Go Back
Chicken Afritada
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada is a hearty Filipino tomato-based chicken stew rich in flavor and filled with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and a touch of savory cheese.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Chicken Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: afritadang manok, chicken afritada
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 548kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1/2 kilo chicken legs or thigh chop into serving pieces
  • 1 pc large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. patis
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 medium size carrot cut into wedges
  • 1 medium sized potato quartered
  • 1/2 cup cooked green peas or chick peas garbanzos
  • 1/3 cup grated cheese
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 pcs bay leaf
  • 1 pc green or red bell pepper slice into squares
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil

Instructions

How to cook Chicken Afritada:

  • Saute garlic and onion until fragrant. Then add the chicken and saute for 5 minutes.
  • Add patis and stir cook until the patis has evaporated, then add the tomato sauce and water.
  • Bring to a boil then simmer until the chicken is tender and almost cooked.
  • Add carrots and potatoes. Simmer again until carrot and potatoes are cooked.
  • Add the cheese, green peas, black pepper, bay leaf and bell peppers and simmer for another 3 minutes. Serve hot.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Sauté for Flavor Depth
When making chicken afritada, ensure you sauté the garlic and onion until they are golden and aromatic. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor base for the entire dish. Properly browned onions and garlic add a rich, savory depth that enhances the stew's overall taste.
Perfect Simmering
After adding the tomato sauce and water, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. Avoid rushing this step to ensure a well-blended, flavorful dish.
Vegetables at the Right Time
Add the carrots and potatoes after the chicken has simmered and is nearly tender. These vegetables need time to cook through without becoming mushy, maintaining their texture and contributing to the stew's heartiness. Finally, add the bell peppers and green peas towards the end to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch.