Tinola (Filipino Ginger-Garlic Chicken Soup)

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Tinola, a comforting Filipino soup seasoned with plenty of ginger and garlic, has countless variations throughout the Philippines. The soup calls for malunggay leaves (aka moringa), which can be found fresh or frozen at Asian markets. Bok choy is a good substitute. Feel free to increase the amounts of garlic and fish sauce for an even more flavorful soup. Serve this easy and healthy chicken soup on its own or with jasmine rice, quinoa or wild rice.

Natalia B. Roxas

Updated on September 19, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Tinola (Filipino Chicken Soup) in bowl with spoon — Photo:
Greg Dupree

Active Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Nut-Free Dairy-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie

Jump to Nutrition Facts

What Is Tinola?

Tinola is a Filipino chicken soup flavored with ginger, garlic or onion and fish sauce and traditionally includes green papaya. Some variations swap out the chicken for fish. It is commonly served with rice. Learn more about this healthy Filipino soup here.

What Substitutions Can I Make?

This recipe calls for malunggay leaves or moringa. Moringa comes from the malunggay tree, which grows in the tropics and a few subtropical environments. The leaves have a mild, slightly bitter flavor. Look for them fresh or frozen at Asian markets. If you can't find them, you can substitute bok choy leaves (but leave out the stems). Green papaya is another traditional ingredient in tinola. Green papaya is papaya that has yet to ripen. Its flesh is pale with a firm texture. It's less sweet compared to ripened papaya and is also available at Asian markets. If you can't find green papaya, you can use chayote in its place, as it has a similar flavor and texture.

Can I Make Tinola Ahead?

Yes! Cover and refrigerate the tinola for up to three days.

Additional reporting by Hilary Meyer

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Ingredients

3 tablespoons canola oil or avocado oil
½ cup chopped yellow onion
¼ cup thinly sliced fresh ginger
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 ½ cups peeled and cubed green papaya or chayote
2 cups chopped malunggay leaves or bok choy leaves
1 tablespoon fish sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, ginger and garlic; cook, stirring, until the onion starts to turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Add chicken and broth; cook, stirring, until the chicken is just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add papaya (or chayote), malunggay (or bok choy), fish sauce, salt and pepper; continue simmering until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded, about 5 minutes more.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, October 2019; updated October 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

344	Calories
21g	Fat
14g	Carbs
27g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
Calories 344
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 14g	5%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 27g	55%
Total Fat 21g	26%
Saturated Fat 4g	18%
Cholesterol 76mg	25%
Vitamin A 2135IU	43%
Vitamin C 52mg	58%
Folate 56mcg	14%
Sodium 663mg	29%
Calcium 83mg	6%
Iron 2mg	13%
Magnesium 52mg	12%
Potassium 634mg	13%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.