A warm bowl of Chicken Caldereta, a traditional Filipino chicken stew with vegetables.

Chicken Caldereta translates to Chicken Stew in English.

by

why make this recipe

Chicken Caldereta is a delicious Filipino dish that offers a rich and hearty flavor that warms the soul. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce makes it a complete meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings or celebrations, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and looks.

how to make Chicken Caldereta

Ingredients:

  • 1 & 3/4 kilograms chicken
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 180g tomato sauce
  • 2 bell peppers
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 9 cloves garlic
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 laurel leaves
  • Cooking oil
  • Grated cheese
  • Green olives
  • 3 red chilies
  • 3 tbsp pickle relish
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 tbsp atsuete powder
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter unsweetened

Directions:

  1. Marinate the chicken in pepper and soy sauce for 30 minutes. Set aside the marinade sauce.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the bell peppers for 1 minute. Remove from the pan.
  3. Fry the potato and carrot until they are half cooked. Remove from the pan.
  4. In the same pan, sauté the garlic until lightly brown. Then sauté the onion until it is translucent.
  5. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes or until it turns brown.
  6. Pour in the marinade sauce, add the laurel leaves and tomato sauce. Sauté until everything is well absorbed.
  7. Add 2 cups of water, stir, cover, and cook for 15 minutes on medium to low heat.
  8. Stir in the peanut butter and atsuete powder until dissolved. Cover and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  9. Add the carrots, potatoes, pickle relish, and red chilies. Cook for another 10 minutes.
  10. Add grated cheese to your liking and stir until the sauce thickens.
  11. Finally, add the green olives and fried bell peppers back to the mixture. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

how to serve Chicken Caldereta

Serve Chicken Caldereta hot with steamed rice. The creamy sauce and flavorful chicken go perfectly with the rice, making every bite delightful. You can also garnish with some extra cheese or fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

how to store Chicken Caldereta

Store any leftover Chicken Caldereta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.

tips to make Chicken Caldereta

  • Use fresh chicken for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red chilies.
  • For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer without a cover.
  • Try adding other vegetables like peas or carrots for more color and nutrition.

variation

You can also make a beef version of Caldereta. Just replace chicken with beef and follow the same cooking procedure. Additionally, some people enjoy adding a splash of vinegar for an extra tang.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in Caldereta?

Yes, you can use beef, pork, or even seafood instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Is Chicken Caldereta spicy?

It can be slightly spicy depending on the amount of red chilies you use. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I make Chicken Caldereta ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s a great dish to make ahead. The flavors often get better as it sits. Just reheat it before serving.

Chicken Caldereta

Chicken Caldereta is a rich and hearty Filipino dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a savory sauce with vegetables, perfect for family gatherings or celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.75 kilograms chicken Use fresh chicken for the best flavor.
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp pepper Adjust according to taste.
  • 180 g tomato sauce
  • 2 pieces bell peppers Fried briefly before adding.
  • 3 medium potatoes Fried until half cooked.
  • 1 medium carrot Fried until half cooked.
  • 9 cloves garlic Sauté until lightly brown.
  • 1 large onion Sauté until translucent.
  • 3 pieces laurel leaves
  • Cooking oil For sautéing.
  • Grated cheese To taste.
  • Green olives To taste, added last.
  • 3 pieces red chilies Adjust spice level.
  • 3 tbsp pickle relish
  • 2 cups hot water Necessary for cooking.
  • 1 tbsp atsuete powder
  • 0.5 cup peanut butter unsweetened

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the chicken in pepper and soy sauce for 30 minutes. Set aside the marinade sauce.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the bell peppers for 1 minute. Remove from the pan.
  3. Fry the potato and carrot until they are half cooked. Remove from the pan.
  4. In the same pan, sauté the garlic until lightly brown. Then sauté the onion until it is translucent.
Cooking
  1. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes or until it turns brown.
  2. Pour in the marinade sauce, add the laurel leaves and tomato sauce. Sauté until everything is well absorbed.
  3. Add 2 cups of water, stir, cover, and cook for 15 minutes on medium to low heat.
  4. Stir in the peanut butter and atsuete powder until dissolved. Cover and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the carrots, potatoes, pickle relish, and red chilies. Cook for another 10 minutes.
  6. Add grated cheese to your liking and stir until the sauce thickens.
  7. Finally, add the green olives and fried bell peppers back to the mixture. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

Notes

Store any leftover Chicken Caldereta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is an option for up to 2 months; reheat thoroughly before serving. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red chilies. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer without a cover.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating