Bushra Griffith
Chicken Caldereta is a type of Filipino chicken stew. This dish involves cooking chicken in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. The key ingredient that makes this dish unique is liver spread, which adds depth of flavor and a creamy texture. Chicken Caldereta is often served with steamed rice and is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. This paragraph will provide an introduction to the topic of cooking Chicken Caldereta with cheese, a popular and indulgent variation of this classic Filipino dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Filipino chicken stew |
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, tomato-based sauce, liver spread, cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, peas, olives, garlic, onion, coconut milk, soy sauce, black pepper, chicken broth, fish sauce, brown sugar, red chilli, salt |
| Preparation | Cut chicken into serving pieces, dice vegetables, grate cheese, marinate chicken |
| Cooking Method | Fry chicken, sauté onion and garlic, add tomato sauce and water, simmer, add vegetables and spices, stir in grated cheese |
| Serving Suggestions | Steamed rice, boiled rice, cilantro garnish |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken Caldereta ingredients
Chicken Caldereta is a Filipino chicken stew with a tomato-based sauce. It is a rich and indulgent dish, often served on special occasions. The ingredients for Chicken Caldereta are:
Meat
Chicken is the star of this dish. Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, are preferred as they tend to be juicier and infuse the stew with more flavour. However, you can use a whole chicken or a mix of chicken parts.
Vegetables
Potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are the main vegetables in Chicken Caldereta. Onions and garlic are also essential, providing a savoury depth of flavour. Other vegetables, such as peas, olives, and caper berries, can be added for extra colour, texture, and taste.
Seasoning
Salt and black pepper are the basic seasonings used in Chicken Caldereta. Other common seasonings include soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Some recipes also call for red chilli, brown sugar, and lime juice for added flavour and a hint of sweetness.
Dairy
Liver spread or pâté is a key ingredient, adding richness and depth of flavour to the sauce. Grated cheese is also a popular addition, giving the dish a creamy, indulgent finish.
Liquids
Chicken broth or water is used to create the stew base. Coconut milk can also be added for a creamier texture and a more luxurious taste.
Extras
To enhance the flavour of the dish, the chicken can be marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and black pepper before cooking. Tomato sauce or puree is added to the stew to create the tomato base, and oil is used for frying and sautéing the ingredients.
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How to cook the chicken
Chicken Caldereta is a type of Filipino chicken stew. The chicken is cooked in a tomato-based sauce, along with vegetables and spices. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook the chicken for this delicious dish:
Preparation
First, prepare the chicken by cutting it into serving pieces. You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a mix of chicken parts. Bone-in pieces are preferable as they tend to be juicier and infuse the stew with more flavour. Wash and drain the chicken, then season both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add a teaspoon of white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Sautéing the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pot and brown both sides of the chicken. You don't need to cook it completely at this stage. Simply fry each side for about 1-2 minutes to maintain the appearance and prevent the skin and cartilage from shrinking when stewed later. Set the chicken aside.
Sautéing Vegetables and Spices
Add onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and aromatic. You can also add a dash of salt, pepper, and patis (fish sauce), along with a bay leaf, for extra flavour.
Adding the Chicken Back In
Once the onions have softened, add the marinated chicken. Sauté the chicken until it turns a medium brown colour.
Creating the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking for about 30-40 minutes. This will allow the flavours to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
Final Touches
Stir in the liver spread, which adds a creamy texture and depth of flavour to the dish. Finally, add the vegetables, including bell peppers, potatoes, and carrots. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar to suit your preference.
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Preparing the sauce
Chicken Caldereta is a type of Filipino chicken stew with a tomato-based sauce. The sauce is rich and creamy, with a unique depth of flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the sauce:
First, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. Next, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté the aromatics until they are translucent and softened, infusing the oil with their fragrance. You can also add a dash of patis (fish sauce) and a bay leaf at this stage for an extra savoury boost.
Then, add your tomatoes. Fresh, tinned, or pureed tomatoes can be used, depending on your preference. Continue to cook, stirring, until the tomatoes and onions are soft and beginning to break down. At this point, you can also add tomato paste to thicken the sauce.
Now, pour in your liquid. Tomato sauce, chicken broth, or water can be used, or a combination of these. You can also add coconut milk for a creamier texture and a hint of sweetness. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Next, add liver spread or pâté. This is the secret ingredient that makes Chicken Caldereta unique. It adds incredible depth of flavour and a creamy, rich texture. Stir it through until well combined.
Finally, season the sauce. You can add fish sauce, ground black pepper, salt, and sugar to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, remembering it is easier to add more than to take it out.
Once you are happy with the flavour of your sauce, you can add your chicken back into the pan and continue with the recipe.
Enjoy your Chicken Caldereta!
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Adding vegetables
Chicken Caldereta is a hearty Filipino stew with a rich tomato base and a mix of vegetables. The dish is very versatile, and you can add, subtract, or substitute vegetables to your liking. The key vegetables in Chicken Caldereta are potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, which add colour, texture, and a balanced flavour to the dish.
When adding vegetables, it is important to consider their cooking times. Potatoes and carrots take longer to cook than bell peppers and peas, so these should be added first. You can pan-fry the potatoes and carrots until lightly browned before adding them to the stew to prevent them from falling apart or becoming mushy.
Bell peppers are a key ingredient in Chicken Caldereta, adding a burst of colour and a sweet, crunchy texture. Red, green, or red and green bell peppers can be used, depending on your preference. If you want to reduce the heat of the dish, you can scrape off the seeds and veins of the peppers before chopping.
Other vegetables that can be added to Chicken Caldereta include peas, olives, and caper berries. Frozen peas can be added towards the end of cooking, while olives and caper berries are added along with the potatoes, carrots, and peppers.
The vegetables in Chicken Caldereta not only add flavour and texture but also nutritional value, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
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Serving suggestions
Chicken Caldereta is a hearty and tasty Filipino dish that is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. The dish is often served with steamed rice, and the combination of flavours and textures makes it a delightful meal to enjoy with loved ones.
To elevate your Chicken Caldereta, you can serve it with a side of pan-fried potatoes and carrots. To prepare this side dish, heat oil in a pan and add the potatoes, frying each side for about a minute until lightly browned. Repeat the process with the carrots, frying each side for a minute, and then set them aside. These vegetables add a beautiful colour to the plate and provide a satisfying bite.
Another suggestion is to offer a fresh, crisp salad on the side, featuring ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. This salad can complement the richness of the Chicken Caldereta and provide a refreshing contrast. You can also include other fresh vegetables of your choice to add variety and texture to the salad.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the Chicken Caldereta with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread rolls. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious sauce, and the combination of flavours can be quite indulgent. You can also provide a variety of dips or spreads, such as a creamy garlic aioli or a tangy tomato salsa, to enhance the bread and create an even more indulgent experience.
Lastly, you can round out the meal with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a fruity cocktail. For a non-alcoholic option, a tall glass of lemonade or a fruity mocktail can be a perfect complement to the dish. These drinks can help cut through the richness of the Chicken Caldereta and provide a refreshing finish to the meal.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need chicken, liver spread or pâté, potato, carrot, bell peppers, red chilli, brown sugar, salt, cheese, cooking oil, garlic, onion, and tomato sauce.
First, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and lime juice. Next, heat oil in a pan and brown both sides of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Add onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent. Add the chicken back into the pan and pour in the tomato sauce and water. Cover and let it boil, then adjust the heat to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes. Add the liver spread and stir. Finally, add the bell peppers, potato, and carrots, and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and add grated cheese before serving.
Chicken Caldereta is typically served with steamed rice. You can also garnish with cilantro.
