring nothing went to waste.
Ingredients:
To cook this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken
– 1 whole chopped onion
– 1 whole minced garlic
– 2 medium-sized potatoes
– 2 medium-sized carrots
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into squares
– 2 tablespoons patis (fish sauce)
– A dash of pepper
– 2 tablespoons pickles
– 1 can (500g) pineapple chunks in syrup
– ¾ cup evaporated milk
– ½ cup grated cheese

Personal Adjustments:
Since I only used 3 slices of chicken breast, I adjusted the quantities accordingly:
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves of minced garlic
– 1 potato
– 1 carrot
– Half of the bell pepper
– Half of the pineapple chunks
I also added 1 more tablespoon of patis for extra flavor
Procedure:


Online learning:
I discovered the Ulam Pinoy Recipes app while working on my sixth learning project, and it became a valuable resource for learning how to cook Pininyahang manok. The app features a rich compilation of Filipino dishes, categorized by type—chicken, beef, pork, seafood, fish, soup, pasta, vegetables, desserts, breads, and eggs.
Based on my experience, I can confidently vouch for this app. It’s easy to navigate when searching for a specific Filipino dish, thanks to its clear categorization. It also has a playful, game-like vibe that makes it enjoyable to use—almost like learning through a culinary adventure.

Reflection:
This dish may not be as flashy as the others I’ve cooked before—like Kaldereta or Bicol Express—but I really liked it. I can’t believe I’m now cooking something my mom used to make. I used to be amazed by people who could prepare dishes like this, and now here I am, making progress. I’ve realized that I’m actually good at cooking—and I enjoy it! It’s just a matter of learning and refining the process. I’m genuinely looking forward to doing this every week. To anyone reading this, I hope you’re enjoying your own learning project too!
Question of the Day:
What’s one dish that reminds you of your mom—whether it’s something she used to cook, a recipe you’ve inherited, or a flavor that brings back memories? Share your story in the comments below. I’d love to hear it!
Disclaimer: Used Copilot as a grammar checker! 🙂
