Chicken Kare-Kare: A Flavorful Twist on the Classic Filipino Stew

Introduction

Chicken Kare-Kare is a popular Filipino dish that shows off the country’s rich flavors. It’s usually made with oxtail, but using chicken makes it a bit lighter while still keeping the taste. The main feature is the thick, creamy peanut sauce that gives Kare-Kare its special flavor. It’s served with vegetables like eggplant, string beans, and banana blossoms, along with a side of bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste that adds a salty, savory touch. The combination of flavors and textures makes Chicken Kare-Kare a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for family gatherings, especially on special occasions.

Why i love Chicken Kare Kare

One of my ultimate comfort foods is Chicken Kare-Kare for several reasons. This is more than just a plate; it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that combines the richness and exquisiteness of Filipino culinary history and present. Since then, it has become one of my all-time favorites.

The Best of Both Worlds Flavor- AND Texture-Wise

Tender chicken with creamed peanut sauce and crispy fried chicken skin make such elegant layers of texture, flavoring only adds to the indulgence.

A Nostalgic Comfort Food

Kare-Kare reminds me of large family gatherings and festive occasions. It has the comforting bitterly sweet flavor of peanut sauce that you enjoyed in home-cooked dishes prepared together with family.

An All-Purpose Recipe

A versatile stew, it can be made with classic oxtail (which is traditional) or contemporary chicken. The use of chicken makes it feel a bit lighter, but I could eat this any day of the week.

Nutrient-Dense

This dish includes many different types of vegetables such as eggplant, string beans, and bok choy, all covered by the yummy chicken and heart-healthy peanut sauce.

One Recipe Bonding People Together

There is a charm in Kare-Kare that creates camaraderie. It’s the ultimate social gathering meal, a dish centered around community, whether you’re chopping and frying in the kitchen or enjoying sizzling stir-fries served on your forks.

Crispy Chicken Kare Kare Recipe

Recipe by OrionAdvertisingLLCCourse: Health u0026amp; Wellness, Lunch/Dinner, Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or drumsticks

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Oil for frying

• For the Kare Kare Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1/4 cup ground toasted rice (or rice flour)

• 2 tablespoons annatto oil (optional, for color)

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)

• 4 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 eggplant, sliced

• 1 banana heart (puso ng saging), sliced (optional)

• 1 bunch of string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 bunch of bok choy (pechay)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken:
• In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the Chicken Coating:
• In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Fry the Chicken:
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).
  Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and coat each piece thoroughly with the flour mixture.
  Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes per piece. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  Drain the chicken on paper towels and set aside.
• Prepare the Kare Kare Sauce:
• In a large pot, heat a little oil (or annatto oil) over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
  Add the shrimp paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and stir in the peanut butter until fully dissolved.
  Gradually add the ground toasted rice or rice flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
• Cook the Vegetables:
• Add the eggplant and banana heart to the pot and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  Add the string beans and cook for another 3 minutes.
  Finally, add the bok choy and cook until just wilted.
• Combine and Serve:
• Arrange the crispy fried chicken pieces on a serving platter.

Recipe Video

Difference Between Chicken Kare-Kare and Traditional Filipino Kare-Kare

Because the original Filipino Kare-Kare is actually cooked with oxtail and occasionally beef tripe, sometimes even pig hocks too, that provides a rich gelatinous texture the dish became known for. Which is also why the broth basically what this stew consists of after being slow simmered for god knows how many hours to make these cheaper, less desirable cuts come out nice and tender. The peanut sauce of Kare-Kare (derived from roasted ground peanuts or diluted peanut butter) is cooked to be thick, and — occasionally with toasted rice for a stronger flavor.

While the Chicken Kare-Kare is a light take on the traditional dish. It’s also a quicker to cook protein and one that I find cooks faster. Chicken Kare-Kare uses the same stock and seasoning from oxtail/tripe conditioning except it is less bland in taste yet not oilier. Here is a healthier (chicken meat tends to be lower in fat than other butters used for the classic recipe, like oxtail) and another staple it’s FTW: Chicken Kare-Kare. Though it may vary, both versions are typically accompanied by vegetables and bagoong at the side to maintain its Filipino state.

What to Eat with Chicken Kare-Kare

Steamed White Rice — The neutral taste of steamed white rice is the best partner to this rich and creamy peanut sauce of Chicken Kare-Kare. It is balanced by the pilaf and delicious sauce. Bagoong (Fermented Shrimp Paste): Bagoong, a type of sautéed shrimp paste, is the condiment that brings Kare-Kare flavors together with its distinct sweet and salty taste. It is enough to make each bite together with it in the form of a small spoon distinctly deepen the dish. Crispy Fried Fish or Lechon Kawali: To provide a crunchy disturbance and flavor contrast, chicken Kare-Kare goes well with fried fish such as bangus (milkfish) or lechon Kawaii to make the dish richer and more gratifying. Kare-Kare, Pinakbet, or Ensaladang Talong — A bit of greens like pinakbet and ensalada (eggplant salad) on the side for a less sinful indulgence. Atsara (Pickled Papaya) — Atsara is a sweet & tangy pickled green papaya relish, best eaten together with the meal to provide both an additional refreshment and crunch in between bites of rich peanut sauce. With a focus on keeping it as balanced and nutritious a meal as we can, especially with the dish being such robust rich flavor like Chicken Kare-Kare influences your selection of sides.

FAQs

What is Chicken Kare-Kare?

• Chicken Kare-Kare is a Filipino stew made with chicken, vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce. It’s a variation of the traditional Kare-Kare, which typically uses oxtail or beef tripe.

How is Chicken Kare-Kare different from the traditional version?

• Chicken Kare-Kare uses chicken instead of the traditional oxtail or tripe, making it lighter and quicker to prepare. The flavor is milder, and the dish is less fatty compared to the original version.

What vegetables are typically used in Chicken Kare-Kare?

• Common vegetables include eggplant, string beans, banana blossoms, and bok choy. These vegetables add texture and flavor to the dish.

What can I serve with Chicken Kare-Kare?

• Chicken Kare-Kare is traditionally served with steamed white rice and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste). Other side dishes like crispy fried fish, lechon kawali, or pickled papaya (atsara) can complement the meal.

Can I make Chicken Kare-Kare ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare Chicken Kare-Kare in advance. The flavors often develop and become richer after a day, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it gently before serving.

conclusion

NOTES & TIPS Chicken Kare-Kare is a lighter version of the traditional Filipino kare-kare. A comforting meal in which its rich peanut sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables encapsulate the warmth of Filipino home-cooked meals. It is paired with steamed rice and a side of bagoong, making it an ideal combination to suit the appetite for both everyday meals as well as during special occasions. If you’re new to Filipino cuisine or an old hand, I’m certain this Chicken Kare-Kare would fill and greatly shock up your appetite.