If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the soul of Filipino comfort food, it’s the Chicken Afritada Recipe. Bursting with vibrant colors, tender chicken, and a luscious tomato-based sauce, this stew is the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your table with happiness. Each bite combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in a way that feels both familiar and special, making it a favorite in households across the Philippines and a treasure worth sharing with friends and family anywhere in the world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Afritada may sound like a complicated dish, but it relies on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role: the chicken provides hearty protein, the vegetables add texture and freshness, and the tomato sauce ties everything with a rich, tangy base. Here’s what you’ll gather to make this soul-satisfying meal:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose quality cuts for juicy, flavorful results.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that irresistible aromatic base.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced: Bright color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced: Balances the red pepper with a mild bitterness.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Gives the stew body and a soft texture.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced: Sweet earthiness that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: The heart of the sauce—rich, tangy, and comforting.
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things flavorful but light.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami punch without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle herbaceous complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Just a touch to balance acidity in the sauce.
- 1 cup frozen or fresh green peas: Pops of green freshness added at the end.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Bright, fresh finish that ties it all together.
How to Make Chicken Afritada Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Season your chicken generously with salt and black pepper to enhance natural flavor. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown each piece on all sides until it develops a gorgeous golden crust. This not only locks in juices but creates flavorful fond on the pot’s surface that will elevate the entire dish. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
With the same pot still warm, add chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing a hint of sweetness. Next, stir in minced garlic, letting its fragrance fill the kitchen without burning. To lift all those browned bits stuck at the bottom, deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth—this little trick adds depth and richness. Now, toss in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, followed by the bell peppers. Sauté everything until the vegetables just begin to soften but still keep their shape and brightness.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and the rest of your chicken broth, stirring everything together so the colors and flavors meld. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot along with soy sauce, bay leaf, and the optional sugar to balance acidity. Bring this beautiful pot of goodness to a lively boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it gently simmer for 25 to 30 minutes—a perfect amount of time for your chicken to become tender while the vegetables are perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Add Peas and Finish Cooking
In the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir in your green peas. They add a delightful pop of color and a sweet flair that lifts the whole dish. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and give everything a final taste adjustment with salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your Chicken Afritada Recipe masterpiece to a serving dish and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for that fresh, tasty pop. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or crusty bread for an unbeatable comfort meal.
How to Serve Chicken Afritada Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly chopped green onions are the classic finish that adds a touch of color and fresh bite. If you want to play around, try fresh parsley or even a squeeze of calamansi or lemon for a citrusy brightness that accentuates the tomato sauce’s tang.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements Chicken Afritada better than fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up the hearty sauce. For a twist, serve alongside garlic fried rice or even crusty bread to mop up every last bit. A simple vegetable stir-fry or fresh cucumber salad on the side brings a crisp contrast to the warm stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve Chicken Afritada straight in a large pot to inspire communal sharing. Hosting friends? Plate it beautifully with a mound of rice topped with finely chopped herbs and a drizzle of the sauce around the edges. You can also turn it into a flavorful chicken pot pie filling for a fusion-style comfort dish everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Afritada tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Cool leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! After cooling, portion Chicken Afritada into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying the chicken. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual servings, checking every minute to avoid overheating. Freshen the dish with a sprinkle of green onions before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Chicken Afritada Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks give the most flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with boneless chicken breasts or wings if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid drying out leaner cuts.
Is Chicken Afritada spicy?
Traditional Chicken Afritada is not spicy. Its flavor profile centers on savory, sweet, and tangy notes. However, you can easily add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers if you like a little heat in your stew.
Can I make Chicken Afritada Recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first for best results, then transfer everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for about 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or even tomato paste diluted with water can work. Just keep an eye on the sauce consistency and adjust seasoning to balance acidity and richness.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Try using skinless chicken to reduce fat, and opt for low-sodium broth and soy sauce to manage sodium intake. Adding more vegetables like green beans or zucchini can boost nutrition and fiber.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Afritada Recipe is one of those lovingly simple dishes that’s perfect any day you want something hearty, delicious, and full of comfort. Its vibrant flavors and colorful vegetables never fail to bring smiles, and it’s just as wonderful for a casual family dinner as it is for sharing with guests. Give this recipe a try—you might find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Chicken Afritada Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Chicken Afritada is a classic Filipino one-pot stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with vibrant bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and green peas. This hearty dish combines a balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, perfect for a comforting family meal served with rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 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 frozen or fresh green peas
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 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)
Instructions
- Brown Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides until they develop a golden crust. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in some chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, followed by the red and green bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and the remaining chicken broth. Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Add the 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 gently for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Peas: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the green peas to heat through without overcooking them.
- Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Garnish the afritada with chopped green onions. Serve hot accompanied by steamed rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks with chicken breast, but adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
- Using low-sodium broth and soy sauce helps control the salt content of the dish.
- The optional sugar balances acidity from the tomato sauce; adjust sweetness to taste.
- Afritada is versatile—feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or chickpeas.
- For a richer flavor, brown the vegetables slightly before adding liquids.
