Chicken caldereta is a delicious Filipino dish that is perfect for special occasions or just a hearty family meal. This dish is known for its rich tomato sauce base and tender chicken pieces, combined with a variety of vegetables and spices. It is a truly comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

To start cooking chicken caldereta, you will need a few key ingredients such as chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, liver spread, and a few spices like paprika and bay leaves. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful mix of flavors that make chicken caldereta so delicious and popular.

One of the essential steps to cooking chicken caldereta is sautéing the onions and garlic until they are fragrant and golden brown. This process infuses the dish with a deep, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste. After that, the chicken pieces are added and cooked until they are browned, creating a crispy exterior and sealing in the juices.

The next step is to add the tomato sauce, liver spread, and spices to the pot. These ingredients give chicken caldereta its signature rich and tangy taste. Once everything is well combined, the dish is simmered until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together. Finally, the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are added and cooked until they are soft and the dish is ready to be served.

Chicken caldereta is best served with steamed rice, as it complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. The combination of the tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and the slight sweetness of the vegetables creates a truly delightful meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. So why not try cooking chicken caldereta for your next gathering or family dinner? It’s a delicious and comforting dish that will surely be a hit!

Ingredients for Chicken Caldereta Recipe

To cook a delicious chicken caldereta, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

– 3 tablespoons cooking oil

– 1 onion, chopped

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 red bell peppers, sliced

– 2 green bell peppers, sliced

– 2 medium-sized carrots, sliced

– 1 cup green peas

– 1 cup tomato sauce

– 1 cup liver spread

– 1 cup grated cheese

– 3 cups water

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (if you want it spicy)

– 1 small can of pineapple chunks (for added sweetness)

– 1 cup olives (for a tangy twist)

– 1 piece bay leaf

– 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the flavors)

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking your chicken caldereta. Enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Chicken Caldereta

To cook a delicious chicken caldereta, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 kilogram of chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup of tomato sauce
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • ½ cup of liver spread
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add the red and green bell peppers, carrots, and tomato sauce to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.

Step 6: Add the Liver Spread

Once the chicken is tender, add the liver spread to the pan. Stir until the spread is well incorporated into the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken caldereta to a serving dish and garnish with some chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy your homemade chicken caldereta!

Preparing the Chicken and Marinade

To begin making chicken caldereta, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 1 kilogram chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup liver spread
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons calamansi juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

To marinate the chicken, combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the other ingredients by chopping the garlic, onion, and bell peppers.

Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade and set aside. Reserve the marinade for later use.

Sautéing the Aromatics

Before starting to cook the chicken caldereta, it’s important to properly sauté the aromatics. This step will help release their flavors and give the dish a delicious base.

Here’s how to sauté the aromatics for chicken caldereta:

  1. Heat a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cooking oil and let it heat for a minute.
  2. Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Next, add diced bell peppers and sauté for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Finally, add tomato paste and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
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Remember to adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Once the aromatics are sautéed, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking the chicken caldereta.

Adding the Chicken and Vegetables

Once the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, it’s time to add the chicken and vegetables.

1. First, carefully place the chicken pieces into the pot with the sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pot.

2. Next, add your choice of vegetables to the pot. Traditional options include potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. Feel free to get creative and add any other vegetables you enjoy.

3. Gently stir the chicken and vegetables into the sauce, making sure everything is well coated.

4. Once the chicken and vegetables are added, cover the pot and let everything simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

5. During this time, check the pot occasionally and give it a gentle stir to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.

6. Once the chicken is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Adding the chicken and vegetables is the final step in making chicken caldereta. Once everything is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Filipino dish.

Simmering and Seasoning the Dish

Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to add the sauce and simmer the dish to infuse all the flavors together. Start by adding the liver spread to the pot and stir it well to combine with the rest of the ingredients. This will give the caldereta its rich and creamy texture.

Next, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together and let it come to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Allow the dish to simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.

While the dish is simmering, taste it and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more salt and pepper to taste, or even some sugar to balance out the tanginess of the tomato sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the dish your own by adding extra spices or herbs if desired.

Remember to periodically check the pot and stir the dish to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out.

Once the chicken caldereta is done simmering and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to serve. The dish is traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or noodles if you prefer. Garnish with some chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch, and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken caldereta!

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Serving and Enjoying Chicken Caldereta

Once your chicken caldereta is cooked and ready to be served, it’s time to plate it and enjoy the delicious flavors. Here are some tips on how to serve and enjoy your chicken caldereta:

1. Plating: Use a large serving platter or individual plates to present your chicken caldereta. Make sure to arrange the chicken pieces and vegetables in an appealing way. This will make your dish look even more appetizing.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top of the chicken caldereta to add a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a few slices of red chili pepper for an extra kick of heat.

3. Accompaniments: Chicken caldereta is best enjoyed with steamed white rice. The rich and flavorful sauce of the dish pairs perfectly with plain rice. You can also serve it with garlic fried rice or mashed potatoes for a different twist.

4. Enjoying: When you’re ready to dig in, take a moment to appreciate the aroma of the dish before taking your first bite. The tender chicken, the savory sauce, and the bursts of flavor from the vegetables and spices will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Note: Leftovers of chicken caldereta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed for the next couple of days. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious with time.

Now that you know how to serve and enjoy chicken caldereta, it’s time to gather your loved ones and indulge in this hearty Filipino dish. The combination of savory flavors and tender chicken will surely make it a memorable meal.

Q&A

What is chicken caldereta?

Chicken caldereta is a Filipino dish made with chicken, tomato sauce, liver spread, and other ingredients.

How do I cook chicken caldereta?

To cook chicken caldereta, you will need to sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Pour in tomato sauce, liver spread, and water. Simmer until the chicken is tender. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green peas and red bell peppers.

What can I serve with chicken caldereta?

You can serve chicken caldereta with steamed rice or mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Can I use beef instead of chicken for caldereta?

Yes, you can use beef instead of chicken for caldereta. The cooking instructions will be similar, but the beef may require a longer cooking time to become tender.

Can I make chicken caldereta in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make chicken caldereta in a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.