This Chicken Embutido is a flavorful Filipino-style meatloaf that’s packed with savory goodness! Filled with colorful veggies, raisins, cheese, and even Vienna sausage, this dish is perfect for any occasion and surprisingly easy to make.
If you like this, you'll enjoy easy chicken roulade recipe as well.
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Embutido is a staple at Filipino parties, especially during the holidays like Christmas or fiestas. It’s freezer-friendly, making it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy celebrations.
I usually make a big batch of embutido, and this recipe yields about 7 to 8 rolls. It’s perfect for dinner, a quick snack, sharing with friends, or freezing for later enjoyment!
What’s great about embutido is how versatile it is! While many enjoy it with rice, I personally love stuffing it inside a dinner roll or pandesal with a little ketchup—just like a sandwich! If you're hosting a party, trust me, this dish is a must-have on the table. Serve it along side a mango glazed ham!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Easy to prepare: You’ll love how simple and straightforward this recipe is.
- Freezer-friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance; just freeze, thaw, and enjoy!
- Bursting with flavors: A combination of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients in every bite.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, bread, or even on its own as a satisfying snack.
- Great for parties: This is a popular dish during Filipino celebrations and is sure to impress your guests!
What is Embutido?
Embutido (pronounced "em-boo-tee-doh") is a Filipino-style meatloaf made from ground meat. Traditionally made with pork, it’s a popular dish served at parties and celebrations, usually during the holidays. This recipe swaps pork with ground chicken for a lighter yet equally delicious twist. Embutido is typically rolled in foil, steamed or baked, and sometimes pan-fried for extra flavor. This version is not just flavorful but also perfect for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
- Ground chicken: The base of the meat mixture; you can also use ground pork for a more traditional embutido.
- Red and green bell peppers: Adds color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
- Onion: Provides a depth of flavor.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together.
- Tomato sauce or ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness; you can use either for added flavor.
- Raisins: Adds a hint of sweetness and texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess and a rich flavor.
- Bread crumbs (plain): Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the embutido moist.
- Sweet pickle relish: Adds tangy sweetness, complementing the savory meat mixture.
- Ground pepper & salt: For seasoning.
- Carrots: Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- Vienna sausage: A classic ingredient that’s rolled inside the embutido for extra flavor.
- Hard-boiled eggs: These are placed in the center of the roll for a surprise filling.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Chicken Embutido
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, red and green bell peppers, onion, eggs, tomato sauce or ketchup, raisins, cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the embutido: Lay out a sheet of aluminum foil and spread the meat mixture onto it, forming a flat rectangular shape. Place Vienna sausages and hard-boiled eggs along the center.
- Roll it up: Carefully roll the meat mixture using the foil, making sure the sausages and eggs stay in the center. Twist the ends of the foil to secure the embutido.
- Bake or Steam the embutido: Cook the wrapped embutido in a steamer or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour, or until fully cooked.
- Optional step – Pan-fry: If desired, you can remove the foil and pan-fry the embutido in a bit of oil until golden brown on the outside.
- Slice and serve: Allow the embutido to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with rice, bread, or as desired!
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Pork Embutido: Use ground pork instead of chicken for a more traditional take.
- Spicy Embutido: Add some chili flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Embutido: Double the amount of cheddar cheese for a creamier, cheesier version.
- Bacon-Wrapped Embutido: Wrap the embutido in strips of bacon before cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Ham and Pineapple Embutido: Add chopped ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory twist.
What to Serve with Chicken Embutido?
- Steamed white rice: The classic pairing for embutido; simple yet satisfying.
- Pandesal: Use embutido slices as a filling for a delicious sandwich with some ketchup or mayo.
- Garlic Fried Rice: Another great rice option that adds extra flavor to your meal.
- Salad: A light, crisp salad balances the richness of the embutido.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a fusion twist, serve your embutido with creamy mashed potatoes.
How to Store Leftovers
Chicken Embutido can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Top tip
For easy slicing, let the embutido cool down completely before cutting. This helps maintain its shape and ensures clean, even slices.
Recipe FAQs
Chicken embutido uses ground chicken instead of pork, offering a lighter option while still packed with flavor.
Yes, embutido is perfect for meal prep! It can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You can either steam it again or pan-fry it for a crispier exterior. If reheating from frozen, thaw it first.
Yes! You can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, but steaming gives a juicier texture.
You can use hot dogs, ham, or even cooked bacon if you prefer.
es, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.
nsert a meat thermometer into the center. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C).
More Chicken Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Chicken Embutido Recipe (Filipino Meatloaf)
Ingredients
- 4 pounds ground chicken or ground pork
- 1 red bell pepper minced
- 1 green bell pepper minced
- 1 onion minced
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup tomato sauce/ catsup
- 1 cup small boxes raisins
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 cups bread crumbs plain
- ¼ cup pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup carrots minced
- 6 pieces hard-boiled eggs quartered lengthwise
- 1 can vienna sausage sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, red and green bell peppers, onion, eggs, tomato sauce or ketchup, raisins, cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the embutido: Lay out a sheet of aluminum foil and spread the meat mixture onto it (about 2 cups), forming a flat rectangular shape. Place Vienna sausages and hard-boiled eggs along the center.
- Roll it up: Carefully roll the meat mixture using the foil, making sure the sausages and eggs stay in the center. Twist the ends of the foil to secure the embutido.
- Steam or bake the embutido: Steam or bake the wrapped embutido until cooked through. If baking, use a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time is approximately 1 hour.
- Optional step – Pan-fry: If desired, you can remove the foil and pan-fry the embutido in a bit of oil until golden brown on the outside.
- Slice and serve: Allow the embutido to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with rice, bread, or as desired!
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