Chicken Pastel Recipe

Discover the ultimate Chicken Pastel recipe – a Filipino classic bursting with creamy goodness. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Dive into culinary delight now!

Chicken Pastel

• Publisher: Crisp Recipe
• Cuisine: Filipino
• Category: Main Dish
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 350 calories

Chicken Pastel is a beloved Filipino dish renowned for its rich and creamy texture, offering a delightful blend of savory flavors. This hearty culinary creation often graces Filipino dining tables during festive occasions and family gatherings.

The dish typically features succulent boneless chicken pieces combined with an array of vibrant vegetables, creating a visually appealing and nutritionally balanced ensemble.

The cooking process begins with a medley of aromatic ingredients – finely chopped onions and minced garlic – sautéed to perfection.

The boneless chicken, cut into convenient bite-sized pieces, is then introduced, undergoing a browning process that enhances its flavor profile.

Diced potatoes and sliced carrots join the mix, contributing not only to the dish's taste but also providing a textural contrast.

What sets Chicken Pastel apart is its harmonious amalgamation of ingredients. The addition of colorful bell peppers, both red and green, imparts a visually appealing vibrancy, while green peas contribute a burst of sweetness.

A crucial element in achieving the dish's signature creaminess is the combination of chicken broth and evaporated milk, creating a luscious sauce that envelops the ingredients in a velvety embrace.

The final touch involves baking the concoction to golden perfection, often crowned with a flaky pastry crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Recipe

Embark on a flavor-packed journey with our Chicken Pastel recipe! Dive into creamy perfection with a Filipino classic that's easy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Let's cook up joy!

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Pastry dough or puff pastry sheets (for the crust)

Method Instructions

1. In a large pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn brown.
3. Incorporate potatoes and carrots, cooking for a few minutes until slightly tender.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and evaporated milk. Let it simmer until the vegetables are fully cooked.
5. Add the red and green bell peppers, as well as the green peas. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. In a separate pan, melt butter over low heat. Add the all-purpose flour and stir continuously to create a roux.
7. Gradually add the roux to the chicken mixture, stirring well to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
8. Preheat your oven according to the pastry dough instructions.
9. Transfer the chicken mixture into a baking dish. Cover it with the pastry dough or puff pastry sheets.
10. Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown.
11. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Pastel, a comforting and flavorful Filipino dish!

Recipe Video

Chicken Pastel

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Recipe Tags: Chicken Pastel, Chicken Pastel Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Chicken Pastel is a straightforward yet delightful process that adds to the overall experience of enjoying this Filipino classic. Here's a simple guide:

• Portioning: Use a spatula or serving spoon to portion out the Chicken Pastel onto individual plates. Ensure each serving includes a generous mix of chicken pieces, vegetables, and the creamy sauce.
• Garnish: For a touch of freshness and visual appeal, consider garnishing each serving with finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. This adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal fragrance to the dish.
• Side Accompaniments: Chicken Pastel pairs well with steamed white rice or even a bed of buttered mashed potatoes. The starch complements the creamy sauce and absorbs the flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Table Presentation: If you've opted for a pastry crust, present the Chicken Pastel in the baking dish, allowing guests to admire the golden-brown crust before it's cut into portions. Alternatively, if you've used puff pastry sheets, cut through the crispy top layer at the table to reveal the savory filling.
• Serve Warm: Chicken Pastel is best enjoyed when served warm. Ensure the dish maintains its temperature during serving to preserve the comforting and inviting nature of the creamy sauce.
• Accompaniments: Consider serving Chicken Pastel with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Sliced tomatoes or cucumber make excellent choices.
• Family-Style or Individual Plates: Depending on the occasion, you can either serve Chicken Pastel family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves, or plate individual servings for a more formal presentation.

Tips

1. Preparation Is Key: Chop all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process. This ensures a smoother and more enjoyable cooking experience.
2. Consistent Sizing: Cut the chicken, potatoes, and carrots into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
3. Layering Flavors: Allow time for the chicken to brown during cooking. This adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Similarly, sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant contributes to a flavorful base.
4. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on personal preferences. Some variations include adding mushrooms, corn, or even chorizo for added depth of flavor.
5. Balancing Creaminess: Adjust the ratio of chicken broth to evaporated milk based on your preference for creaminess. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add more evaporated milk.
6. Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Be cautious with salt as the chicken broth and butter already contribute saltiness. Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice touch of warmth.
7. Crust Options: Experiment with different crust options. While a classic pastry dough or puff pastry works well, you can also try mashed potatoes for a unique twist.
8. Oven Watch: Keep an eye on the pastry crust while baking to prevent over-browning. If needed, cover the dish with foil during the baking process to protect the crust.
9. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving, ensuring a fresh and hot dish for your guests.

Ingredient Substitutes

1. Chicken: If you prefer a different protein or don't have chicken on hand, you can substitute it with turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
2. Vegetables: The vegetable mix is versatile. Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn can be excellent additions or replacements.
3. Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you can use butternut squash or turnips for a unique twist.
4. Bell Peppers: Experiment with different colors of bell peppers for a visually appealing dish. If you're not a fan of bell peppers, try cherry tomatoes or celery for a different crunch.
5. Green Peas: If green peas aren't available, substitute them with edamame or corn kernels for a similar burst of sweetness and texture.
6. Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be a suitable replacement for chicken broth, especially if you're opting for a vegetarian version. For a richer flavor, consider using mushroom or miso broth.
7. Evaporated Milk: Whole milk or coconut milk can be used instead of evaporated milk. Coconut milk will impart a distinct flavor to the dish, giving it a tropical twist.
8. Butter: Olive oil or ghee can be used instead of butter for sautéing or creating a roux. Each imparts a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your taste preferences.
9. Pastry Crust: If you don't have pastry dough or puff pastry sheets, consider using biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough for a quick alternative. Mashed potatoes can serve as a unique and delicious crust replacement.
10. Flour: If you're out of all-purpose flour for the roux, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.

Remarks

Savor the richness of Filipino tradition with each bite of your homemade Chicken Pastel. Gather loved ones, create memories, and enjoy the comfort of this delightful culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking!