The Best Chicken Pastel Recipe: A Cozy Filipino Comfort Classic

Comfort arrives perfectly with this chicken pastel, a delightful Filipino dish that combines hearty ingredients and warm memories.

Layers of tender meat and creamy sauce create a culinary experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Families across the Philippines have cherished this recipe for generations, passing down traditions through each carefully prepared bite.

Regional variations add unique touches, making every chicken pastel slightly different and deeply personal.

Rich vegetables and flaky pastry intertwine to create a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Crisp vegetables and succulent chicken meld together in a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a cozy kitchen.

Savor every forkful and let this classic dish remind you of home’s simple, delicious pleasures.

Why Chicken Pastel Is A Creamy Comfort Staple

• Craft a Comforting Classic: Chicken pastel delivers a hearty, soul-warming dish perfect for family gatherings and weekend meals that brings everyone together around the table.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: This recipe teaches beginner cooks essential skills like sautéing, layering flavors, and creating a creamy sauce with basic kitchen ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust protein proportions, or experiment with different pastry types to match personal preferences and dietary needs without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
• One-Pot Wonder Meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and a crispy pastry topping in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making mealtime preparation straightforward and stress-free.

What Goes In A Dreamy Chicken Pastel

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that forms the primary protein of the dish.
• Ham: Adds a salty and rich flavor to complement the chicken.
• Hotdog: Provides additional protein and a classic Filipino flavor profile.

• Mixed Vegetables, Potatoes, Bell Peppers: Offer nutritional variety, texture, and colorful additions to the pastel.
• Onions, Garlic: Create a flavorful aromatic base for the dish.

• All-Purpose Cream: Generates a rich and creamy sauce that holds the dish together.
• Eggs: Help thicken the sauce and add richness to the mixture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth of flavor and moisture.

• Pie Crust or Puff Pastry: Creates a golden, crispy exterior for the pastel.
• Butter: Helps achieve a golden and flaky pastry top.
• Bread Crumbs, Chopped Parsley: Add texture and fresh herbal notes to the dish.
• Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and greasing the baking dish.

How To Cook Chicken Pastel Without The Stress

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for your delicious comfort dish. Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and dance some garlic and onions around until they become soft and release their incredible fragrance.

Step 3: Brown Protein Beauties

Toss in chicken breast and ham, letting them sizzle and turn golden. Watch them transform into delectable morsels of goodness.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Mix-Ins

• Hotdog slices
• Mixed vegetables

Stir everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets its moment in the spotlight.

Step 5: Welcome Root and Color Companions

• Cubed potatoes
• Bell peppers

Continue cooking for a few minutes, letting flavors mingle and develop.

Step 6: Create Luscious Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing ingredients to simmer and soften gracefully.

Step 7: Develop Creamy Texture

Lower the heat and swirl in all-purpose cream, transforming your mixture into a silky, rich wonder.

Step 8: Season With Love

Sprinkle salt and ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Step 9: Bind With Eggs

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then gently fold them into the chicken mixture to create a luxurious, thick sauce.

Step 10: Prepare For Baking

Transfer your scrumptious mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly like a warm blanket.

Step 11: Crown With Pastry

Melt butter and lovingly brush over pie crust or puff pastry. Drape it carefully over the filling like a golden cloak.

Step 12: Add Crunchy Topping

• Bread crumbs
• Chopped parsley

Sprinkle these across the pastry for an irresistible texture and fresh flavor.

Step 13: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch the crust transform into a gorgeous golden-brown masterpiece.

Step 14: Rest And Serve

Pull your chicken pastel from the oven and let it rest 5-10 minutes. This allows flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips For Chicken Pastel That’s Extra Cozy

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Partially pre-bake the pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling to ensure a crisp, golden base that doesn't become wet.
• Balance Vegetable Texture: Cut vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Deglaze the skillet with white wine or a splash of brandy after cooking chicken and ham to capture all the delicious browned bits and enhance overall taste.
• Cream Stability Trick: Temper the cream by gradually adding a small amount of hot mixture to eggs before folding them in, preventing potential curdling and ensuring a smooth sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making assembly quicker when you're ready to bake.

Unique Chicken Pastel Variations To Explore

• Seafood Fusion Pastel: Replace chicken with a mix of shrimp, mussels, and white fish for a coastal-inspired version that brings ocean flavors to the classic dish.
• Vegetarian Garden Pastel: Swap meat with tofu, mushrooms, and extra mixed vegetables, adding nutritional yeast for a protein-rich vegetarian alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Pastel: Incorporate jalapeños, chili powder, and bell peppers for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation that adds heat and complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Filipino-Mediterranean Crossover: Blend Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme with traditional Filipino ingredients, creating a unique flavor profile that bridges two culinary traditions.

What To Pair With Chicken Pastel Dinner

• Savor with Crisp White Wine: A light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy richness of chicken pastel, balancing its hearty flavors with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Fresh Garden Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a tangy, light contrast to the dense, creamy pastel, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Match with Buttery Chardonnay: An oaked Chardonnay echoes the dish's creamy texture, enhancing the chicken pastel's luxurious and comforting qualities with its smooth, buttery undertones.

How To Store Chicken Pastel And Keep It Rich

• Store the chicken pastel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Wrap the chicken pastel securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date of preparation.
• Thaw frozen chicken pastel overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly warm. Cover with foil to prevent the crust from burning and maintain moisture.
• Divide the chicken pastel into individual serving portions before storing. This makes reheating easier and helps preserve the quality of the remaining dish.

FAQs About Chicken Pastel—Let’s Break It Down

• Is chicken pastel a traditional Filipino dish?

Yes, chicken pastel is a popular casserole-style dish in Filipino cuisine, often served during family gatherings and special occasions.

• What type of meat works best for this recipe?

Chicken breast is ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful result.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular pie crust with gluten-free puff pastry and use gluten-free bread crumbs to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

• How can I make the dish more nutritious?

Add more mixed vegetables like carrots, green peas, or corn to increase the nutritional value and add extra color to the dish.

Chicken Pastel Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken pastel celebrates Filipino culinary heritage with creamy, rich layers of tender chicken, vegetables, and flaky pastry. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor a classic dish that connects generations through its delicious, nostalgic embrace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken breast, diced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) ham, cubed
• 50 g (1.8 oz) hotdog, sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, green peas, corn)
• 1 medium potato, cubed
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Binders:

• 1 cup all-purpose cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pie crust or puff pastry sheet
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add diced chicken breast and ham, cooking until the chicken turns golden and is nearly cooked through.
4. Incorporate hotdog slices and mixed vegetables, stirring to combine and ensure even cooking.
5. Introduce cubed potatoes and bell peppers, continuing to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and vegetables to soften slightly.
7. Reduce heat and stir in all-purpose cream, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
8. Season the mixture with salt and ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and gently fold them into the chicken mixture to help thicken the sauce.
10. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11. Melt butter and brush the pie crust or puff pastry sheet, then carefully place it over the filling.
12. Sprinkle bread crumbs and chopped parsley on top of the pastry for added texture and flavor.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
14. Remove from the oven and let the chicken pastel rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter version, replace cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calorie content.
• Swap chicken breast with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian alternative that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture in the final dish.
• Use store-bought puff pastry as a time-saving hack, but homemade crust will elevate the overall taste and texture of the chicken pastel.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg