How to Make Chicken Relleno

Chicken Relleno is a classic Filipino dish often served during special occasions such as Christmas, fiestas, and family gatherings. This deliciously stuffed roasted chicken is filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, vegetables, cheese, raisins, and spices, making it a true showstopper at the dining table.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through an authentic Chicken Relleno recipe.

What Is Chicken Relleno?

Chicken Relleno is a Filipino-style stuffed roasted chicken where the whole chicken is carefully deboned and filled with a flavorful stuffing. It is then sewn back together, roasted to perfection, and served with a rich, savory sauce.

This dish is often compared to the Spanish Relleno de Pollo, but the Filipino version has a unique twist with sweet and savory ingredients like raisins, chorizo, and hard-boiled eggs.

Chicken Relleno Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5–2 kg), deboned
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Stuffing:

• 250g ground pork
• ½ cup chopped ham or chorizo
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup grated cheese
• ½ cup green peas
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 raw egg
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Debone the chicken carefully or ask your butcher to do it for you. Keep the skin intact while removing the bones.
2. Rub the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, calamansi juice, and soy sauce. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for better flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
2. Add ground pork, ham, or chorizo. Cook until browned.
3. Mix in carrots, bell peppers, green peas, and raisins. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, add grated cheese, hard-boiled eggs, raw egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

1. Carefully spoon the stuffing into the deboned chicken cavity, making sure it is evenly distributed.
2. Sew the chicken closed using a kitchen needle and thread, or use toothpicks to secure the opening.
3. Truss the chicken with kitchen twine to maintain its shape while roasting.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken Relleno

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place the stuffed chicken on a greased baking pan. Brush with melted butter for a golden-brown finish.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
4. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Relleno pairs well with:

• Garlic rice or mashed potatoes
• Gravy or liver sauce
• Pickled papaya (atchara)
• Fresh salad

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Relleno

• Deboning the chicken: If you’re not confident in your knife skills, ask a butcher to debone the chicken for you.
• Marinate overnight: This enhances the flavor and makes the chicken extra juicy.
• Avoid overstuffing: Too much filling can cause the chicken to burst open while roasting.
• Secure the chicken properly: Use a strong kitchen thread or toothpicks to prevent the stuffing from spilling out.
• Baste with butter: This helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Chicken Relleno is a delicious and festive Filipino dish perfect for special occasions. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a restaurant-quality Chicken Relleno right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re preparing it for the holidays or simply craving a hearty meal, this stuffed roasted chicken will surely impress your family and guests. Try this Chicken Relleno recipe today and bring the flavors of the Philippines to your dining table!