Quick & Cozy: My Another Version Of Chicken Caldereta Recipe

Chicken caldereta brings a burst of Filipino culinary magic to your kitchen, blending rich flavors and hearty ingredients.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this robust stew with tender meat and vibrant spices.

Meaty chunks simmer in a deeply seasoned tomato sauce that speaks of comfort and tradition.

Potatoes and bell peppers add colorful depth to each satisfying bite.

Regional variations across the Philippines showcase subtle twists that make this dish uniquely personal.

Families gather around steaming pots, sharing stories and savoring every spoonful of this beloved recipe.

Let’s unlock the secrets of an authentic chicken caldereta that will transport you straight to the Philippines.

How to Store Your Caldereta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled chicken caldereta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What makes this Chicken Caldereta different from traditional recipes?

This version uses peanut butter for extra richness and atsuete powder for deeper color, creating a unique twist on the classic Filipino stew that adds more depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef or pork. The cooking method remains similar, but adjust cooking time based on the meat’s tenderness. Beef might require slightly longer simmering to become tender.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes red chilies, which can add some heat. You can control the spice level by adjusting the number of chilies or removing them completely if you prefer a milder version. Taste and adjust according to your preference.

A New Take on Chicken Caldereta

• Customize Your Comfort: Craft a personalized chicken caldereta that reflects your taste preferences and cooking style.
• Multistage Cooking Magic: Break down the recipe into simple steps, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish with confidence.
• Quick Flavor Fusion: Combine diverse ingredients like peanut butter, tomato sauce, and cheese to develop a rich, complex taste profile that surprises and delights.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adapt the recipe for different occasions, from casual family dinners to special gatherings, making it a go-to meal in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients to Prepare This Version of Chicken Caldereta

• Chicken: A protein-rich main ingredient that serves as the base of this hearty Filipino stew.

• Soy Sauce, Pepper: Provides a savory marinade that enhances the chicken's flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds richness and depth to the overall sauce.
• Peanut Butter: Creates a creamy texture and provides a nutty undertone to the caldereta.
• Atsuete Powder: Introduces a vibrant red color and subtle earthy flavor.
• Laurel Leaves: Contributes an aromatic herbal note to the dish.
• Grated Cheese: Adds a creamy and salty finish to the stew.

• Garlic, Onion: Classic aromatic base that builds foundational flavor.
• Bell Peppers, Carrots, Potatoes: Hearty vegetables that add texture and nutritional value.
• Red Chilies: Brings a spicy kick to the dish.
• Green Olives: Provides a tangy and briny element.
• Pickle Relish: Adds a zesty and slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.

Stepwise Instructions for Chicken Caldereta

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Pieces

Grab chicken and combine with soy sauce and black pepper. Let the flavors mingle and develop for half an hour.

Set the marinade liquid aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare Colorful Vegetables

Heat oil in a large pan.

Quickly sear bell peppers for one minute, then remove and set aside. Next, fry carrots and potatoes until they are partially cooked.

Remove vegetables from the pan.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

In the same pan, brown garlic until fragrant.

Add onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Introduce marinated chicken to the pan.

Saute until each piece develops a beautiful golden brown color. Pour in the reserved marinade, add laurel leaves and tomato sauce.

Stir until liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Create Rich Sauce

Pour hot water into the pan.

Stir ingredients, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Enhance with Creamy Elements

Incorporate peanut butter and atsuete powder.

Stir until completely dissolved. Allow mixture to simmer for two minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Vegetables and Cheese

• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Pickle relish
• Red chilies

Cook for ten minutes. Sprinkle grated cheese to your preference.

Stir and allow sauce to thicken and reduce.

Step 8: Final Touches and Serving

Introduce green olives and reserved bell peppers.

Simmer for additional two minutes. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Tips to Get Your Caldereta Just Right

• Let chicken soak in soy sauce and pepper for at least 30 minutes to infuse deep, rich flavors into every bite.
• Partially fry veggies before adding to the main dish to preserve their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy during long cooking.
• Stir peanut butter thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce that adds richness and depth to the caldereta's flavor profile.
• Grate cheese freshly and add towards the end of cooking to create a luxurious, silky texture without burning or separating.
• Adjust red chili quantity based on personal heat preference, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish at their comfort level.

Flavorful Variations to Explore

• Spicy Kick Caldereta: Increase red chilies and add cayenne pepper for extra heat, creating a fiery version that burns with bold flavor.
• Coconut Cream Caldereta: Replace tomato sauce with coconut milk, adding a creamy tropical dimension to the traditional recipe.
• Beef Alternative Caldereta: Swap chicken for tender beef chunks, maintaining the same cooking method and spice profile for a robust meat option.
• Mediterranean Fusion Caldereta: Incorporate kalamata olives, feta cheese, and rosemary to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.

Pairings That Compliment Chicken Caldereta

• Flavor Fusion Partners: Rich red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the deep, savory notes of the chicken caldereta, cutting through its robust tomato and peanut butter sauce.
• Refreshing Sidekick: Crisp Filipino San Miguel beer provides a light, hoppy contrast to the hearty dish, cleansing the palate between spicy and rich bites.
• Texture Balancer: Steamed white rice creates the perfect neutral base, absorbing the complex sauce and allowing the chicken's flavors to shine while providing a soft textural counterpoint.
• Zesty Companion: Fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing offers a tangy, bright element that cuts through the caldereta's richness, adding a refreshing layer to the meal.

My Another Version Of Chicken Caldereta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savor Filipino comfort with Chicken Caldereta, a hearty stew blending tender meat, rich tomato sauce, and vibrant vegetables. Spicy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey through Philippine cuisine you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) chicken (cut into pieces)

Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers (sliced)
• 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 medium carrot (peeled and cubed)
• 9 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 red chilies (sliced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 180 grams (6.3 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3 laurel leaves
• 1/4 cup green olives (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons pickle relish
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 tablespoon atsuete powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
• Cooking oil (for frying)
• Grated cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by mixing with soy sauce and pepper, allowing the flavors to infuse for half an hour at room temperature.
2. Warm oil in a large skillet and quickly sear bell peppers until slightly softened. Transfer to a separate plate. Repeat the process with carrots and potatoes, cooking until partially tender.
3. Using the same pan, toast garlic until fragrant and golden. Introduce onions and sauté until they become translucent and aromatic.
4. Introduce marinated chicken pieces, browning them thoroughly for approximately 10 minutes. Pour in reserved marinade, incorporate laurel leaves and tomato sauce, stirring until liquid is absorbed.
5. Pour hot water into the pan, blend ingredients, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, allowing chicken to become tender.
6. Integrate peanut butter and atsuete powder, stirring until completely dissolved. Continue simmering for 2 minutes to develop rich flavors.
7. Fold in previously fried carrots, potatoes, pickle relish, and red chilies. Cook for 10 minutes, then sprinkle grated cheese, stirring until sauce thickens and reduces.
8. Add green olives and reserved bell peppers, allowing final 2-minute simmer to meld flavors. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance marination by using calamansi or lime juice to tenderize chicken and add tangy flavor.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling the amount of red chilies or using bell peppers for a milder version.
• Opt for liver spread instead of peanut butter to create a more traditional caldereta richness and depth.
• Consider using coconut milk as an alternative liquid for a creamier, slightly sweeter sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 39 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 334 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg