Chicken Caldereta Recipe (Kalderetang Manok)
Chicken Caldereta (Kalderetang Manok) is a rich, hearty Filipino stew made with tender chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas simmered in a savory tomato sauce enriched with liver spread and melted cheese. Warm, comforting, and packed with deep savory flavor, this dish is a beloved main course for everyday family dinners and festive celebrations alike.
What is Chicken Caldereta?
Caldereta (derived from the Spanish word caldera, meaning cauldron) traditionally refers to a Filipino meat stew slow-cooked with tomato sauce, liver spread, and vegetables. While goat meat (kambing) or beef (baka) are classic festive options, Chicken Caldereta offers a faster, lighter, and budget-friendly variation that delivers the same signature velvety, cheesy, and mildly spicy gravy.Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat cooking oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the cubed potatoes and carrots for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sear the marinated chicken pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the remaining oil in the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the liver spread, mixing thoroughly so it dissolves into the liquid to form a thick, smooth sauce base.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Add the fried potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, green peas, green olives, and chopped chilies (if using). Simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a glossy, creamy finish.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and serve hot over plenty of warm white rice!
Notes
🌿 Health & Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Caldereta
Chicken Caldereta is a nutrient-dense main course that combines lean poultry with vibrant root vegetables and vitamin-rich sauces:- High-Quality Protein for Muscle Health: Chicken supplies complete animal protein essential for tissue repair, metabolic function, and maintaining lean muscle mass.
- Rich in Iron & Vitamin A (Liver Spread & Carrots): Liver spread provides heme iron and Vitamin B12, while carrots deliver Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A) for optimal eye health, cellular growth, and immune defense.
- Vitamin C & Antioxidants (Bell Peppers & Tomatoes): Red and green bell peppers paired with tomato sauce supply high concentrations of Vitamin C and lycopene, supporting cardiovascular wellness and protecting against cellular oxidative stress.
- Sustained Energy from Complex Carbs: Potatoes and green peas deliver complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber that provide steady energy release and support smooth digestion.
Key Ingredients & Cooking Tips
- The Secret of Liver Spread: Liver spread is the defining ingredient of authentic Caldereta! It adds a unique savory depth, rich umami complexity, and acts as a natural thickener for the tomato gravy.
- Grating the Cheese: Adding grated quick-melt cheddar cheese right at the end mellows the acidity of the tomato sauce, producing a rich, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Pre-frying Root Vegetables: Pan-frying the potatoes and carrots beforehand prevents them from turning mushy or breaking apart while simmering in the sauce.
- Adjusting Heat Levels: If you prefer a spicier Caldereta, add extra chopped siling labuyo or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes alongside the bell peppers.
📊 Complete Nutritional Profile
Here is the breakdown per serving of Chicken Caldereta:- Calories: 360 kcal
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Potassium: 520 mg
- Vitamin A: 80% DV
- Vitamin C: 60% DV
