If you’ve been searching for a dish that brilliantly balances richness, heartiness, and comfort, you simply must try this Chicken Caldereta Recipe. This Filipino classic is a vibrant stew that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a luscious tomato-based sauce packed with savory goodness. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor that make this dish not just a meal but a celebration of bold tastes and warm, homey vibes. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Caldereta Recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Caldereta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique touch—whether it’s the sweetness of the carrots, the savoriness of soy sauce, or the creaminess from cheese and liver spread—and together they create a wonderfully balanced one-pot meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 1.5 lbs chicken (preferably bone-in): Bone-in pieces add depth of flavor and keep the meat juicy during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil: For sautéing that golden brown crust on the chicken and aromatics.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a fragrant base for the stew.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and character to every spoonful.
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed: Provides hearty texture and soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: For a pop of sweetness and striking red hues.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a fresh bite and bright green contrast.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: The rich, tangy heart of the stew’s sauce.
- 1/2 cup liver spread or pâté (optional): Enhances the richness and creates a thicker, more luxurious sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the dish’s overall harmony.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional): Infuses a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the stew.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a layer of aromatic earthiness to the simmering sauce.
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced: Brings a delightful briny tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet elements.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Adds sweetness and vibrant green color at the end of cooking.
- 1 cup water or chicken broth: For moistening and creating the stew’s rich base; broth adds more flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfect the seasoning to your liking.
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese (optional): Stirred in at the end for a creamy, velvety finish.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Chicken Caldereta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating your oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding the chicken pieces next, brown them lightly on all sides. This step locks in the juices and builds a rich base of flavor, setting the stage for a delicious stew that’s full of depth.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics
Remove the browned chicken and set it aside for now. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn soft and you can smell their inviting aroma filling your kitchen—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial to developing that warm, comforting flavor that defines Chicken Caldereta Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Drop in the cubed potatoes and carrots next. Give everything a good stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just enough for these veggies to begin softening without losing their shape. This layering of textures keeps each bite interesting and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauces
Now, return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, sprinkle the sugar, paprika if you’re using it, and toss in the bay leaf. Stir everything thoroughly so that the sauce envelops all the ingredients, infusing them with that signature Caldereta flavor.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Add the water or chicken broth just enough to cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring it to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Allow your stew to cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow simmer tenderizes the chicken to perfection and lets the flavors marry into a luscious sauce that’s rich and comforting.
Step 6: Finish with Peas and Olives
For the final flourish, stir in the green olives and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the olives to impart their briny punch and the peas to add a burst of sweetness and color.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Cheese
Give your stew a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you want a creamier finish, now is the perfect time to stir in the grated cheese. It melts beautifully, adding silkiness to your Chicken Caldereta Recipe that makes it feel wonderfully indulgent.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top to add a fresh, herbaceous note and a pretty splash of green. Pair this hearty stew with fragrant steamed white rice for a meal that’s nothing short of unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken Caldereta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or basil transform the dish’s presentation, adding a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness that complements the rich, savory stew beautifully. A little grated cheese on top can also add an inviting creamy layer.
Side Dishes
Chicken Caldereta Recipe shines when served with fluffy steamed white rice, which balances its rich sauce and soaks up every last bit. You can also try it alongside crusty bread to mop up the delightful sauce or pair it with a fresh green salad to lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve your Chicken Caldereta Recipe in individual mini cast-iron casseroles or rustic clay pots. Not only does this keep the dish warm for longer, but it also adds a charming, rustic aesthetic that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Caldereta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an excellent dish to prepare in advance for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Chicken Caldereta gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of chicken in this Caldereta Recipe?
Absolutely! While this version highlights chicken, traditional Caldereta often uses beef or pork. Feel free to swap the chicken with your preferred meat, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Is liver spread necessary in Chicken Caldereta Recipe?
Liver spread adds richness and depth, but it’s optional. If you prefer a lighter stew, you can skip it without compromising the overall deliciousness.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Although this recipe is mild, adding chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce will spice things up and give your Chicken Caldereta Recipe a nice kick.
What can I substitute for green olives?
If you don’t have green olives on hand, capers or green pickles can provide a similar briny tang that enhances the stew’s flavor profile.
Is it better to use fresh or canned tomato sauce?
Both work well, but canned tomato sauce offers convenience and a consistent tomato flavor. Using fresh tomatoes requires cooking them down longer to achieve the same rich consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Caldereta Recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest, offering a delicious blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that come together in a satisfying stew. It’s a dish meant for sharing, for creating memories around the dinner table, and for savoring every spoonful. I encourage you to give it a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen—it’s a recipe that warms the heart as much as it delights the taste buds.
Print
Chicken Caldereta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Chicken Caldereta is a classic Filipino stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Enhanced with olives, peas, and sometimes liver spread for depth, this hearty dish combines savory, slightly sweet, and smoky flavors, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken, cut into serving pieces (preferably bone-in for more flavor)
- 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
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup water or chicken broth (add more as needed)
- 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 and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the cubed potatoes and carrots, cooking for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally until they start to soften.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add tomato sauce, soy sauce, sugar, paprika (if using), and bay leaf. Stir everything together for the flavors to meld.
- Simmer the Stew: Pour in water or chicken broth, just enough to cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Add Peas and Olives: Stir in the sliced green olives and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and olives to infuse their flavor into the stew.
- Season and Finish: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a creamier texture, stir in grated cheese if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Chicken Caldereta hot with steamed white rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the stew, but you can use boneless if preferred.
- The liver spread or pâté is optional but enhances the richness and depth of flavor.
- Adjust the amount of liquid as needed to achieve your preferred stew consistency.
- For a spicier version, you can add chili peppers or hot sauce to taste.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or crusty bread.
