Pro Tips
**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying chicken — this lowers the oil temperature and makes it soggy.
Cooking Tips
Skim off any scum or impurities that rise to the surface during the first boil — this keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting. For the richest flavor, start with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This extracts more depth from the meat and bones.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken alternatives: Pork shoulder or boneless thigh meat can substitute for chicken in stews. For lighter fare, extra-firm tofu or seitan works in stir-fries and braises. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. This dish freezes exceptionally well — portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating frozen portions, add a splash of water or broth to restore the original consistency, as some liquid is absorbed during storage. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Chicken Nilaga with Kalabasa
Made with skinless chicken thigh, small butternut squash or kalabasa, baby bok choy and head small cabbage — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.
Instructions
- Pour chicken broth into a cooking pot. Let boil.
- Add onion, whole peppercorn, and chicken. Cover and continue to boil in medium heat for 30 minutes. Note: add more broth or water, if needed.
- Put the kalabasa and cabbage into the pot. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Mix in the baby bok choy and fish sauce. Stir. Cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer to to a serving bowl. Serve with rice,
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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying chicken — this lowers the oil temperature and makes it soggy.
Cooking Tips
For the richest flavor, start with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This extracts more depth from the meat and bones.
Substitutions
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.
Storage & Reheating
This dish freezes exceptionally well — portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating frozen portions, add a splash of water or broth to restore the original consistency, as some liquid is absorbed during storage.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
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