Healthier Chicken Kare-Kare
Hi, I’m Krizell, a third culture kid and second-generation Filipino American. I’m passionate about preserving our Filipino heritage through food and hope you give these recipes a try!
Krizell
•
July 6, 2026
This healthier Chicken Kare-Kare proves you don’t have to give up the Filipino dishes you love to make choices that support your health. Made with lean chicken, bone broth, and a lighter peanut sauce, it delivers the rich, comforting flavors of traditional kare-kare in a leaner protein, weeknight friendly meal. Perfect for anyone looking for a healthier twist including those managing gestational diabetes or simply adding more nutritious Filipino recipes to their table.
Ingredients (15)
Ingredients (15)
Instructions
Heat the avocado oil (1 tsp) in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion (½) and cook for 2–4 minutes, or until translucent.
Add the garlic (3–4 cloves) and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the chicken thighs (5–6) and brown on all sides.
Pour in the beef or chicken bone broth (2 cups).
In a small bowl, whisk together the annatto powder (1 tsp) and hot water (¼ cup) until dissolved. Add the mixture to the pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk the PBfit powder (½ cup) with the hot broth (2 cups) from the pot until smooth. (If using natural peanut butter, whisk it with the hot broth until smooth.) Stir the mixture back into the pot.
Add the sliced Chinese eggplant (1), sitaw (12), and bok choy (2–3 heads). Cover and steam until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness, about 5–8 minutes and sauce thickens.
Season to taste with salt, fish sauce, and black pepper.
Serve with bagoong alamang on the side, if desired.
Notes
Notes
The swaps:
🍗 Chicken instead of oxtail — More lean protein and less saturated fat.
🥣 Beef or chicken bone broth instead of water — Adds extra nutrients, protein, and collagen.
🥜 Sugar-Free PBfit Powder (not sponsored) — All the creamy peanut flavor with zero added sugar. If you don’t have sugar restrictions, natural peanut butter works wonderfully too.
Subscribe to get my new recipes delivered to your inbox
Comments
Sign in to comment
