Chicken and Veggie Afritada Stew (1 Hr, 5 Mins)

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Chicken Afritada is a traditional Filipino stew that combines tender pieces of chicken with hearty vegetables like potatoes, green peas, and carrots, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

This dish is known for its rich, savory flavor profile, accented with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, especially on cooler evenings.

Chicken Afritada is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well), skin-on
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown Chicken (10 minutes): Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes): In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings (5 minutes): Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and bay leaves. If desired, add sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  4. Simmer Chicken (20 minutes): Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
  5. Add Vegetables (20 minutes): Add the quartered potatoes, sliced carrots, and red bell pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Finish with Peas (5 minutes): Stir in the green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve the Chicken Afritada hot.

Notes

For a perfect Chicken Afritada, ensure that the chicken is well-browned to develop depth of flavor. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy. The tomato-based sauce should be savory with a hint of sweetness and tang. If the sauce is too thick, you can adjust its consistency by adding a little more broth.

This stew is great served over rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce. Chicken Afritada is a hearty and delicious meal that brings the warmth of Filipino cuisine to your table. Enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Pair this with...

Saffron Rice

Start by soaking a pinch of saffron threads in a couple tablespoons of hot water. This draws out the color and flavor. In a pot, sauté some finely chopped onions in butter or oil until translucent. Add in your rice, preferably Basmati for its fragrant profile, and stir for a couple of minutes to coat the grains. Pour in your stock or water, then add the saffron along with its soaking liquid. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. Fluff with a fork, and serve.

Simple Tossed Salad

Start by tearing your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a cool and crunchy base. Thinly slice a red onion, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick. For a refreshing crunch, slice up some cucumber, and for a sweet contrast, add in slivers of red pepper. Once your components are prepped and in the bowl, give everything a good toss, ensuring the ingredients are mixed and every bite will have a little bit of everything. For a simple dressing, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, adding a burst of citrusy brightness.

Roasted Carrots

Take a bunch of fresh carrots, and give them a good wash. You can peel them if you want, but leaving the skin on gives them a rustic charm. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and maybe a touch of garlic powder for an added kick. Toss them onto a baking tray and roast in the oven until they're tender and have those tantalizing golden-brown edges. Once out of the oven, while they're still piping hot, give them a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does this add a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor.

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