Chicken and Calamansi Sinigang with Bamboo Shoots

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, citrusy chicken soup with tender bamboo shoots and fresh calamansi, offering a refreshing twist on the classic Filipino dish. This filipino-inspired filipino ready in about 50 minutes pairs (450g) Chicken thighs, (60ml) Calamansi juice, (950ml) Water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 lb chicken thighs, 4 cups water, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 thinly sliced yellow onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 sliced tomatoes, 1 cup sliced bamboo shoots, and 1 cup trimmed green beans. Continue simmering for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup calamansi juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Simmer for 3 minutes until flavors blend and broth is bright and balanced.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken and Calamansi Sinigang with Bamboo Shoots take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken and Calamansi Sinigang with Bamboo Shoots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (450g) chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken and Calamansi Sinigang with Bamboo Shoots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken and Calamansi Sinigang with Bamboo Shoots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken and Calamansi Sinigang with Bamboo Shoots?

Filipino filipino like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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