Name: Chicken Afritada
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil; 1 large carrot, cubed; 1 large potato, cubed; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium red or green bell pepper; 1 ½ cups tomato sauce; 1 ½ cups water; 2 pounds chicken drumsticks or wings; Salt to taste; ¼ cup potted meat (optional); ¼ cup processed cheese, grated (e.g., Kraft or Velveeta)

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The Chicken Afritada is a true Filipino classic, loved for its tender chicken pieces bathed in a savory, creamy tomato sauce with rich flavors and a hint of sweetness. The addition of cubed potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers makes this a complete meal in itself, ideal for pairing with warm steamed rice. This dish is versatile enough to grace special occasions or simply elevate a weeknight meal. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty, delicious dish that’s sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a fan of traditional flavors, Chicken Afritada promises to impress every time!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons oil
1 large carrot, cubed
1 large potato, cubed
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red or green bell pepper
1 ½ cups tomato sauce
1 ½ cups water
2 pounds chicken drumsticks or wings
Salt to taste
¼ cup potted meat (optional)
¼ cup processed cheese, grated (e.g., Kraft or Velveeta)

Direction:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the carrots and potatoes until edges are lightly browned, then set aside.
In the same skillet, sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Using the same skillet, sauté garlic and onions until aromatic and softened.
Add tomato sauce and 1 cup water. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until tomato sauce has mellowed.
Return chicken to the skillet, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup of water, and season with salt. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced.
Stir in potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, butter, potted meat, and grated cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve warm with rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes Kcal: 516 kcal | Servings: 4

Chicken Afritada: A Filipino Classic Dish with Rich History and Flavor

Introduction to Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada is a beloved Filipino dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. Rooted in the country’s Spanish-influenced culinary heritage, this dish is popular for its comforting flavors and straightforward preparation. Often served as a main course, Afritada is a staple in Filipino households, enjoyed as both an everyday meal and a dish to impress guests.

The term “Afritada” is derived from the Spanish word “fritada,” meaning “fried,” reflecting the initial step of searing the ingredients. Though it shares similarities with other tomato-based Filipino stews like Menudo and Kaldereta, Afritada stands out with its unique flavors and creamy, savory sauce enhanced by ingredients like potted meat, cheese, and margarine or butter.

Why Chicken Afritada Stands Out

There are many reasons why Chicken Afritada is a favorite, especially among home cooks and families:

Balanced Flavor Profile: The tomato-based sauce provides a deliciously tangy flavor that’s mellowed by the butter and cheese, making the sauce creamy and well-rounded. The chicken and vegetables absorb these flavors as they simmer, resulting in a deeply satisfying, hearty taste.
Nutritional Benefits: With its mix of vegetables, lean protein, and moderate fats, Chicken Afritada is a balanced meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The addition of carrots and bell peppers brings vitamins A and C, while the chicken provides a lean source of protein.
Customizable and Versatile: Afritada is easily customizable. You can adjust the spiciness, add other vegetables like green peas or green beans, or even make it richer with additional cheese or cream. The adaptable nature of this dish makes it easy to cater to various dietary preferences or simply change things up based on what’s in the kitchen.
Cultural and Comforting Appeal: For many Filipinos, Chicken Afritada is a nostalgic meal that brings memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Its warm, rich flavors make it the ideal comfort food to share with loved ones, especially when paired with steamed rice.

Key Ingredients and Health Benefits

1. Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken provides essential amino acids that support muscle repair and overall body functions. Opting for dark meat cuts like drumsticks and wings (as the recipe suggests) brings a juicier, more tender texture and adds depth to the flavor as they stew.

2. Carrots: Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function. Their natural sweetness complements the tanginess of the tomato sauce, balancing the overall taste of the dish.

3. Bell Peppers: These colorful vegetables are high in vitamins C and A and packed with antioxidants, which support immune health and reduce inflammation. Bell peppers add vibrant color and texture to the dish.

4. Tomato Sauce: The base of Afritada’s sauce is tomato, a nutrient-dense fruit rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health. The acidity of the tomatoes adds complexity to the flavor, while cooking helps release their beneficial compounds.

5. Cheese and Margarine (or Butter): Although optional, these ingredients add a luxurious creaminess to the sauce. Cheese provides calcium and a slightly salty taste, while margarine or butter adds richness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Tips for the Perfect Afritada

Searing the Meat and Vegetables First: One of the secrets to an exceptional Chicken Afritada is to sear the chicken, potatoes, and carrots before simmering. This adds depth of flavor to the dish and gives the vegetables a lovely golden-brown color.
Slow Simmering: The dish benefits greatly from a slow simmer, allowing the chicken to become tender and the sauce to thicken. Patience is key, as the slow cooking process brings out a richer, more cohesive flavor profile.
Adding Butter and Cheese at the End: For that extra creamy texture, margarine or butter and cheese are added during the final stage of cooking. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a velvety consistency that makes this version of Afritada stand out from others.
Using Dark Meat for Tenderness: Afritada is typically made with chicken drumsticks or wings rather than breast meat. These cuts are higher in fat and collagen, making them ideal for slow stewing as they stay moist and absorb the sauce’s flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Chicken Afritada is traditionally served with steamed white rice, allowing the rice to absorb the sauce’s flavors. For a more complete meal, you could serve it alongside other classic Filipino sides, such as:

Garlic Fried Rice: Adds a fragrant, savory twist that complements the richness of the Afritada.
Atchara (Pickled Papaya): The tanginess of atchara cuts through the richness of the Afritada, offering a refreshing contrast.
Filipino-Style Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans or sautéed kangkong (water spinach) adds a fresh, green element to the plate.

Healthier Variations of Chicken Afritada

For those looking to lighten up the dish, there are several ways to make Chicken Afritada healthier:

Omit the Butter or Use Olive Oil: To cut down on saturated fat, you can skip the butter or margarine and use olive oil for sautéing. This will still provide a rich flavor with a healthier fat profile.
Add More Vegetables: You can increase the vegetable-to-chicken ratio by adding more carrots, bell peppers, or other nutrient-dense veggies. This adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals without adding many extra calories.
Use Low-Fat Cheese or Skip It: While cheese provides a creamy texture, you could use a small amount of low-fat cheese or omit it entirely if you prefer a lighter sauce.

The Unique Appeal of Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada is more than just a meal—it’s a slice of Filipino culture. This dish, with its roots in the Philippines’ Spanish colonial history, showcases how Filipino cuisine combines local ingredients with flavors introduced by other cultures. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted for special gatherings or simply enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner.

The secret ingredients—potted meat, processed cheese, and butter or margarine—add a creamy and slightly savory depth to the sauce, making this version stand out. These additions create a unique, almost luxurious taste that goes beyond the typical tomato-based stew. Furthermore, by taking the time to simmer the ingredients, the chicken becomes so tender that it practically melts in your mouth.

Conclusion

Chicken Afritada is a flavorful, wholesome dish that embodies Filipino hospitality and culinary traditions. Its creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables make it not only delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for serving family-style. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this Afritada recipe is simple yet impressive. Give it a try, and bring a touch of Filipino warmth and flavor to your table!