chicken lazone recipe

The Best chicken lazone recipe

Chicken Lazone is one of those dishes that just feels like home—simple enough to make every day, but special enough to serve at a family gathering or a casual weeknight meal. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids, especially after a long day of school or sports practice. They love how the tender chicken is wrapped in a crispy, savory tortilla, and the mix of flavors—spicy, tangy, and just a little sweet—makes it addictive. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but actually isn’t too heavy, which is perfect when you’re trying to keep things balanced but still satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile; you can make it ahead, reheat it, or even freeze portions for later, so it’s always ready when life gets busy.

What I really love about this recipe is how it’s packed with nutrients without being complicated. The chicken is lean and full of protein, which keeps everyone full and energized, and the peppers and onions add fiber and vitamins. The spices—cumin, paprika, and a little garlic—give it depth without overpowering, and the lime at the end brightens things up just enough to make every bite feel fresh. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating healthy because it tastes so good, and honestly, neither do I. It’s that kind of recipe that makes cooking feel like a little treat, not a chore. Plus, it’s great for occasions—whether it’s a game day at the house, a potluck, or just a lazy Sunday when you want something hearty but not too much work. The tortillas hold up well, so it’s easy to double the recipe and have leftovers for days. My family always says it’s their favorite way to eat chicken, and I think that’s because it’s simple, flavorful, and always feels like a little love on a plate.

Chicken Lazoné (Nigerian Fried Chicken in Tomato Sauce)

4.7 from 882 votes

A flavorful, crispy fried chicken dish coated in a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for a hearty meal. The dish is traditionally served with rice or plantains.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time50 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time70 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried onion powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1 cup tomato paste
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Prepare the chicken: Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. 2 Coat the chicken: In a large bowl, mix flour with a little oil (about 1 tbsp) to prevent sticking. Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well-coated. Place on a plate.
3. 3 Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. 4 Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, chicken broth, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. 5 Combine chicken and sauce: Add fried chicken to the sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes to let flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. 6 Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and hot sauce. Serve hot with rice or plantains.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Food processor or mortar and pestle (for grinding spices)
• Large skillet or pot
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (for frying)
• Oven (for baking option)
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

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This Chicken Lazone recipe is always a solid choice for family gatherings because it’s simple enough to make ahead without losing flavor, yet it still feels fresh and hearty when served. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep because the slow-cooked chicken stays tender and the flavors meld together beautifully—no fuss, just great taste. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that lets everyone customize their own topping mix, making it easy to adapt to whatever everyone’s craving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Lazoné (Nigerian Fried Chicken in Tomato Sauce)

What is the origin of Chicken Lazone, and why is it popular in Filipino cuisine?

Chicken Lazone originates from the Visayas region in the Philippines, particularly from the province of Cebu. It’s a beloved dish because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients—chicken, garlic, onions, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce made from calamansi (a local citrus fruit), vinegar, and sometimes soy sauce or fish sauce. The dish’s rustic, home-style preparation and the comforting combination of savory, sour, and slightly sweet flavors make it a staple in Filipino home cooking.

What are the key ingredients in Chicken Lazone, and can I substitute any of them?

The classic Chicken Lazone recipe includes: – Chicken (thighs or drumsticks are traditional) – Garlic and onions (for aromatic base) – Calamansi or lime (for tangy sourness) – Vinegar (white or rice vinegar) – Soy sauce or fish sauce (for umami) – Sugar or brown sugar (for slight sweetness) – Salt and pepper (to taste) – Optional: Tomato paste, chili peppers, or a dash of MSG for extra depth.

You can substitute calamansi with lime or lemon if unavailable, and vinegar with apple cider vinegar. For fish sauce, soy sauce works well, but adjust the amount since it’s less concentrated. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili or omit it entirely.

How do I prepare Chicken Lazone properly to ensure the chicken stays tender and flavorful?

To keep the chicken tender and packed with flavor, follow these steps: 1. Marinate the chicken (optional but recommended): Mix chicken pieces with a little soy sauce, calamansi juice, and a pinch of sugar to tenderize and enhance flavor before cooking. 2. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then brown the chicken pieces (cut into bite-sized chunks) on both sides. Remove and set aside. 3. Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, onions, and any chopped chili peppers until fragrant. 4. Simmer the sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, add vinegar, calamansi juice, soy sauce/fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. 5. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more calamansi, vinegar, or sugar if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water. 6. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra chili if desired.

For extra tenderness, avoid overcooking the chicken—it should be cooked through but still juicy.

Can Chicken Lazone be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, and how would the results differ?

Yes, Chicken Lazone can be adapted for slow cooker or Instant Pot, but the results may differ slightly in texture and sauce consistency: – Slow Cooker: Cook chicken, garlic, onions, and aromatics for 2–3 hours on low or 1 hour on high. Add vinegar, calamansi, soy sauce, and sugar in the last 30 minutes. The chicken may become slightly more tender but could dry out if left too long. The sauce will be thicker and slightly chunkier. – Instant Pot: Cook chicken, garlic, and onions for 10 minutes on high pressure. Release pressure, then add vinegar, calamansi, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes. The chicken stays juicier, and the sauce is more balanced but may be slightly thinner.

For best results, adjust cooking times and liquid ratios based on your appliance. If using a slow cooker, add a bit more liquid to prevent drying out.

How can I make Chicken Lazone healthier, and are there any modifications to reduce calories or fat?

You can make Chicken Lazone lighter while keeping it flavorful with these tweaks: – Lean protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks to reduce saturated fat. – Lower-fat cooking: Cook in a non-stick pan with minimal oil, or use a splash of vegetable oil instead of butter. – Lighter sauce: Reduce the amount of soy sauce or fish sauce (use half the recommended amount) and balance with more calamansi juice for tanginess. – Add vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrients and volume without extra calories. – Skip the sugar: Use a smaller amount or replace it with a touch of honey or a sugar substitute like erythritol. – Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley instead of fried shallots or extra oil for garnish.

These changes keep the dish delicious while making it more balanced.