Chicken Caldereta

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 kg (2 lbs) chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Caldereta Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil (for sautéing)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped (or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for deeper flavor)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon liver spread (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for a richer sauce)
• 1 cup coconut milk or evaporated milk (for creaminess)

For the Vegetables & Toppings:

• 1 carrot, cut into chunks
• 1 potato, cut into chunks
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ green bell pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup green olives (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 small bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix chicken, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.
2. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Sear the marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
3. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, sauté onions for 2 minutes until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomatoes and cook until softened.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to intensify the flavor.

4. Simmer the Sauce

1. Pour in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and bay leaf.
2. Stir in liver spread (if using) and sugar.
3. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add Vegetables & Creamy Twist

1. Add potatoes and carrots, then simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in peanut butter and coconut milk/evaporated milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
3. Add bell peppers and olives, cooking for 5 more minutes.

6. Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
2. Serve with steamed rice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Caldereta:

✔ Liver spread adds depth – If unavailable, blend chicken liver with water.
✔ Peanut butter gives a richer texture – A secret trick for a creamier sauce!
✔ Marinating enhances flavor – Even 15 minutes makes a difference!
✔ Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or siling labuyo for extra heat.
✔ Balance the sauce – If too acidic, add a pinch of sugar; if too thick, add more broth.