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Chicken Afritada Recipe (Afritadang Manok)

Chicken Afritada (Afritadang Manok) is a classic Filipino chicken stew cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas. Comforting, colorful, and simple to prepare, this classic lutong bahay dish is a popular favorite for everyday family lunches and weeknight dinners.

What is Chicken Afritada?

Derived from the Spanish culinary technique afritada (meaning "fried" or "pan-fried"), Chicken Afritada begins by browning chicken pieces in oil to lock in juices before simmering them in a rich tomato base. Similar to other Filipino tomato-based stews like Menudo, Caldereta, and Mechado, Afritada stands out for its straightforward, wholesome approach—relying on the clean sweetness of fresh vegetables, garlic, onions, and tomato sauce without heavy liver spread or cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

1 kg bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
1.5 cups tomato sauce
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 large carrot, cut into cubes
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into strips
1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup chicken broth or water
2 tbsp fish sauce (patis) or soy sauce
2-3 pieces dried bay leaves (laurel)
2 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Deep Pan or Dutch Oven with Lid Holds the chicken, root vegetables, and tomato sauce comfortably while distributing heat evenly.
  • 1 Chef's Knife & Cutting Board For clean dicing of potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and aromatics.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For scraping the savory browned bits from the bottom of the pan while sautéing.
  • 1 Ladle Perfect for pouring warm tomato gravy and chicken pieces over hot rice.

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Heat cooking oil in a large deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Pan-fry the cubed potatoes and carrots for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and set aside on a plate.
  3. In the same pan, sear the chicken pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the skin turns lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the pan fat. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  5. Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the fish sauce (patis) and ground black pepper, tossing to coat the meat for 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth (or water), and add the dried bay leaves. Bring the liquid to a boil
  7. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until the chicken becomes tender.
  8. Add the pre-fried potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas. Simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the tomato sauce reduces into a rich gravy.
  9. Season with extra salt or fish sauce to taste. Remove the bay leaves if desired, and serve hot over plenty of warm white rice!

Notes

🌿 Health & Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada delivers a wholesome, well-balanced combination of lean protein, dietary fiber, and cellular antioxidants:
  • High-Quality Lean Protein: Bone-in chicken supplies complete protein packed with essential amino acids needed for muscle repair, immune resilience, and metabolic health.
  • Lycopene & Vitamin C (Tomatoes & Bell Peppers): Tomato sauce delivers lycopene, a powerful cellular antioxidant that supports cardiovascular health, while red and green bell peppers provide high doses of Vitamin C.
  • Eye Health & Immune Support (Carrots): Carrots supply high levels of Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A), supporting eye health, skin integrity, and immune defense.
  • Sustained Energy & Fiber: Potatoes and green peas deliver complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber that support steady digestion and provide long-lasting energy.

Key Ingredients & Cooking Tips

  • Pre-Frying the Vegetables: Searing the potatoes and carrots in oil before simmering prevents them from breaking down or turning mushy in the acidic tomato sauce.
  • Browning the Chicken First: Searing the chicken in the pan seals in natural juices and leaves savory browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pot, enriching the overall gravy.
  • Adding Hotdogs (Kid-Friendly Variation): A classic Pinoy home tip is adding 2 to 3 sliced red hotdogs alongside the bell peppers. The hotdogs add a sweet, savory touch that children love!
  • Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker Afritada gravy, let the pot simmer uncovered during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

📊 Complete Nutritional Profile

Here is the breakdown per serving of Chicken Afritada:
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.5 g
  • Sugars: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Potassium: 510 mg
  • Vitamin A: 70% DV
  • Vitamin C: 55% DV

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main difference between Afritada, Menudo, Caldereta, and Mechado?

While all four are Filipino tomato-based stews:
  • Afritada uses chicken or pork with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers in a clean tomato sauce.
  • Menudo uses diced pork and liver with raisins and garbanzo beans.
  • Caldereta uses beef or goat enriched with liver spread and melted cheese.
  • Mechado uses beef laced with pork fat (matsa) and a soy-citrus-tomato sauce.

How long does Chicken Afritada last in the fridge?

Chicken Afritada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.

Can I freeze Chicken Afritada?

Yes! You can freeze Chicken Afritada for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly on the stovetop.