There’s something about Chicken Afritada that just feels like home. The moment that rich tomato aroma starts filling the kitchen, it reminds me of Sunday lunches with my family—big bowls of steaming white rice, laughter echoing through the house, and everyone trying to snag the biggest piece of chicken.
What I love about this dish is how simple yet comforting it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. With basic pantry staples—chicken, tomato sauce, potatoes, and carrots—you can create something hearty and satisfying. And when you add green peas and hotdogs (a tip I learned from a friend), the dish not only looks more colorful but also gets that nostalgic Filipino party vibe.
My Tips for Making It Extra Special
Over the years of making Afritada, I’ve picked up little tricks that always make a big difference:
Bone-in chicken tastes richer. The bones help flavor the stew, giving the sauce a deeper, heartier taste.
Pan-fry the potatoes and carrots first. It takes a few extra minutes but prevents them from turning mushy while cooking.
Don’t rush the simmer. Let the chicken cook slowly in the tomato sauce until tender. Low and slow is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Use a mix of tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes if you have some lying around. It gives the stew a slightly fresher, tangy kick.
A dash of patis (fish sauce) near the end is a game-changer—it adds depth and that umami punch without overpowering the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Making Afritada is straightforward, but here’s how I usually do it in my kitchen:
Sauté the aromatics. Garlic and onion first, always. It sets the base for the sauce.
Brown the chicken. Just a quick sear to lock in flavor before simmering.
Simmer in tomato sauce and broth. Add bay leaves and let the chicken slowly tenderize until it’s juicy and flavorful.
Add the vegetables and extras. Potatoes, carrots, hotdogs, peas—layer them in and let them soak up that rich sauce.
Taste and season. Adjust salt or patis to your liking. A small sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice finishing touch.
By the time you’re done, the kitchen smells amazing, and the sauce has that glossy, thick consistency that clings beautifully to every spoonful of rice.
How I Like to Serve It
For me, Chicken Afritada is all about family-style eating. I put the pot right in the center of the table with a big serving spoon and let everyone help themselves. And of course, there’s always plenty of warm white rice—it’s the perfect canvas for that tomato-rich sauce.
If I’m serving guests, I’ll garnish the dish with fresh parsley or even some thinly sliced bell peppers for color. And if I’m cooking this for a casual potluck, I make a double batch because this dish disappears fast.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Chicken Afritada actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen overnight. Here’s what works for me:
In the fridge: Store in an airtight container and it’ll keep well for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Perfect for meal prep. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and you can keep it for up to 3 months.
When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop for a gentle simmer, but the microwave works fine too if you’re short on time.
Fun Twists to Try
Once you’ve nailed the classic version, here are a few variations I love making:
Pineapple Chicken Afritada: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the tomato sauce beautifully.
Cheesy Afritada: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar before serving. Kids (and adults) can’t get enough of this creamy twist.
Pork Afritada: Swap the chicken for pork shoulder for a heartier, slightly richer dish.
FAQs from My Kitchen
Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely. Thighs work best because they stay juicy, but breast meat is fine if you keep an eye on the cooking time.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! In fact, Afritada tastes even better when made ahead because the flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
What can I serve this with besides rice?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or even over pasta for a fun twist.
Chicken Afritada (Chicken Braised in Tomato Sauce)
A classic Filipino comfort dish, Chicken Afritada is a savory tomato-based stew with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 3 hotdogs, sliced
- ½ cup green peas
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces and sear for about 30 seconds on each side until lightly browned. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then cover the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Add the bay leaves, reduce the heat to medium, and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
- Stir in the hotdogs and carrots, cooking for about 3 minutes. Add the potatoes, cover again, and cook for another 8 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mix in the green peas and let it simmer for 2 more minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, making sure to ladle plenty of the rich tomato sauce over the top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 727Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 1573mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 51g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
My Final Thoughts
Chicken Afritada is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of how food brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a quiet weekday or preparing a big batch for a celebration, this dish always delivers comfort and joy. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that the best meals are the ones that don’t just fill your stomach but also warm your heart.
Try other Filipino recipes:
