Chicken bistek is another variation of the well known traditional beef bistek. I think this is the healthier version of bistek compared to beef or pork and it also needs less time to cook. The way to describe this dish is meat marinated in soy sauce, calamansi juice and pepper. Then sauteed and cooked in its own marinade until tender.
Then garnished with onions rings which is the common ingredient on all version of bistek dishes. I think without the onions it is hard to identify this dish by just looking at it. So what are you waiting for? try this dish on your next menu and tell me how tasty it is by commenting below.
Chicken Bistek : A Filipino Twist on a Classic Dish
Growing up, beef bistek was a mainstay on our family table. But there was one twist I’ll never forget, introduced by my Tita Linda, who always seemed to be experimenting with new takes on traditional Filipino dishes. One day, she surprised us with chicken bistek—a lighter version of the beloved beef bistek. She insisted it was a healthier, equally flavorful option, and after tasting it, the whole family agreed. This bistek quickly became a favorite in our household, and now, whenever I make it, I’m transported back to those cherished family gatherings. Let me share the secrets to creating this flavorful and comforting dish.
What is Chicken Bistek?
Bistek na manok is a twist on the traditional beef bistek. With chicken as the main ingredient, it offers a lighter, healthier alternative while keeping all the delicious, savory flavors that make bistek a beloved Filipino classic. This dish is essentially marinated chicken, simmered in a savory-sour blend of soy sauce and calamansi juice until it becomes tender and flavorful. Finished with a generous garnish of onion rings, this dish captures the perfect balance of tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors.
The beauty of using chicken instead of beef is that it cuts down on cooking time, making this a perfect dish for busy weeknights. Plus, chicken tends to absorb the marinade more quickly, intensifying its flavor with less wait time. My cousin Carlo, a busy dad himself, loves whipping up bistek na manok for his kids—he always says it’s a lifesaver when you’re craving home-cooked Filipino food but are short on time.
Preparing the Marinade: The Secret to Flavorful Chicken Bistek
Like many Filipino dishes, chicken bistek starts with a marinade. This is a crucial step, as it infuses the chicken with the classic bistek flavors we all know and love. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, calamansi juice, a dash of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. If you can, let the chicken marinate for at least three hours, but for an even richer taste, refrigerate it overnight.
The calamansi juice, with its unique citrusy tang, is essential for that authentic Filipino touch. My Lola Rosa always used freshly squeezed calamansi from the tree in her backyard. She’d say that nothing compares to the taste and aroma of fresh calamansi, and she was right. The acidity from the calamansi helps tenderize the chicken, while the soy sauce adds a salty depth. This combination is what gives bistek its signature flavor, whether made with chicken or beef.
Sautéing the Onions: Adding Sweetness and Aroma
Onions are the heart of any bistek dish, and I remember my Kuya Ron saying, “Bistek isn’t bistek without the onions.” The onion rings, softened in oil and butter until they’re just translucent, add a mild sweetness that balances the salty and tangy notes of the soy-calamansi marinade. Saute them briefly in a mix of oil and butter, just until they’re tender and aromatic. Once they’re ready, remove them from the pan and set them aside to be added later.
This step isn’t just about flavor; it’s also about presentation. The rings of golden, glistening onions are the hallmark of any bistek, adding an inviting, home-cooked feel to the dish. Without those onion rings, it just doesn’t look or taste the same.
Cooking the Chicken Bistek: Tender, Flavorful, and Perfectly Balanced
After marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a bit more oil in the same pan where you cooked the onions. Start by sautéing some garlic until it becomes fragrant. This will add another layer of aroma to the dish. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and sear them briefly in the pan, just until they’re lightly browned.
Next, pour in the marinade along with a little water. Some cooks, like my Ate Nena, swear by adding a dash of Magic Sarap for that extra savory boost, which brings out the umami notes in the dish. Allow the chicken to simmer in this flavorful sauce, cooking until it’s tender. You can adjust the taste to your liking by adding a bit of sugar if you want a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. Letting the chicken cook in its own marinade not only makes it more flavorful but also reduces the need for additional seasonings.
Plating and Serving: The Final Touches
Once the chicken is tender, transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with the sautéed onion rings. Their mellow sweetness adds that extra something to each bite. Serve this bistek hot, preferably with a steaming plate of white rice, so you can savor every bit of that savory sauce.
A Bit of History: From Spanish Influence to Filipino Flavors
Bistek itself has a long history in Filipino cuisine, with roots tracing back to Spanish colonial influence. The term “bistek” originates from “bistec,” the Spanish word for steak. However, Filipino bistek has evolved to embrace local ingredients and tastes, using calamansi in place of lemons or limes and soy sauce instead of salt-heavy seasonings. It’s this Filipino twist that gives bistek its unique character.
Chicken bistek, while a newer take on the traditional beef version, carries forward the spirit of Filipino ingenuity—adapting dishes to suit local ingredients and making them more accessible to a wider audience. In our family, this dish is also a reminder of how Filipino food is about bringing loved ones together, sharing stories, and adding personal touches to make each dish our own.
A Dish Worth Trying
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying, chicken bistek is a must-try. With its rich, tangy sauce and tender chicken pieces, this dish offers everything you love about traditional bistek without the heaviness of beef. Give it a try, and maybe it’ll become a new family favorite in your home, too.
Chicken Bistek Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kilo chicken thigh deboned or bone-in
- 2 Tbsp. calamansi juice
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pc medium sized onions sliced into rings
- 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 4 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. Maggie magic sarap optional
Instructions
How to Cook Chicken Bistek:
- In a bowl, combine chicken, calamansi, soy sauce, salt and black pepper. Mix and marinate the chicken for a 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a pan or wok, heat oil and butter and saute the onion rings until transparent. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, saute the garlic until fragrant. Then remove the chicken from the marinade and put in the pan. Stir fry the chicken for 2 minutes.
- Pour the marinade, magic sarap and a little water and cover. Bring to a boil and simmer until the chicken is tender. Add water and adjust the seasonings according to your preference by adding sugar if necessary.
- Turn off heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with onions rings and serve hot.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: To ensure your chicken dish is bursting with flavor, marinate the chicken for an extended period. Allow the chicken to soak in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice, salt, and black pepper for at least 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will infuse the chicken with the delicious marinade flavors, resulting in a more succulent and tasty dish.
- Sear for Golden Brown Goodness: When cooking the chicken, give it a quick sear in the pan after removing it from the marinade. Searing helps lock in the flavors and creates a beautiful golden brown crust on the chicken. This step adds an extra layer of texture and enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: While simmering the chicken, take the opportunity to adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference. Taste the dish and add additional soy sauce, calamansi juice, or sugar to achieve the desired balance of flavors. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Adjusting the seasonings ensures that the bistek perfectly suits your taste buds and guarantees a satisfying culinary experience.
