Whenever I run out of ideas on how to cook chicken for the week, afritadang manok is my go-to recipe. It’s simple, tasty, and reminds me of home. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, this dish always brings comfort to my table.
Afritadang manok is one of those recipes that’s easy to make even if you’re busy. Plus, it’s perfect for family meals or when you have guests over. Everyone loves it, and it’s always a hit!
What I love most about this dish is how flexible it is. You can add whatever vegetables you have on hand – potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, or even peas. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge and still come out with a delicious meal. So, let’s get started and cook some Chicken Afritada!
Chicken Afritada vs Chicken Caldereta
You might get confused, what’s the difference between chicken afritada and chicken caldereta? Both are delicious Filipino chicken dishes with tomato sauce, but they have their unique twists.
Chicken Afritada usually has a simpler sauce made with tomato sauce and a few basic seasonings. It often includes vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s straightforward and perfect for everyday meals.
On the other hand, Chicken Caldereta has a richer and more complex flavor. It often includes liver spread or pâté, which makes the sauce thicker and more flavorful. Caldereta also sometimes has olives, pickles, and even cheese, adding a special touch to the dish.
So, while both dishes are tomato-based, Afritada is simpler and lighter, while Caldereta is richer and more robust. Both are great choices depending on what you’re in the mood for!
What You Will Love About Afritadang Manok?
There are so many things to love about Afritadang Manok! Here are a few reasons why this dish is a favorite in many Filipino homes:
Easy to Make: It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Perfect for busy days!
Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, tomato sauce, and vegetables creates a delicious, hearty flavor that everyone enjoys.
Versatile: You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas all work great in this dish.
Comfort Food: It’s a dish that reminds you of home. The rich, savory sauce and tender chicken make it a comforting meal, especially when served with rice.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a regular family dinner or a special gathering, Afritadang Manok is always a hit. It’s a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up without much hassle.
Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
Chicken Afritada Ingredients
Chicken: Tender chicken pieces that absorb the rich flavors of the tomato sauce and seasonings, making them juicy and delicious.
Cooking Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and onions, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the dish.
Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that add depth and a savory base to the sauce.
Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce: Tomato paste (optional) for a richer flavor and thicker sauce, combined with tomato sauce for a tangy, vibrant base.
Water/Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps create the savory sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Soy Sauce: Adds a touch of umami and saltiness, enhancing the overall taste.
Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle, earthy aroma that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
Chicken Cube: Intensifies the savory chicken flavor, making the dish more robust and flavorful.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Potatoes and Carrots: Hearty vegetables that absorb the savory sauce, adding texture and substance.
Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Green Peas: Provide a burst of freshness and a slightly sweet taste, balancing the flavors.
How To Cook Chicken Afritada
Brown the Chicken
Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Onions
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
Add Tomato Paste (Optional)
Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor of the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add the soy sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to create a rich, savory sauce.
Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced potatoes, sliced carrots, and bell pepper strips to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
Add the Green Peas
Add the green peas to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will give the dish a fresh, sweet flavor and a pop of color.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Make sure the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
And there you have it! A delicious pot of Chicken Afritada ready to be served. Enjoy it with a steaming bowl of rice!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Afritada
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken make a big difference in flavor. Whenever possible, opt for fresh produce and high-quality chicken to ensure the best taste.
Brown the Chicken Well
Don’t rush the browning process. Properly browning the chicken on all sides adds a deeper flavor to the dish and helps lock in the juices, making the chicken more tender.
Simmer Slowly
Allow the chicken and vegetables to simmer slowly. This gives the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a richer and more flavorful sauce.
Customize Your Veggies
Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Green beans, corn, or even zucchini can be great additions, making the dish more versatile and helping you use up what’s in your fridge.
Balance the Seasoning
Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning gradually. Sometimes a little more soy sauce, salt, or pepper can make all the difference in bringing out the best flavors in your Chicken Afritada.
Frequently Asked Questions
To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can mash a few pieces of the potatoes in the sauce to naturally thicken it.
To add some heat, you can include chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, adding a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce will give it a spicy kick.
If your Chicken Afritada is too salty, you can add more potatoes or carrots to absorb some of the saltiness. Adding a bit of sugar or a splash of vinegar can also help balance the flavors.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Chicken Afritada
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram Chicken (cut into serving pieces)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 piece Onion large (chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste (optional)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups Water / Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 piece Bay Leaves
- 1 piece Chicken Cube
- pinch Salt and Pepper
- 2 pieces Potatoes large (squared)
- 2 pieces Carrots large (squared)
- 1 piece Bell Pepper large (strips)
- 1 cup Green Peas (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add the soy sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the sliced potatoes, sliced carrots, and bell pepper strips to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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