Chicken Afritada is one of the most popular Filipino dishes, served during family gatherings and special occasions. This tomato-based chicken stew has tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas in a comforting and flavorful sauce. With Spanish roots, it’s a household favorite in the Philippines.

In this Recipe, we’ll guide you on how to make authentic Chicken Afritada at home. From choosing the proper chicken cut to mastering the rich tomato sauce, we’ve got you covered.

Ingredients for Chicken Afritada

To make an authentic Chicken Afritada, prepare the following ingredients:

• Chicken – 1 whole chicken (cut into serving pieces) or 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs/drumsticks
• Tomato Sauce – 2 cups (or one can, 15 oz)
• Tomatoes – 2 medium, diced
• Potatoes – 3 medium, peeled and quartered
• Carrots – 2 medium, sliced diagonally
• Bell Peppers – 1 red and one green, sliced into strips
• Green Peas – 1 cup (frozen or fresh)
• Garlic – 5 cloves, minced
• Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
• Bay Leaves – 2 pieces
• Soy Sauce – 2 tablespoons
• Fish Sauce (Patis) – 1 tablespoon (optional for deeper flavor)
• Cooking Oil – 4 tablespoons
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
• Water or Chicken Broth – 2 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken in a bowl.
• Add soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.
• Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Fry the Vegetables

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan.
• Fry the potatoes and carrots until lightly browned.
• Set aside so they don’t become mushy when stewed.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot, heat the remaining oil.
• Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
• Add diced tomatoes and cook until soft.

4. Cook the Chicken

• Add marinated chicken to the pot.
• Cook until chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
• Add fish sauce (optional) for depth of flavor.

5. Add Tomato Sauce and Broth

• Pour in tomato sauce and chicken broth (or water).
• Stir and bring to a boil.
• Add bay leaves and simmer for 25-30 minutes.

6. Add Vegetables

• Add fried potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
• Let them cook for 10 minutes.
• Add green peas and simmer for 3 minutes more.

7. Final Seasoning

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Let the sauce reduce slightly until thick.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Afritada is best with:

• Steamed White Rice – to soak up the sauce.
• Pandesal (Filipino Bread Rolls) – for dipping.
• Pickled Vegetables (Atchara) – to balance the richness of the stew.Chicken Afritada Tips
• Use bone-in chicken for more flavor in the stew.
• Fry potatoes and carrots first so they don’t fall apart when cooked.
• Simmer to let the tomato sauce infuse into the chicken.
• Add a pinch of sugar if you like a slightly sweet Filipino taste.
• Try different bell peppers—yellow for added color and sweetness.

Nutritional Value of Chicken Afritada

This dish offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs, making it both delicious and nourishing.

Variations

1. Afritadang Baka (Beef Afritada): Use beef chunks; simmer longer for tenderness.
2. Afritadang Isda (Fish Afritada): A lighter seafood version with fried fish fillets.
3. Creamy Afritada: Add evaporated milk or coconut milk for a creamy twist.

Conclusion

Chicken Afritada isn’t just food on the plate—it’s comfort, tradition, and family all wrapped up in one dish. Every spoonful reminds us of home, laughter during meals, and Filipino hospitality. The chicken, the veggies, and the tomato sauce all come together like a song you never get tired of hearing. Whether you’re cooking it for a weekend family dinner, a fiesta, or to satisfy a craving, Chicken Afritada will always bring joy and togetherness. Cook it once, and it will be one of your go-to recipes.