The Most Colorful Afritada Recipe That Kids Will Love

Chicken afritada shines as a heartwarming Filipino comfort dish that promises pure culinary delight.

Families across the Philippines cherish this classic stew passed down through generations.

Tender meat simmers gently with vibrant vegetables in a rich, tomato-based sauce that speaks of home and tradition.

Colorful bell peppers and potatoes mingle with succulent chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a meal that tells a story of love and connection.

Regional variations add unique touches, making each afritada preparation a personal expression of cooking passion.

You’ll want to gather your loved ones and savor every single bite of this soul-satisfying Filipino classic.

Why Afritada Recipe Brings Warmth To Your Plate

• Boost Flavor Fast: Marinating chicken in a blend of soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper creates an intense, mouth-watering taste sensation that elevates the entire dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This hearty Filipino classic brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• One-Pan Wonder: The recipe streamlines cooking by using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated preparation.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal: Packed with protein from chicken and a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas, this dish offers a balanced and nutritious dining experience.

What You’ll Need For Afritada Comfort Food

• Chicken Pieces: The primary protein source that absorbs the marinade and becomes tender during cooking.

• Garlic, Onions: Provide a foundational flavor base that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a savory and flavorful coating that enhances the chicken's taste and tenderness.

• Tomato Sauce, Chicken Broth: Develop a rich, hearty sauce that brings moisture and additional flavor to the afritada.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Bell Peppers, Green Peas: Add nutritional value, texture, and vibrant color to the final dish.

• Bay Leaf, Parsley: Contribute subtle aromatic notes and fresh garnish to elevate the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a medium for sautéing and helps develop golden browning on the chicken.

How To Make Afritada Recipe Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Submerge chicken pieces and let marinate for a quarter hour to infuse deep, rich flavors.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Pieces

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place marinated chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, creating a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Minced garlic
• Chopped onions

Cook until fragrant and onions become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth

Add bay leaf and allow mixture to simmer, developing a rich, complex flavor profile.

Step 5: Cook Root Vegetables

• Quartered potatoes
• Sliced carrots

Continue cooking until vegetables become tender and start absorbing the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Chopped bell peppers
• Green peas

Cook for a few minutes, ensuring vegetables remain vibrant and slightly crisp.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ensure a perfectly balanced flavor that complements all ingredients.

Step 8: Prepare for Serving

Remove bay leaf. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 9: Plate and Enjoy

Serve piping hot alongside steamed rice. Allow the rich, savory sauce to mingle with the tender chicken and colorful vegetables, creating a mouthwatering meal that delights the senses.

Tips To Get That Perfect Afritada Sauce

• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate chicken longer than 15 minutes for deeper taste infusion, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Perfect Browning Technique: Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in delicious juices.
• Vegetable Variation: Swap or add root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips for diverse textures and nutritional variety.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium soy sauce and broth, then adjust seasoning gradually to control sodium levels.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary alongside parsley for an aromatic flavor enhancement that elevates the entire dish.

Afritada Variations That Add A New Spin

• Spicy Afritada: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños during sautéing to introduce a fiery kick to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Fusion Afritada: Replace chicken with lamb and incorporate oregano, rosemary, and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Coconut Cream Afritada: Substitute half the chicken broth with coconut milk and sprinkle turmeric for a creamy, slightly exotic flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Afritada: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein chunks, using vegetable broth and maintaining the original vegetable medley.

What To Serve With Afritada And Love It

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Rioja or Tempranillo that complements the rich, savory flavors of Afritada, cutting through the tomato sauce's acidity while enhancing the chicken's depth.
• Create Rice Texture Balance: Serve with fluffy jasmine or long-grain white rice that absorbs the flavorful sauce, providing a neutral canvas that highlights the dish's complex taste profile.
• Match Fresh Citrus Drink: Prepare a refreshing calamansi or lemon-lime spritzer to cut through the richness, offering a bright, tangy counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Recommend Crisp Pilsner: Choose a cold, light Philippine beer like San Miguel Pilsen that provides a clean, crisp finish, perfectly balancing the hearty chicken and vegetable stew's robust flavors.

How To Store Afritada Like A Kitchen Pro

• Store leftover Afritada in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its delicious flavor profile.
• Transfer cooled Afritada to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for maximum 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Avoid microwaving to maintain the dish's original texture and taste.
• Keep vegetables crisp by storing them separately from the sauce if possible.

FAQs For Afritada You’ll Want On Hand

• What is the origin of Afritada?

This classic Filipino dish combines Spanish and Filipino culinary influences, reflecting the historical colonial impact on Philippine cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or beef, maintaining the same cooking technique and marinade.

• Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, enhance flavor absorption, and create a more delicious and juicy final dish.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Afritada Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50-58 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken afritada brings hearty Philippine comfort to your kitchen, blending rich tomato sauce with tender meat and colorful vegetables. Warm family memories and classic Filipino flavors shine through each delightful spoonful you savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces

Vegetables:

• 2 medium potatoes, quartered
• 1 medium carrot, sliced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper for 15 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown marinated chicken until golden on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken and set aside, then sauté minced garlic and chopped onions in the same skillet until fragrant and translucent.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, add tomato sauce and chicken broth, then introduce bay leaf and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add quartered potatoes and sliced carrots, continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Incorporate chopped bell peppers and green peas, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are vibrant and slightly crisp.
7. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
8. Remove bay leaf before serving and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice, allowing the rich, savory sauce to complement the tender chicken and vegetables.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor absorption, ideally up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Choose bone-in chicken pieces for richer taste and more succulent meat that stays moist during cooking.
• Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist, adding extra vitamins and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-43 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg