If you’re searching for a soul-warming Filipino comfort food that’s both vibrant and irresistibly savory, Chicken Afritada delivers every time. This classic tomato-based stew features tender chicken simmered with potatoes, carrots, and sweet bell peppers—each ingredient soaking up a perfectly seasoned sauce that begs to be poured over a heap of fluffy rice. With its beautiful medley of colors and authentic flavors, Chicken Afritada is a dish I find myself craving on lazy Sundays and festive gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Afritada comes together with accessible ingredients, but each one is truly essential for creating that signature homestyle taste and colorful appearance. From the juicy chicken to the bold bell peppers, every component works hard in bringing out layers of flavor and texture.
- Chicken (2 lbs bone-in, skin-on pieces): Thighs and drumsticks are ideal for richer flavor and tender, juicy meat that holds up to simmering.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps crisp the chicken skin and sauté the aromatics to release their flavors.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Builds sweetness at the base of the stew and brings out aromas that fill your kitchen.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds depth and an inviting savory note to the sauce.
- Carrot (1 medium, sliced): Offers natural sweetness and color, as well as a satisfying bite.
- Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed): Absorb the savory sauce and give the dish extra heartiness.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): For a burst of color and a hint of sweetness.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Balances flavor and adds vibrancy.
- Tomato sauce (1 cup): Delivers the signature tangy, rich foundation of the stew.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
- Chicken broth or water (1 cup): Loosens the sauce and infuses extra savory goodness.
- Bay leaf (1): Lends a subtle, earthy aroma that rounds out the tomato base.
- Fish sauce or soy sauce (1 tablespoon): A Filipino touch for depth, umami, and classic authenticity.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): For seasoning and perfecting the balance of flavors.
- Green peas (optional): Sprinkle in for a pop of color and delicate sweetness, if you love them!
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Brightens and freshens up your finished Chicken Afritada.
How to Make Chicken Afritada
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces and let them brown on all sides, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This crucial step locks in juices and kicks off a delicious foundation for your Chicken Afritada. Once beautifully golden, set the chicken aside—you’ll add it back soon.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same fragrant oil (don’t toss out those tasty chicken bits!), sauté your chopped onions until soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute. This builds a rich, layered flavor base that’s the hallmark of an irresistible afritada.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize just a little so the sauce develops extra depth. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth or water, bay leaf, and fish sauce (or soy sauce). Give everything a good stir to combine. Your kitchen will already start smelling heavenly at this point!
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken and any juices to the pot. Cover and let the whole thing simmer gently for about 20 minutes. The chicken will slowly soften, soaking up the tangy, savory flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Root Vegetables
Toss in the potatoes and carrots. Cover again and continue simmering for another 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the chicken is cooked through. The potatoes and carrots will absorb all those bright flavors, turning buttery soft by the end.
Step 6: Finish with Peppers and Optional Peas
Stir in both red and green bell peppers, cooking just 5 minutes more to keep their colors lively and their crunch intact. Add green peas if you like, and season the stew with salt and pepper to perfection. Discard the bay leaf, then sprinkle in chopped parsley before serving your Chicken Afritada hot and steaming.
How to Serve Chicken Afritada
Garnishes
Brighten up your Chicken Afritada with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. For a Filipino touch, you can also add a little dash of fried garlic bits or even toasted breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy twist.
Side Dishes
Nothing accompanies Chicken Afritada quite like fluffy steamed white rice—the sauce soaks right in for maximum comfort. You can also serve it with garlic rice or warm pan de sal (Filipino bread rolls) to mop up every last bit of tomatoey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For family parties or special dinners, serve your Chicken Afritada in a big, colorful platter with the sauce draped over the chicken and vegetables. Add extra, blanched vegetables on the side for a festive look, or arrange the peppers in patterns for a playful touch. If you’re thinking leftovers, try pairing it with pasta for a fun Filipino-Italian fusion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Afritada in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days and even tastes better as the flavors meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks.
Freezing
Chicken Afritada freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool the stew completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and label them with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply simmer on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating. As with many stews, Chicken Afritada truly shines on its second day!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Afritada?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken cooks faster and is super convenient. Just be sure to keep an eye on the simmer time—reduce it by about 10 minutes so your chicken stays juicy and isn’t overdone.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
If fish sauce isn’t your thing, swap it for soy sauce or a pinch of salt. While you’ll lose that classic umami, the stew still comes out deliciously savory and satisfying.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting mushy?
The key is to add your potatoes and carrots after the initial chicken simmer so they cook just until tender. Bell peppers and green peas need even less time, so always stir those in last to preserve their bite and vibrancy.
Can Chicken Afritada be made vegetarian?
It can! Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplants, and chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead. The marinade and sauce flavors work wonderfully across a variety of proteins and veggies.
Why does Chicken Afritada taste even better the next day?
As the stew rests, all those flavors meld, deepen, and mingle, making every bite richer and more aromatic. That extra time lets the tomato sauce and seasonings fully infuse the chicken and veggies—it’s the magic of classic Filipino comfort food!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little Filipino flair to your table, let Chicken Afritada be your go-to recipe for a meal that’s equal parts comforting and celebratory. Try it once, and it just might become a treasured family favorite—happy cooking!
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Chicken Afritada Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Afritada recipe is a Filipino classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with vegetables. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken Afritada:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (sliced)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Green peas (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the chicken: Sear the chicken pieces until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Add sauces and simmer: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, chicken broth, bay leaf, and fish sauce. Return chicken to pot, cover, and simmer.
- Add vegetables: Add potatoes and carrots, simmer until tender.
- Finish with peppers and peas: Stir in bell peppers, cook briefly. Add green peas if using. Season and garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken, adjusting cooking time. For richer flavor, add liver spread or bone broth. Afritada thickens as it cools.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
