Craving a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish that's bursting with flavor? Look no further than Chicken Caldereta, a beloved Filipino classic! This easy recipe delivers a hearty, delicious meal perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this step-by-step guide will walk you through creating an authentic and unforgettable Chicken Caldereta. Get ready to experience the vibrant tastes of the Philippines right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe yields about 6 servings of this delectable dish.
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, cut into serving pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup liver spread (optional, adds richness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or cane)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, any color, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 potatoes, cubed (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Culinary Journey Begins
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Sizzle the Chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
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Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
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Return the Chicken: Add the browned chicken pieces back to the pot. If using, add the liver spread now, stirring until it's fully incorporated. Add the potatoes (if using).
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Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Creamy Finish: Stir in the evaporated milk. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Do not boil.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the olives and bell peppers (if using). Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips and Tricks for Caldereta Perfection
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Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken: Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds incredible depth of flavor and richness to the Caldereta.
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Adjust the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
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Liver Spread Secret: The liver spread is optional but highly recommended! It contributes significantly to the sauce’s creamy texture and savory flavor.
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Make it Ahead: Chicken Caldereta tastes even better the next day! It's a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Chicken Caldereta recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, a true testament to homemade cooking and one of the best recipes you'll find! It's perfect for sharing with family and friends. Happy cooking!