Flavorful Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter Twist

If you’re looking for a comforting meal bursting with bold flavors, inviting colors, and pure homemade goodness, you’ll absolutely love My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA. This vibrant Filipino stew is a personal twist on the classic, brimming with juicy chicken, vegetables, and a velvety, savory sauce that packs a gentle punch. From its tender bites to the satisfying blend of cheese, olives, and pickle relish, every spoonful carries a story. Gather your loved ones and get ready to experience a nostalgic favorite reimagined with a deliciously unique touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA shines through its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own magic — from the rich, silky peanut butter to the crisp, colorful vegetables — creating a dish that’s full of texture and heartwarming flavor.

• Chicken (1 & ¾ kilograms): The star of our stew, providing tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Soy Sauce (½ cup): Adds umami and depth when used as a marinade for the chicken, infusing it with savory goodness.
• Pepper (1 tsp): Brings gentle heat and balances the richness of the other flavors.
• Tomato Sauce (180g): Gives the caldereta its signature tangy base and vibrant color.
• Bell Peppers (2 pieces): Offer sweetness and a pop of color, while also soaking up the stew’s flavors.
• Potatoes (3 medium): Add creaminess and body, making the caldereta hearty and satisfying.
• Carrot (1 medium): Contributes subtle sweetness and cheerful color.
• Garlic (9 cloves): Lends an aromatic depth, building the foundation of flavor.
• Onion (1 large): Adds delicate sweetness and rounds out the savory base.
• Laurel Leaves (3): Introduce a classic earthy note that perfumes the stew as it simmers.
• Cooking Oil: For sautéing and frying, ensuring each ingredient achieves its ideal texture.
• Grated Cheese: Blends in creamy richness and a hint of indulgence — add as much as you like!
• Green Olives: Bring briny, salty pops that balance out the sweet and tangy components.
• Red Chilies (3): Provide beautiful color and controlled heat for that little kick.
• Pickle Relish (3 tbsp): The secret weapon that adds bursts of sweet-tangy crunch.
• Hot Water (2 cups): Helps meld all the flavors together into a luscious sauce.
• Atsuete Powder (1 tbsp): Delivers a gorgeous reddish hue and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
• Unsweetened Peanut Butter (½ cup): Creates a rich, nutty backbone that makes this version truly unforgettable.

How to Make My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing your chicken pieces with soy sauce and pepper, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it sit for 30 minutes — this gives the chicken a head start in soaking up all those amazing savory flavors. Once marinated, separate the chicken from its marinade but keep the sauce, as you’ll use it later for extra depth.

Step 2: Prep and Pre-Fry the Vegetables

In a large pan, heat some oil and quickly fry the bell peppers for just about a minute. This keeps them crisp and vibrant, bringing out their sweetness. Remove and set aside. Next, fry the carrots and potatoes until they begin to turn golden and are about half cooked. Set these aside too — we want them to finish softening in the sauce later for full flavor.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Using the same pan, sauté the garlic until it turns lightly golden and aromatic, then add the onion. Cook the onion until it softens and becomes translucent. These two are the aromatic backbone of My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA, and they set the stage for the flavors that follow.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the meat starts to brown and release its juices. Add the reserved marinade, laurel leaves, and tomato sauce, letting it cook together until the chicken has fully absorbed the flavors — this step is what makes the dish truly rich and robust.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Pour in the hot water and stir everything well. Cover and let the caldereta simmer on medium to low heat for 15 minutes. This is when the chicken becomes tender and the flavors begin to meld beautifully with the sauce.

Step 6: Enrich the Sauce

Stir in the peanut butter and atsuete powder, letting both dissolve completely into the sauce. This duo adds a silky texture and a rich, nutty undertone that’s unique to My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let those flavors bloom.

Step 7: Add the Veggies and Relish

Add the par-fried carrots, potatoes, pickle relish, and red chilies. Let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, just until the veggies are tender and the chilies give their gentle heat to the sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese, Olives, and Peppers

Now comes the fun part: stir in the grated cheese little by little, tasting as you go. Let it melt into the sauce, making the stew creamy and decadent. Once the sauce has thickened and reduced to your liking, finish with the bell peppers and green olives. Give the caldereta a final 2-minute simmer, then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA

Garnishes

Top your caldereta with a little extra grated cheese, a couple of whole green olives, and maybe even a slice of red chili for color. A handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions will add a pop of freshness and make the dish even more inviting on the table.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing like scooping up generous helpings of My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA with hot, fluffy steamed rice. For an added touch, pair it with a simple cucumber salad or some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stew in a deep bowl with the chicken and veggies arranged artfully on top and a shower of colorful bell pepper strips. Or, for a special occasion, spoon portions into mini ramekins for individual servings that look elegant and are perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any extra My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to blend and deepen — making your leftovers a delicious treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled caldereta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When freezing, keep some extra cheese and olives aside to add upon reheating for that fresh, bright finish.

Reheating

To revive My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally, and add a little extra cheese for a fresh, creamy boost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA, you can easily swap in beef or pork for a richer, heartier stew. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure your protein of choice becomes perfectly tender.

Is there a substitute for peanut butter?

If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different taste, try using cashew butter or even coconut cream. Both offer the same creaminess, though the flavor will be a little different — delicious in a new way!

How spicy does this caldereta get?

With three red chilies, My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA provides a gentle heat that isn’t overwhelming. Feel free to reduce the chilies for a milder flavor or add more for some extra kick.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative. The peanut butter still brings plenty of richness, so you’ll have a luscious sauce either way.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp or mild cheddar is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can also use Edam, quick-melt cheese, or even a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness in My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something special, don’t hesitate to make My another version of CHICKEN CALDERETA. It’s comfort food, celebration dish, and weekday favorite all in one. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — and maybe share your unique spin with friends and family!

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