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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by mixing with soy sauce and pepper, allowing the flavors to infuse for half an hour at room temperature.
- 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.
- Using the same pan, toast garlic until fragrant and golden. Introduce onions and sauté until they become translucent and aromatic.
- 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.
- Pour hot water into the pan, blend ingredients, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, allowing chicken to become tender.
- Integrate peanut butter and atsuete powder, stirring until completely dissolved. Continue simmering for 2 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- 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.
- 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