If you are looking for a comforting, vibrant, and hearty dish to bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table, this Chicken Afritada Recipe is an absolute must-try. With tender chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, complemented by colorful bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and sweet peas, this Filipino classic is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy notes, making it a beloved staple that never fails to satisfy and impress both family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Chicken Afritada Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, vibrant, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the perfect balance of the vegetables to the savory tomato sauce base, you’ll see how each element adds depth and warmth to the dish.
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose these cuts for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during simmering.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Necessary for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics to develop a deep base flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a pleasant aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory, fragrant undertones.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced: Provides vibrant color and a mild sweetness that brightens the sauce.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a fresh, slightly grassy flavor and lovely color contrast.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Give the stew a comfort-food heartiness and soak up the delicious sauce.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced: Brings subtle sweetness and a tender bite that pairs perfectly with the other veggies.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: The star ingredient creating the dish’s rich, tangy, and comforting base.
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stew moist while adding depth without overpowering the tomato flavor.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances umami and balances sweetness with a subtle savory touch.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal note that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes for a well-rounded taste.
- 1 cup frozen or fresh green peas: Add a pop of color and tender sweetness in the final minutes of cooking.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Provide a fresh, crisp finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
How to Make Chicken Afritada Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
First things first, season your chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with salt and black pepper. Heat up the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown the chicken on all sides until it develops a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in the juices and starts building a deep, savory flavor base for your Chicken Afritada Recipe. Once browned, set the chicken aside safely on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they soften and turn translucent—this releases natural sweetness that enriches the sauce. Add minced garlic next, cooking it just until fragrant so it doesn’t burn and become bitter. Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Now stir in your potatoes and carrots, followed by the bell peppers. Let everything sauté together briefly until the vegetables are just starting to soften, creating wonderful texture contrast in the final dish.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and remaining chicken broth, stirring to combine. Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, then add soy sauce, the bay leaf, and sugar if you’re using it. Bring the stew to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow everything to simmer for 25 to 30 minutes—this slow cooking makes the chicken tender, the vegetables succulent, and melds all the flavors into pure deliciousness.
Step 4: Add the Peas
When you’re about five minutes away from serving, stir in the green peas. These pop of sweetness give the Chicken Afritada Recipe an inviting burst of color and freshness, making every spoonful a balanced bite of hearty and light.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the bay leaf before transferring the stew to your serving bowls. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, crisp finish that adds a gentle bite and beautiful color to your comforting plate of Chicken Afritada Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Afritada Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions are the classic and best garnish for this dish, lending a fresh aroma and slight crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken and vegetables. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of calamansi juice can brighten up the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Afritada Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up that tangy, flavorful sauce beautifully. Alternatively, warm crusty bread or garlic rice can help you scoop up every last bit of the savory stew, making the meal hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Afritada inside halved baked potatoes or atop a bed of garlic mashed potatoes. You can also dish it out in rustic earthenware bowls to keep this traditional stew extra cozy and inviting, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers of this Chicken Afritada Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and the flavors actually deepen, making the next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the Chicken Afritada for up to 2 months. Just make sure to put it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat so the chicken doesn’t dry out and the sauce remains luscious. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce to that perfect stew-like consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Chicken Afritada Recipe?
You can, but since breast meat is leaner, it might dry out quickly during simmering. Thighs or drumsticks are preferred for their juicy, flavorful qualities in this stew.
Is it necessary to use skin-on chicken?
Skin-on chicken adds extra flavor and richness to the stew as the fat renders during cooking, but you can remove the skin before serving if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for tomato sauce?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used but you’ll need to cook them down longer to develop the depth and thickness that canned tomato sauce provides.
What other vegetables can I add to Chicken Afritada Recipe?
Feel free to add green beans, corn, or even chickpeas for variety. Just add them according to their cooking times so everything ends up tender and delicious.
How spicy is Chicken Afritada?
Traditionally, Chicken Afritada Recipe is mild and tangy, but you can easily spice it up by adding sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce while cooking or at the table.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely heartwarming about this Chicken Afritada Recipe that makes it a go-to for family dinners and special gatherings alike. The combination of simple ingredients creating such a vibrant, tender, and flavorful dish proves that good food is all about balance and love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Filipino tradition into your home and create memorable meals that everyone will adore.
Print
Chicken Afritada Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Chicken Afritada is a classic Filipino stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. This comforting dish combines aromatic garlic and onions with a hint of sweetness and soy sauce, making it a perfect family meal served hot over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauté and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 cup frozen or fresh green peas
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant. Deglaze the pot by pouring in a small amount of chicken broth and scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, followed by the sliced red and green bell peppers. Sauté until the bell peppers begin to soften.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and the remaining chicken broth. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the low-sodium soy sauce, bay leaf, and sugar if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Peas: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the green peas to heat through and incorporate into the dish.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Garnish the stew with the chopped green onions. Serve the Chicken Afritada hot alongside steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks adds more flavor and keeps the meat tender during cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the pot in the last 5 minutes and let it simmer to reduce.
- Adjust the salt and soy sauce according to your taste, especially if using salted or low-sodium broth.
- For a spicier version, add sliced chili peppers when sautéing the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
