Classic Chicken Afritada: The Ultimate Chicken Afritada Recipe

Introduction to Classic Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada is a beloved Filipino dish that embodies comfort and warmth. This hearty chicken stew is packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just want to indulge in a delightful meal, Chicken Afritada is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. It’s not just food; it’s a delicious experience that warms the heart and soul.

A Personal Story Behind My Classic Chicken Afritada Journey

Growing up in a Filipino household, Chicken Afritada was often the star of our family gatherings. My mother would prepare it on special occasions, filling the home with the tantalizing aroma of sautéed garlic and onions. I remember sitting around the dining table, eagerly waiting for that first bite, which was always accompanied by laughter and stories. It’s these cherished memories that inspire me to share my Classic Chicken Afritada recipe with you today.

What Makes This Classic Chicken Afritada Recipe Special?

This Classic Chicken Afritada recipe is special because it combines simple ingredients to create an incredibly flavorful dish. The use of bone-in, skin-on chicken ensures that every bite is juicy and succulent. The balance of sweet bell peppers, hearty potatoes, and tender carrots adds texture and nutrition, making it a well-rounded meal. Plus, the rich tomato sauce brings everything together beautifully, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The Full Classic Chicken Afritada Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in and skin-on)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 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 tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper on all sides. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 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. Tip: Ensure the pot is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Deglaze the pot by adding a bit of chicken broth and scraping off the brown bits. Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Tip: This step adds depth of flavor to your dish.
4. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of sugar (if using). Stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the green peas and cook until heated through. Tip: You can check the chicken’s doneness by cutting into the thickest part; the juices should run clear.
7. Remove the bay leaf. Garnish the Chicken Afritada with green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread. Tip: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further!

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Classic Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada is best served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread to mop up every bit of the tasty sauce. For variations, feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the level of sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar used according to your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Chicken Afritada

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks? Yes, you can use chicken breast, but be mindful that it may cook faster and can become dry if overcooked.
How can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I freeze Chicken Afritada? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Chicken Afritada that’s perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week!

Recipe Stats

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 380
• Servings: 6

Classic Chicken Afritada

A comforting and flavorful Filipino chicken stew with vegetables and tomato sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in and skin-on)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 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 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper on all sides. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil 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.
• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Deglaze the pot by adding a bit of chicken broth and scraping off the brown bits. Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
• Pour in the tomato sauce and 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 let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the green peas and cook until heated through.
• Remove the bay leaf. Garnish the Chicken Afritada with green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread.

Notes

Adjust seasonings to taste. Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or zucchini for extra nutrition. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Keyword Classic Chicken Afritada Recipe