Master the Art of Cooking Chicken Pastel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken pastel is a hearty and comforting dish that has been loved by many for generations. This savory casserole boasts tender chunks of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce that is sure to make your taste buds dance with delight. While it may seem daunting to attempt the perfect chicken pastel at home, fear not! With some simple tips and tricks, you too can master this classic dish in no time. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to cook chicken pastel so you can impress your friends and family with a delicious homemade meal. So get ready to roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of chicken pastel cooking!

Cooking chicken pastel is not as daunting as it sounds. This delicious Filipino dish may seem complicated, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily recreate it in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this guide, we will walk you through how to cook chicken pastel and provide tips to make your dish a standout.

The History of Chicken Pastel

Chicken pastel is a traditional Filipino dish that has been around for many years. Its roots can be traced back to Spanish colonization, where the Spaniards introduced new dishes like pies and stews to the Philippines. The word “pastel” means pie in Spanish, which explains why this dish is often served in a pie crust.

Over time, chicken pastel has evolved into a popular holiday dish served during Christmas and special occasions like birthday parties and fiestas. It has become an integral part of Filipino cuisine and is loved by many for its flavorful taste and creamy texture.

The Ingredients

The main ingredient in chicken pastel is, of course, chicken. You can use any part of the chicken that you prefer – whether it be boneless chicken breast or bone-in thighs. Other important ingredients include carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic, milk or cream, butter, flour for thickening the sauce, and of course, the crust made with pie dough.

Traditionally, chicken pastel also includes green peas and hot dogs. However, if these are not readily available or if you have dietary restrictions, feel free to omit them or substitute them with other vegetables or proteins.

The Preparation Process

To begin cooking your chicken pastel dish, start by marinating your chicken pieces in soy sauce and calamansi juice (or lemon juice) for at least 30 minutes. This step helps infuse flavor into the chicken.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables by slicing them into bite-size pieces. Keep the carrots and bell peppers in a separate bowl as they will be added later in the cooking process.

Next, cook your chicken in a pan until it is lightly browned. Set it aside and use the same pan to sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they are soft. Add the carrots and bell peppers to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they become slightly tender.

Now, add your chicken back to the pan along with the marinade juices. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes before adding milk or cream to create a creamy sauce.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix some flour with water and add it to the pan. This will thicken up the sauce without affecting the flavor.

Assembling and Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F while you are assembling your chicken pastel dish. To assemble, place your pie dough on a baking dish or casserole dish (whichever you prefer) and spread it out evenly. Pour in your chicken mixture on top of the dough and make sure it is evenly distributed.

Next, roll out another layer of dough to cover the top of your dish. Trim off any excess dough hanging off from the sides and crimp together both layers of dough using your fingers or a fork to create a seal.

Make slits on top of the pie crust for steam to escape while baking. Brush some egg wash over the top for a gorgeous golden-brown finish once fully baked.

Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Pastel

– Do not overcook your chicken as it will become dry.
– Use good quality ingredients – fresh vegetables and good cuts of chicken.
– Add some cheese on top of your dish before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
– Serve your chicken pastel with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
– Want to save time? Use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch.
– You can also make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for later use.
– Experiment with different herbs and sauces to add a personal touch to your chicken pastel.

Cooking chicken pastel may seem intimidating at first, but with these tips and tricks, you can easily create a delicious dish in no time. Whether it is for a special occasion or just a regular dinner, this Filipino favorite is sure to please anyone who tries it. So go ahead and gather your ingredients to recreate this mouth-watering dish in your own kitchen!

What is Chicken Pastel?

Chicken pastel is a classic Filipino dish that is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. It is a savory and creamy casserole made with chicken, vegetables, and a rich white sauce. The flavors of this dish are a delightful combination of sweet and savory, making it a favorite among people of all ages.

The history of chicken pastel can be traced back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The dish was inspired by the Spanish meat pie called “pasty,” which was brought to the country by Spanish colonizers. However, over time, the Filipino version evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, making it truly unique and distinct from its European counterpart.

Today, chicken pastel can be found in many variations all over the Philippines. Some versions include additional ingredients like quail eggs or chorizo, while some use different types of meat such as pork or beef. However, the basic components of this dish remain consistent – chicken, vegetables, white sauce, and a delicious crust on top.

How to Select the Best Chicken for Chicken Pastel?

The key to making a delicious chicken pastel lies in choosing the right chicken. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting the best chicken for your dish:

1) Always opt for fresh chicken over frozen ones – Fresh chicken makes a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your dish. It also eliminates any risks of foodborne illnesses that may arise from using frozen poultry.

2) Choose skin-on drumstick or thigh meat – These cuts are ideal for chicken pastel because they tend to stay moist and tender even after baking for an extended period.

3) Look for organic or free-range chickens – These types of chickens are fed with natural diets without any hormones or antibiotics that may affect their flavor.

4) Check for the freshness – When buying whole chickens, make sure to check for any foul smells or discoloration, which could indicate that the meat is no longer fresh.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Pastel

Making chicken pastel requires a few basic ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2 lbs chicken (preferably skin-on drumstick or thigh meat)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, sliced into rounds
– 1 bell pepper, cubed
– 1 cup potatoes, cubed
– 1 cup green peas
– ½ cup raisins (optional)
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the crust:
– Store-bought puff pastry
OR
– Pie dough (made from scratch)

How to Cook Chicken Pastel?

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients let’s dive into the steps on how to cook chicken pastel:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.

Step3: Add in the chicken pieces and cook until they turn white. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step4: Add in the carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, green peas, and raisins (if using), then stir until vegetables are slightly tender.

Step5: In a separate smaller pot over medium heat, melt the butter again. Add in the flour and stir continuously until well combined. This will create a roux that will thicken your sauce.

Step6: Pour in the chicken broth into the pot of roux and mix well until the sauce thickens. Then add in the milk and stir until well combined.

Step7: Pour the sauce mixture into the pot of chicken and vegetables. Mix everything together until you have a thick and creamy consistency. Remove from heat.

Step8: In a large baking dish, spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly.

Step9: If using store-bought puff pastry, simply roll it over your baking dish to cover the filling. If using pie dough from scratch, roll it out into a thin sheet slightly larger than your baking dish. Cut it into strips and create a lattice pattern on top of your chicken mixture.

Step10: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

How to Serve Chicken Pastel?

Chicken pastel is best served hot straight from the oven. It can be accompanied by steamed rice or eaten on its own as a complete meal. You can also garnish it with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.

This dish is perfect for large gatherings or potlucks as it can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people. It is also a great make-ahead meal as it can be prepared in advance and just needs to be popped in

1) What ingredients do I need to cook chicken pastel?
To make chicken pastel, you will need chicken meat, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, garlic, butter, flour, milk or cream, chicken broth or stock, and your desired seasonings.

2) Do I need to use a specific type of chicken for this dish?
No, you can use any part of the chicken (breast, thigh, drumstick) or even a whole chicken that is cut into smaller pieces. Just make sure to remove the skin and excess fat before cooking.

3) What type of pan should I use for cooking?
A wide and deep pan is ideal for making chicken pastel. A Dutch oven or a large saucepan would work well. You can also use a baking dish if you want to bake it in the oven.

4) Do I have to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the pot?
It is not necessary to pre-cook the chicken before making chicken pastel. The chicken will be fully cooked as it simmers with the other ingredients.

5) How do I ensure that the sauce is not too thick or runny?
The key is to add flour gradually while stirring continuously until you achieve your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add more broth or milk/cream to thin it out.

6) Can I use different vegetables in my chicken pastel?
Yes, you can customize your recipe by adding other vegetables like peas, corn, mushrooms or green beans. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly based on the type of vegetables used.

In conclusion, cooking chicken pastel is a fairly simple and versatile process that allows for personalization and creativity in the kitchen. By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can successfully make this delicious dish at home.

First and foremost, it is crucial to choose high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chicken. This not only ensures better flavor, but also promotes a healthier meal. Additionally, marinating the chicken beforehand adds an extra layer of flavor and tenderness to the dish.

The cooking process itself involves sautéing vegetables, cooking the chicken with the sauce and vegetables, and then baking everything together with a flaky pastry crust on top. It is important to note that each step should be done carefully and with attention to detail in order to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that cooking chicken pastel does not have to be restricted to following a specific recipe. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, and even types of pastry crusts. This dish allows for versatility and personalization based on individual preferences.

Overall, learning how to cook chicken pastel is a rewarding experience that not only results in a delicious meal but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. By following these steps and tips,