Chicken Caldereta
Chicken Caldereta is a Filipino tomato-based stew with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. Often made with liver spread, cheese, and olives, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish best enjoyed with steamed rice. Perfect for family meals and special occasions!
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.