Description
This Chicken Afritada recipe is a classic Filipino one-pot stew featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with colorful bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, and green peas. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and aromatic seasonings, it makes a hearty and comforting meal served best with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 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
- Season and Brown Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pot and brown on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken 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 by pouring in a little chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, then add the sliced red and green bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and the remaining chicken broth. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the soy sauce, bay leaf, and optional sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Green Peas: Stir in the green peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow them to heat through without overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions. Serve the Chicken Afritada hot, ideally with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for best flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Adjust saltiness by using low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth, and taste before adding extra salt.
- For a slightly sweeter balance, the optional teaspoon of sugar can be included or omitted based on preference.
- Vegetables can be substituted or added to your liking, such as green beans or corn.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
