If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful stew that bursts with rich and comforting Filipino flavors, then this Chicken Caldereta Recipe is exactly what you need. This beloved classic features tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, enriched with olives, vegetables, and a hint of savory sweetness. Each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and a comforting depth of taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chicken Caldereta Recipe are straightforward yet packed with purpose, combining to create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also wonderfully colorful and textured. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the juicy chicken pieces to the vibrant bell peppers and creamy touches that elevate the stew to something truly special.
- Chicken (1.5 lbs): Bone-in pieces add extra flavor and keep the meat tender throughout cooking.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for sautéing and bringing out rich aromas.
- Onion (1 medium): Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Gives a fragrant kick that enhances the savory profile.
- Potato (1 large): Cubed for a comforting, soft texture that soaks up sauce beautifully.
- Carrot (1 large): Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite.
- Red and green bell peppers (1 each): Supply vibrant color and a subtle crunch.
- Tomato sauce (1 cup): The base of the stew that brings a rich, tangy character.
- Liver spread or pâté (1/2 cup, optional): Infuses extra richness and an unforgettable depth.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds umami and balances acidity with a hint of saltiness.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Perfect for balancing the savory and tangy notes.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a subtle smoky flavor that’s a lovely twist.
- Bay leaf (1): Adds an earthy, herbal complexity to the stew.
- Green olives (1/2 cup, pitted and sliced): Provide a tangy, briny pop that cuts through the richness.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Bring a sweet freshness and a burst of color.
- Water or chicken broth (1 cup): Creates the perfect liquid base for simmering everything to tender perfection.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavors.
- Grated cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a creamy finish that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley or basil: For garnish, bringing a pop of green and a fragrant lift.
How to Make Chicken Caldereta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating your oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn a lovely golden brown on all sides. This step is key because browning the chicken seals in the juices and forms the flavor base for the stew. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. This little bit of upfront patience makes a big difference for your Chicken Caldereta Recipe.
Step 2: Build the Flavor with Aromatics
In the same pot, add your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions soften and become fragrant, taking about 3 to 5 minutes. These aromatics create a foundation of sweetness and depth that infuse the whole dish with warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Throw in your cubed potatoes and carrots next. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to let them start softening. This step allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors and gives them the perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture that’s signature to a great caldereta.
Step 4: Combine Main Ingredients
Return the browned chicken back to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, and sprinkle in the sugar and paprika if using. Tuck the bay leaf into the mix and stir everything together. This combination turns into a rich, savory sauce that’s simultaneously tangy and sweet, setting the soul of your Chicken Caldereta Recipe.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Add water or chicken broth, just enough to cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat, letting it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cook tenderizes the chicken and develops the sauce so all those flavors meld beautifully into one harmonious dish.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the sliced green olives and frozen peas, then cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. The olives bring a delightful briny contrast, while the peas add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Taste test your creation now and season with salt and pepper as you see fit. For a creamy finish, toss in the grated cheese and stir it through just before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Ready to Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the top for a bright, fresh finish that complements the rich stew perfectly. Your Chicken Caldereta Recipe is now ready to warm up hearts and dinner tables alike!
How to Serve Chicken Caldereta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil is all you need to lift this dish with a pop of green and a burst of fresh aroma. For those who love an extra cheesy touch, grated cheese can be sprinkled on top right before serving to add creamy warmth.
Side Dishes
Chicken Caldereta is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which soaks up the luscious tomato sauce beautifully. For a twist, try pairing it with garlic fried rice, crusty bread, or even creamy mashed potatoes to balance the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Chicken Caldereta in individual rustic bowls garnished with colorful bell pepper slices and herbs. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of calamansi for an extra zing and elegance. Presentation is your chance to make this soulful dish feel even more inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Chicken Caldereta to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to retain texture and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This will bring back that perfectly saucy consistency you love with your Chicken Caldereta Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other meats in this Chicken Caldereta Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional here, beef or pork can be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
Is the liver spread necessary in the recipe?
The liver spread adds a wonderful richness and depth, but it’s optional. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to skip it and still get plenty of delicious flavor.
How spicy is Chicken Caldereta?
This recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can always add chili flakes or hot peppers if you like a little heat. The paprika adds a mild smoky note without overwhelming the dish.
What can I substitute for green olives if I don’t have any?
If green olives aren’t available, capers or chopped pickles can provide a similar tangy, briny kick that balances the rich sauce beautifully.
Can I prepare Chicken Caldereta ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This dish tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just make it a day ahead and gently reheat before serving to impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Caldereta Recipe is a comforting and flavorful staple that’s as versatile as it is delicious. From the tender chicken and vibrant veggies to the rich, tangy sauce, each bite feels like a special occasion at home. I can’t wait for you to try making this and share it with loved ones. It’s sure to become a favorite that everyone will ask for again and again!
Print
Chicken Caldereta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Chicken Caldereta is a classic Filipino stew known for its rich, savory tomato-based sauce and tender chicken cooked with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. This comforting dish blends a variety of flavors with ingredients like liver spread, olives, and soy sauce for a unique and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken, cut into serving pieces (preferably bone-in for more flavor)
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
- 1/2 cup liver spread or pâté (optional, for richness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water or chicken broth (add more as needed)
Seasonings and Others
- 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 until shimmering, then add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to reserve the flavorful chicken fat and juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This builds the base flavor for the dish.
- Add Vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, which helps them absorb the stew flavors later.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar, paprika if using, and add the bay leaf. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in enough water or chicken broth to just cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to meld.
- Add Olives and Peas: Stir in the sliced green olives and frozen peas. Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the peas are heated through and the olives have infused the stew with a tangy, salty flavor.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. For a richer and creamier sauce, stir in grated cheese at this point, allowing it to melt fully into the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Garnish the stew with fresh parsley or basil to add a burst of bright, fresh flavor and appealing color. Serve the Chicken Caldereta hot, ideally with steamed white rice for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken pieces adds more flavor to the stew but you can use boneless if preferred.
- The liver spread is optional but adds a traditional richness; it can be substituted with pâté or skipped for a lighter version.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and salt according to your taste preference, especially if using salted olives.
- If the stew gets too thick while simmering, add a little more water or broth to maintain desired consistency.
- For a smoky twist, include paprika, but it can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
