Nothing quite like a steamy pot of Chicken Caldereta Recipe bold, rich, and bursting with layers of deep, savory taste. Though usually served with beef, this is a Filipino staple dish; trust me, the chicken variation is just as filling, cozy, and good.
Simmered in a thick, tomato-based sauce enhanced with liver spread for that distinctive umami taste, this is a lovely mix of tender chicken, vivid bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and olives. This is the kind of dinner that warms your stomach and heart; it is bold, somewhat hot, and completely gratifying.
This Chicken Caldereta is hence the one if you’re yearning something quite soothing with a hint of heat and a great lot of taste.
For those who enjoy Filipino stews, you might also want to check out this Sinigang Recipe, a tamarind-based sour soup that offers a refreshing contrast to caldereta’s rich tomato sauce.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bold, Hearty & Comforting:
- Rich, slow-cooked taste abound in each morsel.
- Perfect harmony of savory and spicy tastes is produced by the liver’s spread, tomato sauce, and chili flakes.
- One-Pot Wonder, Everything cooks together, making cleanup very easy.
- Customizable and family-friendly; change the spice level, substitute other vegetables, or even add cheese for more decadence.
Constituents
You will need the following for this wonderfully luscious Chicken Caldereta:
- For the Chicken & Sauce: Bone-in gives more taste, but skinless chicken pieces are leaner and better for a diet.
- Olive oil helps sauté the aromatics and brown the chicken.
- Onion & Garlic : The taste backbone of the dish don’t skimp on these!
- Red and green bell peppers add sweetness, color, and a subdued crunch.
- The heart of the sauce, tomatoes and tomato sauce provide it depth and richness.
- The secret element making Caldereta particularly creamy and delicious is liver spread!
- Chicken broth moistens everything and improves the sauce.
- Optional Bay Leaves and Chili Flakes will provide a mild heat and a soft earthy scent.
About the vegetables and finishing touches:
- Potatoes and carrots bring heartiness and help to absorb all the great flavors.
- For a flash of color, texture, and briny depth, combine black olives with green peas.
- Grated cheese, optional, is a Filipino variation with extra umami and creaminess.
- Essential for harmonizing all the flavors is salt and black pepper.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
For a different take on chicken dishes with a creamy, indulgent sauce, try this French Onion Soup Chicken Recipe.
Cooking Chicken Caldereta: Techniques and Ingredients
First: brown the chicken.
- Salt and pepper will help to season the chicken bits. Heat the olive oil over medium in a large pot; brown the chicken on all sides. Once golden, take and save.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Peppers
- Sauté the onion and garlic till tender and fragrant in the same saucepan. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and simmer for 2 minutes to release their flavor.
Third step: create the basis of flavor.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and simmer until they start to soften and break down.
In step four, simmer the chicken in the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pot and top with tomato sauce, chicken broth, liver spread, bay leaves, and chili flakes—if using. Stir everything together such that the chicken is thoroughly covered.
The fifth step is adding the root vegetables and cooking till tender.
- Add the potatoes and carrots after the mixture has a mild simmer. Cook covered for 30 minutes, stirring now and again until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are soft.
Step 6: Add the Final Ingredients
- Add the black olives and green peas and let them simmer for still another five minutes. Add, if using, shredded cheese and carefully stir until melted.
Third step: change and present.
- Taste and change the salt level if necessary. Remove the bay leaves, present hot, and get ready to savor a rich, filling meal bursting with strong, comforting tastes!
Pro Advice for the Perfect Chicken Caldereta
Examine the chicken well.
A nice sear develops taste and seals in fluids.
Use fresh tomatoes for a deeper taste; if you have time, let them fully cook down before adding tomato sauce.
Don’t skip the liver spread; it’s what gives Caldereta’s distinctive creamy, savory taste.
For a thinner sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes at the end.
Desired spicier? Add some hot sauce or more chili flakes.
Method of Serving
Although this Chicken Caldereta is a whole meal on its own, here are some great presentations of it:
Over Steamed White Rice – Because all that rich, delicious sauce needs something to soak into!
Perfect for dipping into the rich, savory sauce, Warm Pandesal or Crusty Bread.
Along with Garlic Fried Rice, a next-level mix fit for absolute comfort.
Using a side salad will help you to offset the richness with something light and fresh.
Create Ahead and Store Ahead
Saving Remarks
Let the Caldereta cool entirely; then, refrigerated in an airtight jar, keep for up to four days.
Freezing:
Surely! This food freezes really nicely. Stow in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; then reheat.
To loosen the sauce, reheat stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth.
Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until warm in a microwave.
Frequencies of Questions
Could I substitute chicken thighs rather than chicken breast?
Exactly! The most tasty, tender outcomes come from skinless, bone-in thighs.
Assuming I lack liver spread, what would happen?
Though the sauce won’t be as rich, you can substitute pâté or mashed chicken liver or skip it.
Can I use another kind of meat?
Exactly! While chicken cooks faster and still tastes great, this meal is usually made with beef or pork.
Is cheese absolutely essential?
Not rather at all! Though it’s optional, the cheese gives the sauce a Filipino flavor that makes it incredibly creamy.
Conclusion
The kind of meal that warms your soul and brings everyone to the table—this Chicken Caldereta is bold, rich, and bursting with comforting flavors. One thing is certain—you will be returning for seconds whether you are preparing it for a formal event or a laid-back family supper!
If you enjoy thick, creamy dishes, you might also like Mini Chicken Pot Pie Recipe, which features a comforting, sauce-rich filling.
Enjoy and happy cooking. 👍️🔥
Chicken Caldereta
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 kg 2.2 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons liver spread optional, for added richness
- 1 medium carrot cut into cubes
- 1 medium potato cut into cubes
- 1 small red bell pepper sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper sliced
- ½ cup green peas optional
- ½ cup pitted green olives optional
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1-2 pieces dried bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional, for added flavor
- 1-2 pieces red chili optional, for extra spice
- ½ cup grated cheese optional, for a creamy texture
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and cut the chicken into serving portions. Prepare all vegetables and other ingredients.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cover and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Add Liver Spread & Vegetables: Stir in liver spread (if using), then add potatoes and carrots. Let cook for another 10 minutes.
- Final Touches: Add bell peppers, green peas, olives, and grated cheese (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- Liver Spread Alternative: If unavailable, mashed liver pâté or blended chicken liver can be used.
- Cheese Addition: Some variations of Caldereta use grated cheese for a creamy texture.
- Spicy Version: Adjust the number of red chilies for a spicier dish.
- Vegetable Variations: Green beans or mushrooms can be added for additional texture.