Chicken Afritada
Chicken Afritada is a classic Filipino dinner, known for its tender chicken simmered slowly in a rich tomato sauce. The sauce is deeply savory and smooth, with a balanced flavor from garlic, fish sauce, and just a hint of sweetness. It is packed with potatoes, carrots, and colorful bell peppers, making it a hearty and flavorful stew that is best served with warm rice.
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.