Filipino Chicken Afritada is a comforting stew of tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce, loaded with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas. This straightforward, home-style recipe uses fresh tomatoes to build a rich sauce, then finishes with a touch of ketchup or tomato sauce to balance flavor. Serve hot over steamed rice and spoon the sauce over each serving for a classic Filipino meal.
Afritada is one of the Philippines’ most beloved stews, often served at family gatherings, birthdays, and other special occasions. It shares Spanish stewing influences with dishes like Menudo, Mechado, and Kaldereta, but it shines with its tomato-forward, slightly sweet-salty sauce and colorful vegetables.
What is Filipino Chicken Afritada?
Chicken Afritada is a Filipino stew featuring bone-in chicken pieces braised in a tomato-based sauce with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. Aromatic garlic and onions provide a savory base; bay leaves add subtle herbal notes; and fish sauce contributes authentic umami. The result is a hearty, family-friendly dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Why you’ll love this Chicken Afritada
This version uses fresh chopped tomatoes to build a robust, layered sauce instead of relying only on canned tomato products. Fresh tomatoes give the stew a brighter, less tart base; a small amount of ketchup or tomato sauce added toward the end helps round the flavors and adds a pleasant sweetness. Using bone-in dark meat (thighs or drumsticks) keeps the chicken moist during the simmer, and the vegetables remain colorful and satisfying. The dish is forgiving, easy to scale, and often tastes even better the next day.
Enjoy this warm, flavorful Filipino chicken stew with freshly cooked rice. It makes a filling weeknight dinner and is equally welcome at gatherings.
Ingredients for Chicken Afritada
- 2.2 lbs (1 kilo) chicken drumsticks or thighs, skin-on (you may season lightly with salt)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or oil of choice
- 3–4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 medium onion, chopped (or 1–2 red shallots for a more traditional flavor)
- 3 large Roma or plum tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or substitute soy sauce if needed)
- 1/4–1/3 cup water
- 2 bay leaves, dried or fresh
- 1 large red potato, quartered then sliced*
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped*
- 1 large carrot, chopped*
- 1/3–1/2 cup ketchup (Del Monte preferred) or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
- A little brown sugar to balance acidity, if desired
Instructions for Chicken Afritada
1. Heat oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the garlic and onions to the remaining oil. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook 4–5 minutes until they soften and begin to release their juices. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Return the chicken to the pan. Add fish sauce or salt to taste, and pour in about 1/4–1/3 cup water. Add the bay leaves, reduce heat, and simmer until the chicken is tender, checking after about 30 minutes. Adjust liquid if needed to prevent drying.
5. While the chicken simmers, prepare the potatoes and carrots. When the chicken is tender, add the potatoes and carrots and cook about 10 minutes until starting to soften. Cut the bell peppers to roughly the same size as the other vegetables and add them, simmering another 4–5 minutes.
6. Stir in the ketchup or tomato sauce and green peas. Cook until the peas are tender and the sauce is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning; if the sauce is too tart, add a small pinch of brown sugar to balance it. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips & FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken? Yes. Boneless thighs or breasts work, but reduce cooking time because boneless cuts cook faster. Bone-in dark meat is preferred for juicier results.
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely. Afritada often improves after resting overnight because the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
Fish sauce substitute? Soy sauce can replace fish sauce, but fish sauce adds distinctive umami and authenticity. If using soy, taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
*Use fish sauce if possible for a more authentic depth of flavor. Choose a quality brand without additives. Cut the vegetables to roughly uniform sizes so they cook evenly, keeping them larger than the typical menudo dice for a heartier texture.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 314 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 683 mg
This simple Chicken Afritada recipe produces a flavorful, family-friendly stew that celebrates Filipino home cooking. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.