If you’re craving a hearty, comforting Filipino stew that bursts with vibrant flavors and colors, this Chicken Afritada Recipe is your ultimate go-to. It’s a beloved classic that brings tender chicken, tender veggies, and a luscious tomato-based sauce together in a pot, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and elegantly simple. This recipe balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes perfectly, making every bite a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Chicken Afritada Recipe never fails to impress and deliver that delightful, home-cooked belly-warming goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making Chicken Afritada Recipe. Each component plays a critical role—whether in texture, flavor, or color—building layers that turn into this unforgettable, hearty stew.
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks: Using bone-in chicken adds rich flavor and tenderness as it cooks slowly in the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the chicken and vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables to lock in flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a savory punch that elevates the dish.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced: Offers sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced: Contributes a slight bitterness and crunch contrast.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Create a tender, hearty texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and bright orange hue.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: The rich, tangy base that gives Chicken Afritada Recipe its signature flavor.
- 1 cup low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth: Enhances the stew’s depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a savory umami kick that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the stew with a subtle herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Helps mellow out the tomato’s acidity for a perfectly balanced sauce.
- 1 cup frozen or fresh green peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and color near the end of cooking.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Fresh green onions brighten the final dish with a mild oniony note and vivid green touch.
How to Make Chicken Afritada Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Season your chicken thighs or drumsticks generously with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, then brown the chicken pieces on all sides until they develop a rich, golden crust. This step locks in the juices and adds wonderful depth of flavor to your Chicken Afritada Recipe. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside to rest while you work on the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, releasing a sweet aroma that’s essential for this dish. Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan. Then add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, letting them cook briefly before stirring in the colorful bell peppers. This combination not only builds texture but also makes the dish visually inviting.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce along with the remaining chicken broth, stirring to combine. Return the browned chicken back into the pot and add the soy sauce, bay leaf, and sugar if you’re using it. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly, the chicken becoming tender, and the vegetables softening to the perfect bite. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, truly defining the soul of this Chicken Afritada Recipe.
Step 4: Add the Peas
During the last five minutes of cooking, stir in the green peas. This final addition prevents them from overcooking and losing their bright vibrancy, adding a delightful burst of sweetness and a fresh texture that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Serve Your Masterpiece
Remove the bay leaf to avoid any unwanted bitterness, then garnish your Chicken Afritada with freshly chopped green onions. This final touch adds a fresh, mild sharpness and a lovely pop of green that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it hot with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce—the perfect comfort meal for any day of the week.
How to Serve Chicken Afritada Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of chopped green onions atop the Chicken Afritada Recipe adds not only an appealing freshness but also a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and vegetables. If you want to get a little fancy, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a wedge of calamansi or lemon on the side brightens the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Chicken Afritada Recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. The classic, heartfelt pairing is fluffy steamed white rice, which absorbs all the rich tomato sauce and ties every element together. For something different, try serving it alongside garlic fried rice or warm, crusty bread, which is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the stew. A simple cucumber salad on the side can also provide a refreshing crunch to contrast the hearty main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or just elevate your weekday dinner? Serve Chicken Afritada Recipe in a beautiful ceramic casserole or a rustic Dutch oven, bringing a cozy, family-style vibe to the table. You can also plate it over a nest of buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a modern twist. For a colorful presentation, arrange the chicken and vegetables neatly, allowing those vibrant red and green peppers, carrots, and peas to shine through with each portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chicken Afritada Recipe has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 to 4 days, and some say the flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish another time or prepare meals in advance, freezing is a great option. Place cooled Chicken Afritada in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Chicken Afritada Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up. Microwaving works too—cover the dish to retain moisture and heat in intervals while stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken adds extra flavor and juiciness, boneless chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook it, as breast meat cooks faster and can dry out.
Is it possible to make Chicken Afritada Recipe spicier?
Definitely! Although traditional Chicken Afritada Recipe isn’t very spicy, you can add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during the sautéing process to give it a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt Chicken Afritada Recipe for a slow cooker by browning the chicken first and then adding all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash a few potatoes in the pot or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve a velvety consistency.
Can I substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones?
Yes, frozen vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and peas can be used in Chicken Afritada Recipe. Just add them according to cooking times—peas go in last, while sturdier vegetables like carrots and potatoes may need slightly longer to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Afritada Recipe is truly a gem that brings people together with its warm, comforting flavors and colorful presentation. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside out. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it remains a favorite across generations. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and your heart with joy!
Print
Chicken Afritada Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Chicken Afritada is a classic Filipino stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with vibrant bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and peas. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, served warm alongside steamed rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables and 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)
Liquid Ingredients and 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 with salt and black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown, then remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Deglaze the pot with a small amount of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes along with the sliced carrots. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and sauté until they are slightly softened.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and the remaining chicken broth. Return the browned chicken pieces 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 gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Peas: Stir in the green peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat them through without overcooking.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the Chicken Afritada hot with steamed rice or crusty bread, making sure to spoon plenty of the flavorful sauce over the serving.
Notes
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken briefly with soy sauce and garlic before browning.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or a mix of both, depending on preference.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce or salt to taste after simmering.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight.
