Chicken Kare-Kare is a delicious and comforting Filipino stew made with tender chicken, a rich peanut sauce, and an assortment of vegetables. This version is a simplified, quicker take on the traditional kare-kare, which is usually made with oxtail or beef. The sauce is thickened with peanut butter and rice flour, creating a creamy, savory dish that’s perfect for any family meal. It’s often served with steamed rice and shrimp paste on the side, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons rice flour
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3 pounds chicken, cut into serving parts
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon annatto powder
3 cups water
2 large eggplant, cut into chunks
½ bundle long beans, ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
1 bundle pechay, ends trimmed and leaves separated
½ cup peanut butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Toast the Rice Flour: In a wide pan over medium heat, cook rice flour, stirring regularly for about 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
Cook the Chicken: Add chicken and cook, stirring regularly, until lightly browned. Add fish sauce and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Add Annatto Powder: In a bowl, combine water and annatto powder. Stir until well-dispersed and add to the pot. Bring to a boil, skimming off any scum that floats to the surface. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender.
Cook the Vegetables: Add eggplant and long beans to the pot, cooking until they are tender yet crisp.
Add Peanut Butter and Rice Flour: Stir in peanut butter until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine toasted rice flour and one cup of broth from the pot, stirring until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the pot, whisking to prevent lumps.
Simmer: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Pechay: Add the pechay to the pot and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until wilted.
Serve: Serve hot with sautéed shrimp paste on the side.

Nutrients

Calories: 545
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 454mg
Potassium: 887mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 905IU
Vitamin C: 15.8mg
Calcium: 67mg
Iron: 2.3mg

This Chicken Kare-Kare offers a delightful twist on a Filipino classic, making it a perfect dish for family dinners and gatherings!

The Tradition Behind Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is one of the most beloved dishes in Filipino cuisine. Traditionally, it is a stew made with oxtail, tripes, or other meats, slow-cooked in a peanut-based sauce and served with vegetables such as eggplant, long beans, and banana blossoms. The richness of the peanut sauce, along with the tender meat and vegetables, creates a comforting dish that is perfect for special occasions and family gatherings. While the classic kare-kare requires long cooking times and a variety of ingredients, Chicken Kare-Kare offers a more practical and quicker version that can be made at home without sacrificing the essential flavors of the original dish. This simplified version with chicken still delivers the same satisfying taste while being more accessible for busy home cooks.

The Heart of the Dish: The Peanut Sauce

The peanut sauce is the defining element of kare-kare, and it is what makes the dish so unique. In traditional kare-kare, ground peanuts or peanut paste are used to create a rich and creamy sauce. In this simplified Chicken Kare-Kare, peanut butter serves as the base for the sauce, making the dish more convenient and quicker to prepare without losing the signature nutty flavor. The peanut butter adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce, while also providing a satisfying, savory richness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. The peanut flavor in the sauce is not overwhelming, but rather complements the chicken and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of savory and creamy notes.

The Vegetables: A Colorful and Nutritious Addition

In addition to the chicken, the vegetables in Chicken Kare-Kare play a crucial role in adding both nutrition and texture to the dish. The classic kare-kare typically includes eggplant, long beans, and pechay (Filipino bok choy), and these vegetables are used in this version as well. The eggplant, when cooked, becomes soft and absorbs the rich peanut sauce, adding a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The long beans offer a satisfying crunch, providing a contrast to the softer vegetables in the dish. The pechay, which is similar to bok choy, adds a mild, leafy green flavor and a bit of freshness to balance out the richness of the sauce. These vegetables not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also make it a well-rounded meal with a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The Role of Chicken in the Dish

While traditional kare-kare is made with oxtail or beef, the use of chicken in this version provides a lighter alternative while still delivering a protein-packed meal. The chicken thighs, in particular, are perfect for this dish because they remain tender and juicy when simmered in the peanut sauce. The skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs release flavorful juices as they cook, which infuses the sauce with additional savory notes. The chicken serves as the perfect protein to pair with the creamy, nutty sauce and vegetables, creating a balanced dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Using chicken also reduces the cooking time compared to traditional kare-kare, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks who still want to enjoy this Filipino classic.

The Flavor Enhancers: Fish Sauce and Annatto Powder

To enhance the flavor of Chicken Kare-Kare, fish sauce and annatto powder are added to the dish. Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Filipino cuisine, adding a depth of umami and saltiness to the dish. It helps to balance the richness of the peanut sauce and gives the dish an authentic, savory flavor. Annatto powder, which is made from the seeds of the achiote plant, is commonly used in Filipino cooking to add a mild, earthy flavor and a vibrant orange color to dishes. In Chicken Kare-Kare, annatto powder is dissolved in water and added to the sauce, contributing both color and subtle flavor that further enhances the overall taste of the dish. These flavor enhancers are essential in making Chicken Kare-Kare taste authentic and well-rounded.

Simplified and Quick Cooking Method

One of the biggest advantages of Chicken Kare-Kare is that it simplifies the traditional method, making it a quick and easy meal to prepare. In traditional kare-kare, the meat is slow-cooked for hours to achieve tenderness and develop deep flavors. However, with the use of chicken and a simplified cooking method, this dish can be prepared in much less time, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. By sautéing the onions and garlic first, and then simmering the chicken with annatto powder and fish sauce, the flavors build quickly. The addition of the peanut butter and toasted rice flour thickens the sauce, creating a rich, creamy consistency without the need for long cooking times. This simplified method retains the essential flavors of kare-kare while being more practical for everyday cooking.

Serving Chicken Kare-Kare: A Complete Meal

Chicken Kare-Kare is traditionally served with steamed white rice and shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side. The shrimp paste adds a salty, savory contrast to the rich peanut sauce and is often mixed into the dish according to personal taste. The saltiness of the shrimp paste enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables, providing a balanced contrast to the creamy, nutty sauce. The dish is typically served in large family-style portions, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy a hearty meal. The combination of protein, vegetables, and a rich sauce, all served over rice, makes Chicken Kare-Kare a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

A Comforting Dish for Family Dinners

Chicken Kare-Kare is a perfect dish for family dinners and gatherings. Its comforting and hearty nature makes it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd, while the rich peanut sauce and tender chicken appeal to a wide range of tastes. The dish is also highly customizable—if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add chili or more fish sauce to suit your preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or sharing it with friends, Chicken Kare-Kare is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful twist on a classic Filipino stew.

Conclusion

Chicken Kare-Kare is a comforting, flavorful Filipino stew that combines the best of rich peanut sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. This simplified version of the traditional kare-kare makes it easier and quicker to prepare without compromising on flavor or authenticity. With the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors, this dish is a well-rounded, satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and peanut butter sauce makes this a hearty and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether served with rice and shrimp paste or enjoyed on its own, Chicken Kare-Kare is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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