A large bowl of stew or curry on my table is something I look forward to at the end of the day, and this Chicken Caldereta is no exception… I guess old habits die hard. Somehow I had never been in the vicinity of good Pinoy food. Thanks to my son, I finally tasted some of their delicacies. Noah decided to come into this world two and half months early, in Las Vegas of all places! Yes, you heard right, he is Nevada born. In the middle of conducting tour groups, this gypsy delivered her first child shortly after taking flight from San Francisco to Vegas. While my group was waiting for me to welcome them at the hotel, I was taking a cab to the ER! It seems very unreal now, but we were stuck in Vegas for three months while Noah was growing in the NICU. We’re not much of gamblers (though we got our small little jackpot). So, what you to do in this sin city?? Food! Vegas is a Mecca for food lovers and has some of the best food in the world. During our daily hospital rounds we discovered a little Filipino restaurant that had an awesome lunch buffet. Many afternoons we would walk there for some a break from the NICU and try our first tastes of their Asados, Ginilings, Menudos, Lumpias, Pancits… we loved these new flavors and kept on going back for more. Fast forward a year and life is back to normal in our coastal town. Every now and then we start getting nostalgic about some of the crazy flavors from Vegas. We do love our ethnic foods. Surrounded mostly by seafood restaurants in our small town, I have no choice but to experiment myself when I want to try our new found cuisine. I decided to try Chicken Caldereta first, as I remember always going back for that one at the lunch buffet.
What is Caldereta?
The name Caldereta comes from Spanish word “caldera”, meaning cooking pot. Yes, Filipino cooking has lot of Spanish influence, as once upon a time it was a Spanish colony, and some of that heritage still peeks into their mainstream dishes. Caldereta, or Kaldereta, is traditionally made with goat or beef in a rich spicy tomato based stew along with some good old veggies like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, even peas. Basically whatever you find in your refrigerator that particular day. As with any recipe, this ones comes with so many versions. The one that got me salivating in my Vegas days had coconut milk. I must confess, the dish traditionally has liver paste but I am skipping it. Perhaps I am committing a culinary sin by omitting it, but we are simply not much into eating offal. Personally, I would love to cook this stew with goat meat. I love… love to the moon and back kind of love… my goat. It’s such a beautiful meat but crash, boom, bang goes my heart, goat is simply not popular here and you can hardly find it in mainstream grocery stores. So, poor me is left with some chicken… Of course some bone in thighs or legs, pahlleezzzz. You can get away with whole chicken, but I want nice succulent meat cooking for a long time in this saucy stew. Any kind of stew or curry is best with that darker fattier meat of legs and thighs. I like to remove the skin whenever stewing, otherwise it just gets slimy.
Why You’ll LOVE Chicken Caldereta
A Flavorful Fusion: This dish combines the best of both worlds: the deep, hearty flavors of a traditional stew and the exotic, tropical notes of coconut milk. Each spoonful promises a rich, savory experience with hints of creamy sweetness. Versatility at its Best: Chicken Caldereta’s combination of vegetables and spices means it not only packs a punch in terms of flavor but also in nutrition. The medley of bell peppers, potatoes, and carrots ensures you’re getting a balanced meal. A Bite of Culture: Rooted in Filipino cuisine, Chicken Caldereta introduces you to a cultural flavor profile that’s both unique and comforting. Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, this dish scales beautifully. Its rich aroma is bound to draw everyone to the table, making it a surefire hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Loads of veggies – I am using onions, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peas and a mix of different colored bell peppers. Garlic – Of course, I love my garlic! Chicken – I prefer bone-in thighs with the skin removed. Coconut milk – For that delicious creaminess. Chicken broth – I use Better than Bouillon, it’s easy and so much better then cubes. Sauces, Spices and Seasonings – Tomato sauce, soy sauce, white vinegar, lemon juice, bay leaves, chili peppers, star anise, and salt & pepper.
All of this will simmer for hour or so. Yes, good stews take time.
Easy Chicken Caldereta Recipe
Marinate chicken pieces with salt, pepper, lemon juice, soy sauce and, bay leaves for at least 30 minutes. The more the better, as I always say about marinating. When it’s time to cook, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then it’s time for diced tomatoes and marinated chicken. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add hot chili pepper, bay leaves, star anise, vinegar, tomato sauce and bouillon. Pour in 1.5 cups water, stir, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add in your robust potatoes and carrots and again simmer covered 10 minutes. Now time to add coconut milk and back to cover and simmer. Once chicken is fall-off-the-bone, about 30-40 minutes, add bell peppers and green peas. Cook 10 minutes more. I like all those veggies in there. You can skip some if not available, it’s your pot after all! The end result is so rich and delectable. One really needs a huge pile of some nice fragrant boiled rice to accompany this Pinoy curry. A nice garnish of cilantro goes great too! Chicken Caldereta, our new found love. You are here to stay for a long, long time at the Beisers’ for sure!!
Caldereta Variations
Try different meats. Goat is most traditional, but beef or pork also work. I am thinking to try some shrimp caldereta! Veggies – add, subtract or substitute to your hearts content! As I mentioned, this dish is traditionally cooked with liver paste. If you want more authenticity, try adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup.
Recipe Notes and Tips
Marination Mastery: Ensure the chicken is marinated thoroughly. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate. If you have time, letting it sit overnight can elevate the taste significantly. Choose the Right Cut: While chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, feel free to experiment with drumsticks or even a mix of chicken parts. Remember, bone-in pieces tend to be juicier and infuse the stew with more flavor. Coconut Milk Quality: Go for full-fat, high-quality coconut milk. This will give your Caldereta a creamier texture and a more luxurious taste. Heat Control: Be attentive to the heat level while cooking. A slow simmer is key to melding the flavors together and ensuring the chicken becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. Spice Level: Adjust the number of chili peppers based on your heat preference. Veggies Timing: Add the vegetables based on their cooking times. Potatoes and carrots take longer to cook than bell peppers and peas. This ensures all components retain their texture and don’t turn mushy.
Leftovers and Storage
Leftovers of this Chicken Caldereta are quite the treat. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, often making the second serving even more delicious than the first. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your Caldereta will last for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. Give this easy Chicken Caldereta recipe a try the next time you crave some new and exciting flavors. If you like, please leave comments! And be sure to subscribe so you never miss a recipe! Also check our other cracking Asian Recipes on GypsyPlate, and come back again for all the new flavors coming to you.
Chicken Caldereta, on my Gypsy Plate… Enjoy!
In the mood for more curries?Indian Chicken MasalaCaribbean Coconut Mussel CurrySouth African Chicken CurryTrini Curry ChickenTurkey Tikka MasalaPork VindalooBeef MaafeJapanese Curry Check out my roundup of the world’s 40 best Curry Recipes!
