Chicken Afritada

Ingredients

• Cooking oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)
• Fish sauce (1 tablespoon)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Chicken broth (1 cup)
• Tomato sauce (1 cup)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Peas (1 cup, fresh or frozen)
• Bell peppers (1 cup, chopped (mix of red and green))
• Carrots (2 medium, sliced)
• Potatoes (2 medium, diced)
• Chicken (2 pounds, cut into pieces (bone-in, skinless preferred))

Instructions

1. In a large pot or pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir well to combine the flavors.
5. Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped bell peppers, and peas to the pot. Stir to incorporate the vegetables.
8. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
10. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Filipino classic.