How to Cook Cheesy Chicken Caldereta
Cheesy chicken caldereta is a creamy, savory Filipino stew made with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce infused with cheese and cream.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Course: Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: cheesy chicken caldereta, creamy chicken caldereta
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 226kcal
Author: Manny
- 1 kilo chicken parts of your choice, chopped to serving pieces
- 1 pc large potato peeled and slice into wedges
- 1 pc carrot peeled and slice into wedges
- 2 pcs red and green bell peppers sliced into squares
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pc onion minced
- 200 ml tomato sauce
- 1 small can liver spread
- 1 to 2 cups water
- 1/3 cup green peas
- 1/4 cup grated or sliced cheese
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- fish sauce to taste optional
- 2 pcs calamansi extract the juice
- cooking oil for frying and sauteing
How to Cook Cheesy Chicken Caldereta:
Season chicken with salt, calamansi juice and pepper. Massage the chicken for a few minutes and marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat cooking oil in a pan about 1 cup and fry the chicken until brown. Remove from the pan and drain excess oil and set aside.
In the same pan, fry the carrots until brown. Drain and set aside. Then fry the potatoes until brown and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce the amount of oil to 1 Tbsp. then saute garlic and onion until soft.
Add in the liver spread, tomato sauce and water. Stir and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes while stirring to avoid burning the bottom.
Add in the chicken and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Then add in carrots, cheese and potatoes and simmer until tender.
Add in the green peas, bell peppers and all-purpose cream and stir cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Marinating the chicken in calamansi juice, salt, and pepper is a crucial step to enhance its flavor and tenderness. The acidity of the calamansi not only seasons the meat but also helps break down its fibers, ensuring a juicy bite every time. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken.
Fry the Vegetables for Better Texture
Frying the carrots and potatoes before adding them to the sauce gives them a slight crust, preventing them from becoming too mushy during cooking. This step also enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delicious golden-brown color to the dish. It’s a small extra effort that makes a big difference in the overall texture and taste.
Add Cream and Cheese at the End
To achieve the smoothest and creamiest sauce, stir in the all-purpose cream and grated cheese at the final stages of cooking. Adding them too early can cause the cream to curdle or the cheese to clump, so patience is key. This technique ensures the sauce stays velvety and coats every ingredient perfectly, making the dish irresistibly indulgent.