#BusyCookRecipes

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Chicken Pastil: A Dish for the Busy Cook (One-Pot, Easy Recipe)

Pressed for time? Learn how to make Chicken Pastil in one pot! This easy, flavorful recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious Filipino meal fast.

🏃‍♀️ Filipino Flavor, the Quick and Easy Way

Life gets busy—between work, school, errands, and everything in between, cooking can feel like a chore. But what if we told you that you can make a traditional Filipino rice meal using just one pot, with minimal effort and maximum flavor?

Chicken Pastil, a Mindanaoan favorite, usually involves slow-cooked chicken and rice wrapped in banana leaves. But today, we’re giving it a time-saving twist: a one-pot Chicken Pastil that’s just as comforting, delicious, and perfect for the modern, busy cook.

This version is simplified, fast, and still packed with authentic flavor. Whether you're new to Filipino food or a home cook looking to whip up a meal quickly, this recipe will become your go-to.

🍗 What Is Chicken Pastil? A Quick Overview

Chicken Pastil is a rice-based dish that hails from Mindanao, a region in the southern Philippines. It typically features:

Steamed rice

Shredded chicken cooked in soy sauce, garlic, and spices

Wrapped in banana leaves (optional)

Served with palapa (a spicy coconut condiment)

It’s often sold as a quick meal in carinderias (local eateries), which makes it perfect for grab-and-go eating. So why not make it perfect for home cooks in a rush, too?

🍳 Why Chicken Pastil Is Perfect for Busy Cooks

✅ One-pot convenience ✅ Minimal chopping and cleanup ✅ Familiar ingredients ✅ Cook in under 30 minutes ✅ Meal-prep friendly

Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe gives you maximum flavor with minimum effort.

🍲 Quick & Easy One-Pot Chicken Pastil Recipe

🛒 Ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or coconut)

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 thumb-sized ginger, grated

500g boneless chicken breast or thigh, sliced thin

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup uncooked jasmine or white rice (rinsed)

2 cups chicken broth or water

Salt to taste

Optional: banana leaves for serving

Optional topping: chili garlic oil or palapa

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics In a deep pan or pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 2: Add Chicken Add the sliced chicken to the pot. Stir until it starts to brown. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), turmeric, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add Rice & Broth Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Mix everything well.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Cover the pot and lower the heat. Let it simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir halfway to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve Turn off the heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice. Serve wrapped in banana leaves or on a plate. Top with chili garlic oil or palapa for extra heat.

🧠 Tips for Success

Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier results.

For extra fragrance, add lemongrass or bay leaves while cooking.

Leftovers? Cool and wrap in banana leaves to pack for lunch!

Add vegetables like carrots or green peas for a one-pot balanced meal.

📦 Why This Chicken Pastil Recipe Works for Meal Prep

Stays good in the fridge for 3–4 days

Easy to reheat (microwave or pan)

Can be frozen in airtight containers

Portion into individual wraps for grab-and-go meals

It’s comforting, portable, and budget-friendly—perfect for students, workers, or anyone with a tight schedule.

🌟Quick Doesn’t Mean Compromising Flavor

Filipino cuisine doesn’t always require long hours in the kitchen. With this one-pot Chicken Pastil recipe, you can enjoy the soulful flavors of Mindanao without the stress. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it fits right into your busy lifestyle.

So the next time you’re short on time but craving something satisfying, grab your pot and whip up this flavorful Filipino rice dish in no time.

Give it a try and tag your version! #ChickenPastilForTheBusyCook

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Just shred it and reduce the cooking time. Add it after the rice is partially cooked to avoid drying out.

2. What rice works best?

Jasmine rice or regular long-grain white rice is ideal. Avoid sticky rice for this one-pot method.

3. Is it okay to skip banana leaves?

Absolutely. Banana leaves are traditional but optional. A plate or bowl works just fine.

4. Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add chili flakes or top with chili garlic oil or traditional palapa.

5. What can I pair with Chicken Pastil?

Pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and a simple calamansi-soy sauce dip complement it well.