Chicken Afritada Recipe

This Chicken Afritada is a flavorful and comforting Filipino stew that’s perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal! Imagine tender chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all simmered together to perfection. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a delicious and authentic Filipino dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and a blend of spices creates a delicious and aromatic stew that’s packed with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one pot, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the vegetables or add your favorite protein, such as pork or beef, for a different twist.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks: Bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces add flavor and richness to the stew.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to perfection.
• Vegetable oil: Used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables.
• Onion: Chopped and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Red and green bell peppers: Sliced and adds sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
• Potatoes: Peeled and cubed, they add a hearty and satisfying texture.
• Carrot: Peeled and sliced, it adds sweetness, color, and nutrition.
• Tomato sauce: Adds richness and a deeper tomato flavor.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and forms the base of the stew. Use low-sodium or no-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the stew.
• Bay leaf: Adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the broth.
• Sugar (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Green peas: Adds sweetness, color, and nutrition.
• Green onions: Chopped and adds a fresh onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken Afritada

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in a little bit of the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

Pour in the tomato sauce and remaining chicken broth. Stir to combine. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the soy sauce, bay leaf, and sugar (if using). Stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the green peas and cook until heated through. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Garnish the Chicken Afritada with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces add more flavor and richness to the stew.
• Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or sugar to suit your taste preferences.
• Add other vegetables: You can include other vegetables, such as green beans, zucchini, or potatoes, for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the stew ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making the leftovers even more delicious.

How to Serve

This Chicken Afritada is delicious served with:

• Steamed Rice: Fluffy steamed rice is a classic pairing for Filipino stews.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and sopping up the flavorful sauce.
• Fried Plantains: Add a side of fried plantains for a touch of sweetness and a classic Filipino side dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Afritada is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken? Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs would also work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use a different type of protein? Absolutely! Pork shoulder or beef stew meat would be delicious substitutes for chicken. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. Can I make this recipe spicier? Definitely! Add more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the pot.

4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

This Chicken Afritada Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and authentic Filipino flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Print