Rotisserie Chicken Pastil

Transform your leftover rotisserie chicken into a wholesome and tasty Filipino Chicken Pastil, enriched with the vibrant flavors of turmeric, creating a delightful one-pan wonder that's both nutritious and bursting with flavor!

Chicken Pastil is a traditional Filipino dish that has gained recent popularity on platforms like TikTok.

It's important not to confuse it with Chicken Pastel, which is a cream-based chicken dish.

Chicken Pastil is typically served atop a generous serving of steamed rice, wrapped in banana leaves, and often accompanied by boiled eggs. Known for its affordability, it's a common street food in the Philippines, often sold for as little as 10 pesos (WHATTT??!!!). That's just almost 2 pennies.

This flavorful dish showcases tender chicken breast, featuring the savory "kagikit," shredded chicken infused with spices like turmeric, offering a satisfying and budget-friendly meal option.

This closely resembles Adobong dilaw or Yellow Adobo, particularly due to the addition of turmeric, thanks to the addition of turmeric, which gives it that distinct earthy flavor and golden hue. The flavor profile is nearly identical, with a familiar blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that you’d find in adobo dishes.

If you enjoy the taste of Adobo with Pineapple, Beef Adobo, Adobong Sitaw with Chorizo, or even Chicken Liver Adobo, you’ll love how this Chicken Pastil captures those same comforting, well-balanced flavors while offering its own unique twist!

💭What is Pastil?

Pastil, also known as Patel, Patil, or Pater in Muslim Mindanao, is a delicious and portable Filipino dish from the Maguindanao people. It's a popular breakfast choice, especially in Mindanao.

Here's what makes Pastil so special:

• Simple Ingredients: Pastil is a comforting combination of steamed rice topped with savory shredded meat, usually chicken, beef, or fish.
• Unique Packaging: What truly sets Pastil apart is its packaging. The dish is lovingly wrapped in a banana leaf, giving it a distinct and eco-friendly presentation.
• Flavorful Complements: Pastil is often served with a fried egg and pickled vegetables, adding a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Muslim Influence: The use of banana leaves and its prevalence in Muslim Mindanao reflects the region's cultural heritage.
• Portable Delight: Wrapped in a banana leaf, Pastil becomes a convenient and delicious on-the-go breakfast option. Of course, banana leaf is optional!

🔪How to Make Chicken Pastil?

1. In a pan, sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant.
2. Add the turmeric powder and bay leaves to the pan and mix well with the garlic and onion.
3. Add the shredded chicken, salt and pepper to the pan and mix.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water and sugar.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the pan and stir to coat evenly.
6. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the vinegar is cooked and flavors have melded together. Cover the pan and resist the urge to mix it for the first 10 minutes.
7. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat.

🔥What Does it Mean to "Cook" the Vinegar?

My mom would always say, "Siguraduhin mong lutong-luto ang suka!" meaning make sure the vinegar is cooked well. This is common in most filipino dishes that involves vinegar especially when cooking adobo. "Cook the vinegar" typically means to allow the vinegar to simmer or boil along with other ingredients in a recipe.

This process helps to reduce the vinegar's sharpness and meld its flavors with the other ingredients in the dish. It can also help to thicken sauces and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

🍲Chicken Pastil is a One-Pan Dish!

For making thisl, all you need is a single pan to cook everything to perfection, simplifying the cleanup process. A sturdy skillet or frying pan is ideal for sautéing the ingredients and simmering the chicken in its flavorful sauce.

This one-pan approach makes this dish not only delicious but also convenient for busy weeknights.

⏲️How to Store Leftover

For storage, due to its vinegar content, Chicken Pastil can last for a short period at room temperature. However, for optimal freshness and safety, it's recommended to refrigerate it promptly. When stored in the refrigerator, it can be kept for up to a week.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bags for up to 2-3 months, ensuring it maintains its quality for future enjoyment.