Teresa's Recipes
Chicken Afritada
Chicken Afritada is a beloved Filipino dish that showcases the rich flavors of a tomato-based stew. Bursting with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, and a savory blend of spices, this dish is a comforting family favorite. Traditionally served over steamed rice, it brings warmth and joy to the dinner table, making it perfect for gatherings and celebrations. The history of Afritada traces back to Spanish influences in Filipino cuisine, where 'afritada' means 'fried' in Spanish, referring to the initial cooking method of the chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2-3 leaves Bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 1 cup, fresh or frozen Peas
- 1 cup, chopped (mix of red and green) Bell peppers
- 2 medium, sliced Carrots
- 2 medium, diced Potatoes
- 2 pounds, cut into pieces (bone-in, skinless preferred) Chicken
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large pot or pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped bell peppers, and peas to the pot. Stir to incorporate the vegetables.
- Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
- Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Filipino classic.
Tips
- For added depth of flavor, you can include a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference; you can add green beans, corn, or even eggplant.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the stew simmer uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking.