Flavorful Filipino Chicken Afritada Recipe

Looking to bring a taste of the Philippines to your dinner table? Look no further than this Delicious Filipino Chicken Afritada recipe! This hearty stew transforms simple chicken and vibrant veggies into a comforting dish bursting with rich flavors and colorful ingredients. Searing the chicken until golden brown before simmering it in a luscious tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers is the key to unlocking the soul-warming comfort this meal offers.

Having prepared this Delicious Filipino Chicken Afritada countless times, I can attest to the magic that happens when you take your time with each step of the cooking process. From patiently browning the chicken to allowing the flavors to meld together during simmering, each moment in the kitchen adds depth and richness to this beloved Filipino favorite. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the heartwarming essence of Filipino cuisine in every bite of this flavorful Chicken Afritada.

Quick Benefits

• Skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks provide extra flavor and succulence to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
• Patiently browning the chicken and simmering the stew enhances the depth of flavors, resulting in a rich and comforting meal.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal planning and entertaining.
• The recipe is versatile, allowing for customization with different seasonings and vegetables without compromising the traditional cooking method.

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Filipino Chicken Afritada Recipe Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: This recipe transforms basic chicken and veggies into a rich, warming stew packed with flavor and color.
• Comforting and Hearty: With its soul-warming comfort, this dish is a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy meals.
• Versatile: You can use either chicken thighs or drumsticks and adjust the seasoning and vegetables to suit your taste.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Prepare the dish up to 2 days ahead for even better flavors or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Pairs Perfectly: Serve over white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and add fresh green onions and calamansi or lime wedges for an authentic Filipino experience.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the seasonings, veggies, and thickness of the sauce to your preference and add a spicy kick with bird’s eye chilies.
• Tips for Success: Patience during browning, careful heat management, and adjusting cooking times for desired textures ensure the best results every time.
• Efficient Prep: You can brown the chicken and chop the veggies in advance to streamline the cooking process and have a meal ready in no time.

Ingredients for Flavorful Filipino Chicken Afritada Recipe

Main Components

• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons veggie oil
• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks

Vegetables

• 1 big carrot, peeled and cut into rounds
• 2 green onions, sliced (to sprinkle on top)
• 1 big onion, diced
• 2 medium spuds, peeled and diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup green peas (frozen works fine)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into strips

Sauce

• 1 cup chicken stock (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (skip if you want)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Pro Tips for Flavorful Filipino Chicken Afritada Recipe

For the most flavor, use skin-on chicken and take the time to brown it properly. Patience during the browning step is key to developing a rich sauce. Adjust your heat carefully throughout cooking to ensure the best results.

To enhance the dish’s taste, serve Filipino Chicken Afritada over plain white rice. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions and extra soy sauce for extra flavor. For an authentic touch, accompany it with calamansi or lime wedges. If desired, provide bird’s eye chilies for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Remember, the sauce can be thickened by simmering without the lid, and tough chicken can be cooked longer on low heat. Additionally, if your veggies become mushy, consider adding a fresh batch towards the end of cooking for better texture.

How to Make Flavorful Filipino Chicken Afritada Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 2: Soften Veggies

In the same pot, cook onion until soft for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix in Veggies

Add broth to deglaze the pot, then add potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Everything

Add tomato sauce, remaining broth, soy sauce, bay leaf, and sugar (if desired) to the pot. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Complete Dish

Add peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with green onions, and serve hot with rice.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious Filipino Chicken Afritada, you can store any leftovers in the fridge for about 4 days in a sealed container. If the sauce thickens upon reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth to adjust the consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may slightly change. Thaw the frozen stew in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove until it is heated through.

To enhance the flavors of the dish, consider serving the Chicken Afritada over plain white rice, allowing the rice to absorb the savory sauce. Garnish with fresh green onions and additional soy sauce for added taste. For an authentic Filipino dining experience, accompany the meal with calamansi or lime wedges on the side. If you prefer a spicier kick, provide bird’s eye chilies as a condiment. Remember to adjust the sauce consistency by simmering without a lid to thicken it or cooking tough chicken pieces a bit longer on low heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, you can use skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks to reduce the fat content of the dish without compromising on flavor. If you prefer a different protein, you could also try boneless, skinless chicken breast or even tofu as a vegetarian alternative.

If you don’t have green peas on hand, you can substitute them with other vegetables like corn, green beans, or even edamame. These alternatives will still add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the dish. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you can swap them out for other veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with this Filipino Chicken Afritada, try serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl. Simply carve out the center of a round loaf of crusty bread, like a sourdough boule, and fill it with a generous portion of the stew. Not only does this make for a stunning presentation, but it also allows the delicious sauce to soak into the bread, making for a delightful and edible bowl!

Another fun way to serve this dish is in individual mini cast iron skillets. After simmering the Chicken Afritada, spoon it into small, pre-heated skillets and place them directly on the table for a cozy and rustic dining experience. Your guests can enjoy their own personal serving of the stew straight from the skillet, savoring the warmth and comfort of this flavorful Filipino dish.

FAQs for Flavorful Filipino Chicken Afritada Recipe

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, you can definitely use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless cuts may cook faster.

How long should I simmer the stew for the best flavors?

To bring out the best flavors, it’s recommended to simmer the stew until the chicken and vegetables are tender. This usually takes around 30-40 minutes, but you can simmer longer if needed to enhance the flavors further.

Can I substitute any vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the vegetable mix to suit your preferences. Feel free to add or swap vegetables like green beans, celery, or even chunks of pineapple to create your own unique version of Chicken Afritada.

What can I do if the sauce turns out too watery?

If your sauce is too watery, simply let it simmer without the lid to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Delicious Filipino Chicken Afritada is truly a labor of love that rewards your patience with every comforting bite. The rich flavors and vibrant colors make it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is a wonderful way to explore the diverse and delicious world of Filipino cuisine.

So, don’t be afraid to dive into the world of Filipino cooking with this Delicious Filipino Chicken Afritada recipe. Embrace the process, savor the aromas, and enjoy the rewarding experience of creating a dish that brings people together around the dinner table. Let the warmth of this stew fill your home and your heart, and remember that the key to a truly delicious Afritada lies in the care and attention you put into each step.