How to Make the Best Chicken Caldereta Recipe

Chicken Caldereta, one of the most beloved Filipino comfort foods, is a rich and flavorful stew that brings families and friends together. With its origins rooted in Spanish cooking, this dish is now a staple in Filipino cuisine, offering a delightful mix of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and a tomato-based sauce with a hint of creamy cheese. Whether you're a recipe enthusiast or a home cook exploring Filipino flavors, this Chicken Caldereta recipe is the perfect guide to recreating this classic dish in your own kitchen.

In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to make Chicken Caldereta, share essential tips to perfect the sauce, and provide pairing suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

What Makes Chicken Caldereta Special?

Caldereta, derived from the Spanish word caldera (cauldron), is traditionally made with goat meat or beef in the Philippines. However, chicken has become a popular variation due to its quicker cooking time and accessibility. What makes Chicken Caldereta stand out is its combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. The dish often carries a rich umami profile, thanks to liver spread or cheese, which is mixed into the sauce for added creaminess and depth.

Perfect for special occasions, weeknight dinners, or potluck gatherings, Chicken Caldereta is versatile, easy to make, and a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Chicken Caldereta

Before we start, gather the following ingredients to achieve that authentic Chicken Caldereta flavor. The recipe serves 4-6 people.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of chicken, cut into serving pieces (preferably thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced, or 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 2 medium carrots, diced into chunks
• 2 medium potatoes, diced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 small can (85g) of liver spread or processed liver pâté (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons grated cheese (Cheddar or Quickmelt works well)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1-2 pieces dried bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated cheese for topping
• Green chilies for an extra kick of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Chicken Caldereta

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by washing and patting your chicken dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Prepare your vegetables by chopping the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides. This step helps lock in flavor and gives the chicken additional texture. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in the diced tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juice.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce, water or chicken stock, soy sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together until well-combined. Nestle the dried bay leaves into the sauce for added aroma.

Step 5: Simmer with Chicken

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up the rich flavors of the sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced potatoes and carrots into the simmering sauce, letting them cook until tender, which usually takes 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Add the Final Touches

Stir in the liver spread or liver pâté to thicken the sauce and add that signature Caldereta creaminess. Sprinkle in the grated cheese for an extra layer of richness. Finally, add the bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a pinch of salt, a dash of sugar, or more cheese can help balance the flavors perfectly.

Tips to Perfect Your Chicken Caldereta

1. Choose the Right Chicken Cuts: Opt for chicken thighs and drumsticks, as they remain juicy and tender during cooking.
2. Don’t Skip the Liver Spread: This ingredient is a game-changer for achieving that authentic Caldereta taste. If you can’t find liver spread, try substituting with mashed chicken or pork liver.
3. Customize the Heat Level: If you like your dishes spicy, add a few sliced green chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
4. Be Patient When Simmering: Allow the flavors to build over time. Slow and steady cooking results in a deeper, richer sauce.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Caldereta

Enjoy Chicken Caldereta with a side of warm steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread for a delightful Filipino-meets-European twist. Don’t forget a refreshing beverage like calamansi juice or cold water to balance the richness of the dish.

Serve Comfort and Flavor in One Pot

Chicken Caldereta is more than just a meal; it’s a dish that brings people together, offering comfort, warmth, and a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply looking to enjoy a hearty Filipino classic, this recipe is your ultimate guide to perfecting Chicken Caldereta.

Feel free to tweak the recipe to match your preference, but don’t skip the key ingredients that make this dish a beloved staple in Filipino households.