Filipino Chicken Afritada
A classic Filipino comfort food, Afritada is a savory and slightly sweet chicken stew simmered in a rich tomato sauce with tender potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet green peas. It's a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(Bone-in, cut into serving pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well))
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil(Vegetable or canola oil)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced)
- 1 medium Onion(Chopped)
- 250 ml Tomato sauce(Unsweetened)
- 1 cup Water or chicken broth(For simmering)
- 2 medium Potatoes(Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium Carrots(Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (optional, for added sweetness and color))
- 2 medium Bell peppers(Assorted colors (e.g., red and green), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 100 g Green peas(Fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce(Optional, for added umami)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. This step adds flavor and color. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 3
Lower the heat to medium (around 175°C / 350°F). Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Pour in the tomato sauce and water or chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes and carrots (if using). Ensure the chicken and vegetables are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low (around 150°C / 300°F), and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 6
Add the bell pepper pieces and green peas to the pot. Stir gently. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender-crisp and the peas are heated through. If using soy sauce, stir it in now.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be slightly thickened. Serve hot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Afritada is often served with steamed white rice, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf during the simmering process.
- ✓Adjust the amount of tomato sauce and liquid to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Pork Afritada: Substitute chicken with 1kg of cubed pork shoulder or belly.
- Afritada with Hotdogs: Add sliced hotdogs during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Afritada: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic and onions.