What is Chicken Pastel?
Chicken pastel is a Filipino dish inspired by Spanish cuisine. It traditionally features chicken, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers cooked in a creamy, savory sauce. Often baked with a flaky pastry crust, it’s a dish that combines comforting textures and rich flavors. This simple chicken pastel recipe skips the pastry crust to make it quicker and easier, while still delivering all the classic flavors you know and love.
Understanding the Essence of Chicken Pastel
At its core, chicken pastel is about the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and soft vegetables create a balanced, hearty meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The dish’s rich flavor comes from its unique combination of cream, savory seasonings, and a hint of tanginess, making it a family favorite for generations.
Ingredients and Preparation Essentials
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment and ingredients:
Equipment:
- Large Skillet: For sautéing and simmering the dish.
- Mixing Bowl: To marinate the chicken.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
- Chopping Board and Knife: For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
Ingredients:
- 500g Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (for marinating)
- 2 tbsp Butter (for sautéing)
- 1 Onion (finely chopped)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 Cup Potatoes (diced)
- 1 Cup Carrots (diced)
- 1 Cup Sausages or Hotdogs (sliced, optional)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (sliced)
- 1 Can Evaporated Milk (370ml)
- 1 Cup Chicken Stock (or water)
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (to thicken the sauce)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Simple Chicken Pastel Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet (for sautéing and cooking)
- 1 Mixing Bowl (to marinate chicken)
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
- 1 Chopping Board (for prepping vegetables)
- 1 Knife (for slicing chicken and veggies)
Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce for marinating
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice for marinating
- 2 tbsp Butter for sautéing
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 Cup Potatoes diced
- 1 Cup Carrots diced
- 1 Cup Sausages or Hotdogs sliced, optional
- 1 Red Bell Pepper sliced
- 1 Can Evaporated Milk 370ml
- 1 Cup Chicken Stock or water
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour to thicken sauce
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add potatoes, carrots, and sausages. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Gradually add chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and mix well until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add red bell peppers and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve:
- Transfer the chicken pastel to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Notes
Feel free to add mushrooms, green peas, or celery for extra flavor.
For a creamier dish, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or grated cheese.
You can use coconut milk as a healthier alternative to evaporated milk.
Sausages are optional and can be replaced with bacon or ham.
Crafting the Perfect Chicken Pastel
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken pieces, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a bowl. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add potatoes, carrots, and sausages. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Create the Sauce:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Then, pour in the evaporated milk and mix well.
- Simmer and Combine:
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Add bell peppers and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy your chicken pastel with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose Chicken Thighs: They’re juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh potatoes and carrots provide better texture than frozen alternatives.
- Don’t Skip Marinating: This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Thicken Slowly: Gradually add flour and liquid to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Make It Your Own: Add mushrooms, green peas, or grated cheese for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Chicken pastel is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed White Rice: To soak up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
How to Store Chicken Pastel
Room Temperature:
- Keep chicken pastel at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Total Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Enjoy This Recipe
This simple chicken pastel recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables make it a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner tonight or for a special celebration, it’s guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a better option for this dish.
How do I make the dish creamier?
You can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or grated cheese to the sauce for extra richness.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, green peas, or celery work well in chicken pastel.
Do I need to bake the pastel?
No, this recipe skips the traditional pastry crust to make it quicker and easier to prepare.
Can I make chicken pastel ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day in advance and reheat it before serving. The flavors will develop even more.