Easy Chicken Caldereta: A Filipino Comfort Food Recipe

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Caldereta, a vibrant Filipino stew, is a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate. It’s a hearty dish, often featuring beef or goat, but today, we’re taking a playful twist by introducing chicken. This culinary adventure will blend the rustic charm of Filipino cuisine with the exotic allure of international flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and extraordinary.

Ingredients:

1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup liver pâté
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

    • Chicken Caldereta - Panlasang Pinoy
    Chicken Caldereta – Panlasang Pinoy

    Image Source: ytimg.com

    Preparation:

    1. Prep the Chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, then brown them in a hot skillet with vegetable oil. Set aside.
    2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
    3. Add the Veggies: Toss in the bell peppers and mushrooms, cooking until softened.
    4. Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, red wine, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
    5. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the browned chicken to the sauce and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
    6. The Secret Ingredient: In a separate bowl, whisk together the liver pâté and heavy cream. Gradually pour this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. This unexpected addition will elevate the dish with a rich, velvety texture and a hint of umami.
    7. Serve: Ladle the caldereta over rice or serve with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Serving Ideas:

    Elegant Presentation: Serve in individual ramekins, garnished with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of paprika.

  • Comfort Food: Pair with mashed potatoes and a side of steamed broccoli.
  • Flavorful Fusion: Serve with a side of naan bread or pita chips for dipping.

    • This fusion caldereta is a testament to the power of culinary creativity. It’s a dish that celebrates the diversity of flavors, blending the familiar with the unexpected. By infusing the traditional Filipino recipe with international influences, we’ve created a dish that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a journey through taste, a celebration of culture, and a testament to the boundless possibilities of the culinary arts.