Chicken Caldereta Recipe
If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a warm, comforting Filipino stew, the Chicken Caldereta Recipe is just the dish to introduce you to this rich and flavorful tradition. This recipe brings together tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, enhanced by the earthy sweetness of vegetables and the depth added by olives and liver spread. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that creates an unforgettable meal sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Caldereta Recipe lies in its balanced and accessible ingredients. Each item provides a unique touch to the dish, from the hearty chicken and tender vegetables to the tangy tomato sauce and savory liver spread. These simple staples combine to create a stew with incredible depth and character.
- 1.5 lbs chicken: Choose bone-in pieces for more flavor and juiciness during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Builds the aromatic base of the stew, adding sweetness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent, savory punch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed: Adds body and comforting earthiness.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed: Offers a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Introduces a subtle fruitiness and gorgeous red hue.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds freshness and a slightly grassy flavor for balance.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: The rich, tangy foundation of the sauce giving the dish its signature flavor.
- 1/2 cup liver spread or pâté (optional): Infuses a luxurious, meaty richness into the stew.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Deepens the umami and salty notes, marrying the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and enhances overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a gentle smoky layer for complexity.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts subtle herbal warmth throughout the stew.
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced: Provides bursts of briny, salty flavor that cut through the richness.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Brings a sweet pop and brightens the dish visually.
- 1 cup water or chicken broth: Used to create the perfect stew consistency; broth enhances flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Key to perfectly seasoning the dish.
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese (optional): Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh, vibrant finish to each serving.
How to Make Chicken Caldereta Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
Start by heating your oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides. This step locks in the juices and builds a flavor foundation that makes the stew truly special. Once browned, set the chicken aside to rest while you prepare the aromatics.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until the onions soften and release a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen, about 3 to 5 minutes. This savory base is essential for bringing out the rich flavors in your Chicken Caldereta Recipe.
Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables
Next, add the cubed potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they start to soften, making sure they don’t brown. These vegetables add warmth and sweetness, balancing the tangy tomato sauce that comes next.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Return the beautifully browned chicken to the pot and pour in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar, paprika if you’re using it, and the bay leaf. Stir everything so the meats and veggies get well coated in that delicious sauce blend. The aroma at this stage will have you eagerly awaiting your first bite!
Step 5: Simmering to Perfection
Pour in the water or chicken broth just enough to cover the ingredients. Bring the entire pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 30 to 40 minutes, giving the chicken time to become tender and the flavors to meld seamlessly. Stir occasionally, imagining the delightful meal taking shape.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the chicken is tender, stir in the green olives and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the peas are warm and the olives have infused their bright, salty notes. Taste your stew and season with salt and pepper to suit your palate. If you want an extra creamy finish, stir in some grated cheese. It melts beautifully, enriching the sauce for an indulgent touch.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the top for a splash of color and herbal freshness. This last detail really lifts the dish, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Now you’re ready to enjoy your heartwarming Chicken Caldereta Recipe alongside steaming white rice.
How to Serve Chicken Caldereta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only adds a burst of color but also gives a lovely aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the stew. A sprinkle of grated cheese right before serving can also elevate your dish to creamy indulgence.
Side Dishes
Chicken Caldereta is a rich and saucy dish that pairs best with simple sides. Steamed white rice is the classic choice, soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a bit of crunch, you can serve a fresh cucumber salad on the side to provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve your Chicken Caldereta in small individual clay pots or ramekins to keep the heat and add rustic charm. Layering the dish over garlic fried rice or creamy mashed potatoes can give it a new dimension. You might even try adding a fried egg on top for a hearty, comforting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Caldereta keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those fantastic flavors and prevent it from drying out. Leftover stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes well for up to one month. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your Chicken Caldereta gently over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through and bubbling. Avoid microwaving for better texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! While bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and juiciness, boneless breasts can be used for convenience. Just be careful not to overcook them, since they tend to dry out faster.
Is liver spread necessary in the Chicken Caldereta Recipe?
Liver spread is optional but recommended as it enriches the sauce with a subtle depth and creaminess. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with pâté or even a bit of cream cheese.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! You can add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies along with the other ingredients to introduce a spicy kick. Adjust according to your heat tolerance for a personalized twist.
What can I substitute for green olives if I don’t have any?
If you can’t find green olives, capers make a great substitute, offering that same briny pop. Just use less since capers are typically more potent.
How thick should the sauce be in a proper Chicken Caldereta Recipe?
The sauce should be thick enough to nicely coat each piece of chicken and vegetable without being too watery. Simmering it long enough allows the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Caldereta Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your cooking repertoire. Its warm, comforting flavors and beautiful presentation make it ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again because it’s just that good. So go ahead, dive in, and let every bite remind you of the joy of home-cooked goodness.
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Chicken Caldereta Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Filipino stew featuring tender chicken simmered with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and a savory combination of soy sauce and olives. Chicken Caldereta is a comforting dish perfect for family meals, enriched with optional liver spread for depth and grated cheese for creaminess.
Ingredients
Chicken and Meat
- 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken, cut into serving pieces (preferably bone-in for more flavor)
- 1/2 cup liver spread or pâté (optional, for richness)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water or chicken broth (add more as needed)
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese (optional for added creaminess)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar, paprika if using, and bay leaf. Stir to combine everything.
- Simmer: Pour in the water or chicken broth, just enough to cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Olives and Peas: Add the sliced green olives and peas to the stew. Stir to combine and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the olives impart their flavor.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, stir in grated cheese for a creamier texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with steamed white rice.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, but boneless can be used for convenience.
- Liver spread is optional but adds a rich, deep flavor to the stew.
- Adjust the amount of water or broth to achieve your preferred stew consistency.
- For a smoky flavor, paprika is recommended but optional.
- Grated cheese adds creaminess, but the dish is delicious even without it.
- Serve with steamed white rice for an authentic Filipino meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
