Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter – Filipino Recipe You’ll Love

Introduction

Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter is a unique twist on a Filipino classic that will delight your taste buds. This hearty stew combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, with the addition of creamy peanut butter for a nutty, velvety finish. Loved for its indulgent flavors and versatility, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or cozy weeknight dinners.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter step by step, along with tips and variations to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Filipino cuisine or just curious about trying something new, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

If you’re curious about how peanut butter pairs with chicken, check out Is Peanut Butter Good for Chicken? Exploring a Perfect Culinary Pairing.

Ingredients Breakdown for Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter

Core Ingredients for Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter

Learn about the essential ingredients that make this dish rich and flavorful.

Chicken (2 lbs): The star of the dish, chicken provides a tender, juicy base that absorbs the sauce’s flavors beautifully. Choose bone-in pieces for extra flavor or boneless ones for convenience.
Tomato Sauce (1 cup): The backbone of Caldereta’s tangy and savory sauce.
Peanut Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Opt for smooth peanut butter for the best consistency.
Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, bell peppers): These create texture and bring a touch of sweetness and crunch.

For more chicken recipe ideas, explore our list of Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes.

Seasonings:

Highlight the spices and seasonings that bring out the best in this dish.

Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that build the dish’s flavor foundation.
Liver Spread (optional): Adds depth and richness. Peanut butter can be substituted if unavailable.
Bay Leaf: A subtle, earthy note that enhances the overall profile.
Chili Peppers: For those who enjoy a hint of spice, these can be adjusted to taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter

Cooking Chicken Caldereta with peanut butter may sound intricate, but it’s easier than you think. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have a flavorful, creamy Caldereta that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preparing Ingredients for Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter

Get your chicken, vegetables, and seasonings ready to create this hearty stew.

Marinate the Chicken:
- Season 2 lbs of chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Let them marinate for 30 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Prep the Vegetables:
- Peel and cube 2 medium potatoes.
- Peel and slice 1 large carrot.
- Slice 1 red and 1 green bell pepper into strips.
Optional Prep:
- If using chili peppers, chop 2–3 pieces for added heat.
- Grate ½ cup of cheese (cheddar or quick-melt) for the final topping.

Step 2: Fry the Vegetables for Your Peanut Butter Caldereta

Frying adds texture and locks in flavor for the vegetables.

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Fry the potato cubes until golden brown. Set aside.
Fry the carrot slices until lightly caramelized. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Aromatics like garlic and onion are key to building the stew’s flavor.

In the same pan, sauté 4 minced garlic cloves until fragrant.
Add 1 chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Learn how to seal in the chicken’s juices and enhance the taste.

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan.
Cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Combine tomato sauce, broth, and peanut butter to create a velvety stew base.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
Add 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 cup of water or chicken broth.
Toss in 1 bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer the Chicken

Slow cooking lets the chicken absorb the rich, creamy sauce.

Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Add Peanut Butter and Liver Spread

This step gives your Caldereta its signature creamy and savory taste.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, allowing it to blend into the sauce.
Add ¼ cup of liver spread (or more peanut butter if substituting).

Step 8: Add the Vegetables

Include potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers for texture and color.

Return the fried potatoes and carrots to the pan.
Add the sliced bell peppers and chili peppers (if using).
Simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 9: Final Touches

Finish with grated cheese and optional olives for a flavorful topping.

Sprinkle ½ cup of grated cheese over the stew and stir until melted.
Optional: Add ¼ cup of green olives for a salty, briny kick.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Presentation tips for enjoying this Filipino favorite with rice or sides.

Transfer the Chicken Caldereta to a serving dish, garnish with extra cheese or bell peppers if desired, and serve it hot with steamed rice.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Peanut Butter Caldereta

Cooking Chicken Caldereta with peanut butter is straightforward, but these tips can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary.

1. Perfecting the Sauce

Balance the Flavors: While peanut butter adds creaminess and depth, balance it with the tanginess of the tomato sauce. If the sauce feels too tangy, add a teaspoon of sugar to mellow it out.
Consistency Control: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered to reduce and thicken.

2. Cooking the Chicken

Sealing in Juices: Browning the chicken before simmering locks in its natural juices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Avoid overcrowding the pan during this step.
Tenderness Tip: For extra-tender chicken, simmer on low heat and let the flavors slowly meld together.

3. Getting Vegetables Just Right

Prevent Sogginess: Pan-frying the potatoes and carrots before adding them to the sauce ensures they maintain their shape and don’t become mushy.
Bell Pepper Timing: Add bell peppers toward the end of cooking to preserve their color and crunch.

4. Customizing Heat Levels

Adjusting Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, omit the chili peppers or remove their seeds. For spicier Caldereta, add more chopped chili or a dash of chili powder.

5. Substituting Ingredients

Liver Spread Alternatives: If liver spread is unavailable, peanut butter is an excellent substitute. For a slightly tangier flavor, try mashed canned liver pâté.
Cheese Choices: Quick-melt or cheddar cheese is recommended, but mozzarella works for a gooey texture.

6. Making it Ahead of Time

Caldereta tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen over time. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge for a more flavorful dish.

With these tips, your Chicken Caldereta will consistently turn out rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

The Cultural Story of Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter

Chicken Caldereta is a dish that showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Filipino cuisine. While Caldereta’s roots trace back to Spain—its name derived from the Spanish word “caldera,” meaning “cauldron”—Filipinos have adapted the recipe over generations, making it their own. Traditionally made with beef or goat, this hearty stew is now widely enjoyed with chicken for a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative.

A Dish for Celebrations

In the Philippines, Caldereta is often reserved for special occasions such as fiestas, weddings, and family reunions. Its rich, savory sauce, paired with tender meat and vibrant vegetables, makes it a centerpiece dish that brings people together. Over time, families have developed their unique spins on Caldereta, incorporating local ingredients and techniques to suit their tastes.

Peanut Butter: A Filipino Twist

The addition of peanut butter is a distinctly Filipino innovation, inspired by the nation’s love for nutty flavors found in dishes like Kare-Kare. This ingredient adds a velvety texture and nutty sweetness that complements the tangy tomato base, making the dish even more comforting and indulgent.

Regional Variations

While the basic components of Caldereta remain consistent, regional variations abound:

In the Luzon region, cheese and olives are popular additions for a rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
In Visayas and Mindanao, some cooks incorporate coconut milk for a creamier sauce and a hint of tropical sweetness.
Vegetarian versions swap out the meat for tofu or jackfruit, showcasing the dish’s versatility.

Caldereta’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to evolve while retaining its essence as a hearty, flavorful stew that satisfies the soul.

Serving Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter

Chicken Caldereta is best enjoyed with simple sides that let its robust flavors shine. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

Pairing with Steamed Rice

The rich, creamy sauce of Caldereta pairs perfectly with plain steamed rice, allowing the flavors to soak into the grains. For a more indulgent option, try garlic rice or buttered rice.

Side Dishes

Fresh Salad: A crisp, tangy cucumber and tomato salad complements the richness of Caldereta.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Lightly sautéed green beans or broccoli add a fresh contrast to the dish.
Pickled Vegetables: Filipino atchara (pickled papaya) adds a zesty, refreshing note that balances the stew’s hearty flavors.

Presentation Tips

Serve Chicken Caldereta in a large, shallow serving dish to showcase the vibrant vegetables and glossy sauce.
Garnish with freshly grated cheese, sliced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color.

Beverages

Pair this dish with a refreshing calamansi juice or a light, crisp white wine to cleanse the palate between bites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Caldereta with Peanut Butter

1. What do you use peanut butter spread for?

Peanut butter spread is an incredibly versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a staple for sandwiches, baking (cookies, cakes, and brownies), and breakfast items like pancakes and oatmeal. In savory dishes, it serves as a creamy base for sauces, stews like Chicken Caldereta, and Asian-inspired peanut sauces for noodles or satays. Its nutty, slightly sweet flavor adds depth and richness to any recipe.

2. What is a substitute for liver spread in Caldereta?

If liver spread isn’t available, there are several substitutes you can use:

Peanut Butter: This is a popular alternative in Filipino kitchens, offering a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that blends beautifully with the tomato-based sauce.
Liver Pâté: Canned liver pâté is an excellent substitute, delivering a similar depth of flavor.
Mashed Chicken Liver: For those who prefer fresh ingredients, boil chicken liver, mash it finely, and mix it into the sauce.
Cheese: Some recipes skip liver spread entirely and add grated cheese for richness instead.

3. What is the difference between Chicken Afritada and Chicken Caldereta?

Both Chicken Afritada and Chicken Caldereta are beloved Filipino tomato-based stews, but they differ in flavor profiles and ingredients:

Chicken Afritada: This dish typically features chicken cooked in a simple tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It has a straightforward, mild flavor profile and does not include rich ingredients like cheese or liver spread.
Chicken Caldereta: Caldereta is more indulgent, with a richer, creamier sauce often enhanced with liver spread, peanut butter, cheese, and olives. It also tends to have a slightly spicier kick, depending on the recipe.

4. How to cook chicken with butter instead of oil?

Cooking chicken with butter is a great way to add flavor and richness to your dish. Here’s how:

Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. To prevent the butter from burning, consider adding a tablespoon of oil, which raises its smoke point.
Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add your chicken pieces.
Cook until the chicken is golden brown on each side and fully cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For an extra buttery finish, baste the chicken with the melted butter in the pan while cooking.

Conclusion

Chicken Caldereta with peanut butter is a delightful twist on a Filipino classic, bringing rich, creamy flavors that are both comforting and indulgent. With its vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and velvety sauce, it’s perfect for family meals, celebrations, or when you simply want to treat yourself. Whether you’re a fan of traditional recipes or love experimenting with modern takes, this dish will never fail to satisfy.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience. Happy cooking!