When I think about home, one of the dishes that instantly warms my heart is Tinola. This classic Filipino chicken tinola soup is something I grew up with—it’s the kind of meal that shows up during family dinners, rainy afternoons, or when someone in the house isn’t feeling well.
Tinola is simple, comforting, and deeply nourishing. It’s made with chicken simmered in a ginger-based broth, with wedges of young green papaya and a handful of fresh chili leaves (dahon ng sili). Back home in the Philippines, it’s the ultimate rainy season comfort food. Now that I’m living in the U.S., I find myself making Tinola during the cold months. It brings me the same cozy feeling and keeps me grounded in my roots.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tinola Soup
- Nutritious & Light – Packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from papaya and leafy greens, and the immune-boosting benefits of ginger.
- Easy to Cook – Minimal prep and just one pot needed.
- Comfort in a Bowl – Perfect for rainy days, chilly nights, or when you need a little taste of home.
Substitutions
One of the best things about Chicken Tinola Soup is how flexible it can be depending on what’s in your kitchen or local market. Here are some smart swaps you can make without losing the comforting flavors of this classic dish:
- Green Papaya → Chayote (sayote) or Zucchini
Green papaya is traditional, but if it’s hard to find, chayote is the closest substitute—it gives the same mild flavor and tender texture. Zucchini is also a good option, adding a slightly sweeter note and cooking up just as tender. - Chili Leaves → Spinach, Malunggay (Moringa Leaves), or Bok Choy
Chili leaves add a gentle bitterness that balances the ginger broth. If they’re unavailable, spinach offers a mild, soft texture, while malunggay (moringa) brings a slightly earthy taste and an extra boost of nutrients. Bok choy works great too, adding crunch from the stems and leafy greens for freshness. - Chicken → Turkey Parts, Cornish Hen, or Tofu
Chicken is the star of Tinola, but turkey wings or drumsticks are a fantastic swap for a richer, heartier broth. Cornish hen adds a delicate flavor if you want a more special presentation. For a vegetarian-friendly twist, use firm tofu—it soaks up the gingery broth beautifully while keeping the dish light. - Fish Sauce → Soy Sauce or Salt
Fish sauce adds depth and umami to the soup, but if you prefer a milder option, soy sauce works just fine while still providing savory flavor. You can also keep it simple with salt, adjusting to taste. It’ll let the ginger and garlic shine more.
These swaps make Tinola versatile, so you can still enjoy its comforting goodness no matter where you are or what’s available.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven – Brands like Lodge or Le Creuset are great for soups and stews. https://amzn.to/3IRSSVW
- Sharp chef’s knife – I like Victorinox or Global for clean slicing through chicken and papaya. https://amzn.to/3KzlRyg
- Wooden spoon – Gentle on your cookware when stirring. https://amzn.to/46UpvKI
- Rice cooker – A must in any Filipino kitchen. Brands like Zojirushi or Cuckoo are reliable favorites. https://amzn.to/46UpxlO
Every bowl of Chicken Tinola Soup brings me back to the rainy afternoons of my childhood in the Philippines. It’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul, and I love how adaptable it is depending on what’s available here in the U.S. Whether you make it with green papaya and chili leaves, or swap in chayote and spinach, the heart of the dish remains the same—comfort in a bowl.
So the next time the weather turns cold, give this Tinola recipe a try. I promise, it’ll warm you up from the inside out.
Try The Chicken Tinola Soup Tonight!
If you make this comforting Chicken Tinola, don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it and what substitutions you tried.
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Snap a photo of your Tinola and tag me on Instagram @LerriesKitchen or use #LerriesKitchen or #CookingWithLerrie so I can see your delicious creations.
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P.S. If you’re just getting started, you’ll love this post → 10 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Beginners
Happy cooking,
Tinola Soup (Filipino Chicken Ginger Soup)
Ingredients:
Directions:
Heat a little oil in a pot. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
Add chicken pieces and brown slightly.
Add fish sauce, let chicken absorb flavor 2–3 mins.
Pour in water or broth, bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 mins until chicken is tender.
Stir in papaya and cook until just tender. Around 5 minutes.
Add chili leaves (or substitute) and cook 2 more minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with steamed rice.
6 servings
- Amount per serving
- Calories210
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g13%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 776mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
- Total Sugars 2g
- Protein 25g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Hi, I'm Lerrie! Come join me in my kitchen as I bring Filipino favorites and global recipes to life. Born and raised in the Philippines and now living in the US, I love sharing the food I've missed most from home. 
