Tending na waterless chicken soup
Tending na waterless chicken soup is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Ka Beshy Vlog on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $21.91 total, $3.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 whole Whole Chicken (cleaned and washed, about 1.5 kg)
- 1 head Pechay (Baguio) (cut in half, leaves separated)
- 1 piece Apple (peeled and sliced)
- 1 piece White Onion (sliced)
- 2 inches Ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 2 stalks Scallion Leaves (chopped)
- 1 tsp Crushed Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce (Patis) (optional, adds umami)
- 1 packet Magic Sarap Packet (Filipino flavor enhancer)
Instructions
Wash the Chicken
Rinse the whole chicken under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the pechay (Baguio) into halves, slice the apple, white onion, ginger, and chop the scallion leaves.
Time: PT15M
Layer Ingredients in the Pot
In the large pot, place the apple slices at the bottom, then add the white onion, ginger, scallion leaves, half of the pechay, the whole chicken, and season with crushed pepper, salt, and fish sauce. Add the remaining vegetables on top and finally sprinkle the Magic Sarap packet.
Time: PT5M
Stir Gently
Using a wooden spoon, gently stir all the ingredients to distribute the seasonings.
Time: PT2M
Simmer on Low Heat
Place the pot on the stove over low heat and let it cook for about 45 minutes, allowing the chicken’s juices to form the broth.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: low
Check Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust salt or fish sauce if needed.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra scallion leaves if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if Magic Sarap is gluten‑free), High‑Protein, Low‑Carb
Allergens: Fish (fish sauce), Soy (Magic Sarap may contain soy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole Chicken: Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breast)
- Instead of Pechay (Baguio): Napa cabbage, Bok choy
- Instead of Apple: Pear
- Instead of White Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Ginger: Ground ginger (use less)
- Instead of Scallion Leaves: Green onions
- Instead of Crushed Black Pepper: Ground white pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Fish Sauce (Patis): Soy sauce
- Instead of Magic Sarap Packet: Chicken bouillon cube
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Washing the chicken thoroughly to avoid contamination
- Layering the ingredients in the correct order to create a natural broth without added water
- Simmering on low heat for 45 minutes to extract flavors and ensure the chicken is fully cooked
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh ginger for a brighter aroma
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for extra freshness
- For a richer broth, brown the chicken briefly before layering (optional)
Troubleshooting
Broth is too watery
Increase simmer time uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Chicken is not fully cooked
Check internal temperature; continue simmering on low heat until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Soup is too salty
Add a few more sliced apples or a splash of water to balance the salt, then simmer briefly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the soup a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before serving
- Portion and freeze for quick meals later
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Waterless Chicken Soup in Filipino cuisine?
Waterless Chicken Soup is a modern twist on traditional Filipino chicken soups like tinola, emphasizing natural juices instead of added water. It reflects the Filipino value of resourcefulness, using every part of the ingredients to create a flavorful broth without waste.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken soup in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, chicken soups vary by region: tinola from Luzon uses ginger and green papaya, chicken sop from Visayas adds noodles, and chicken noodle soup (sopas) from the Tagalog region incorporates milk and macaroni. Waterless Chicken Soup adapts the tinola concept with a no‑water method.
How is Waterless Chicken Soup traditionally served in the Philippines?
Traditionally, Filipino chicken soups are served hot in deep bowls, often accompanied by steamed rice and a side of fish sauce with calamansi. Garnishing with fresh scallion leaves or a squeeze of calamansi is common, which also applies to Waterless Chicken Soup.
During what occasions is chicken soup like Waterless Chicken Soup commonly enjoyed in Filipino culture?
Chicken soup is a comfort food served during rainy days, after illness, or at family gatherings. It is also a staple for breakfast or lunch in many Filipino households, making Waterless Chicken Soup suitable for everyday meals and special family moments.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Waterless Chicken Soup?
Waterless Chicken Soup pairs nicely with garlic fried rice (sinangag), lumpiang shanghai (fried spring rolls), or a simple side of sautéed vegetables like kangkong. A cold beverage such as calamansi juice balances the warm broth.
What makes Waterless Chicken Soup special or unique in Filipino cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in extracting flavor solely from the chicken’s own juices and fresh vegetables, eliminating the need for added water. This results in a richer, more concentrated broth while reducing cooking time and waste.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Waterless Chicken Soup?
Common mistakes include adding too much water (which defeats the concept), overcrowding the pot so the chicken steams instead of braising, and under‑seasoning the broth. Follow the layering order and simmer on low heat for best results.
Why does this Waterless Chicken Soup recipe use low heat instead of a rapid boil?
Low heat gently coaxes the chicken’s natural juices and the vegetables’ flavors into the broth without evaporating them. A rapid boil would cause the broth to reduce too quickly and could make the chicken tough.
Can I make Waterless Chicken Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat before serving, adding a splash of water if the broth has thickened.
What does the YouTube channel Ka Beshy Vlog specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ka Beshy Vlog specializes in easy-to-follow Filipino home‑cooking videos, focusing on everyday comfort dishes, quick hacks, and trending recipes that appeal to a broad audience of home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Ka Beshy Vlog's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
Ka Beshy Vlog emphasizes minimal‑ingredient, low‑effort recipes like the waterless chicken soup, often using trending concepts and clear step‑by‑step narration. Unlike some channels that focus on elaborate presentations, Ka Beshy Vlog keeps the process practical for busy home cooks.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
