Easy One-Pot Chicken Afritada Recipe: Filipino Flavor Feast

Among the popular Filipino stews, chicken afritada is one of my favorite childhood dishes from the Philippines. This type of Filipino chicken stew is made up of various chicken parts, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers simmered in a tomato-based sauce.

While there are many ways to make this classic Filipino dish, I have turned this traditional chicken stew into a delicious, healthy, game-changer one-pot meal. It is now one of my go-to recipes whenever I am craving for something hearty and comforting.

I was exhausted one day, and I wanted to make a comforting meal without having to deal with a lot of pots after a long day. That day, my easy one pot afritada recipe was born. The rice is perfectly seasoned and cooked in a delicious sauce, and the chicken pieces are tender and juicy. The bell peppers, tomatoes, and other veggies make the dish more wholesome and nutritious, too!

Why you will love about this chicken afritada recipe

#1: One pot - Less mess to clean up after cooking.

#2: Healthy and nutritious - Loaded with basic vegetables.

#3: Delicious - Full of flavor. My whole family devoured it.

#4: Great leftovers - The leftovers taste awesome the next day, so it's great for meal prep for the week ahead.

Optional Ingredients

Green olives

Potatoes

Fresh tomatoes

Green peas

Tomato sauce

Tomato paste

Equipment

Large saucepan with a lid

Wooden spoon

Knife

Cutting board

How to store and reheat

To Store:

Cool the Chicken Afritada to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness and preventing spoilage.

To Reheat:

The Chicken Afritada can be reheated in two ways, depending on your preference. For a quick method, microwave individual portions for about 1 minute, or until thoroughly heated. If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, especially for the rice, reheating in a frying pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes is recommended. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and to achieve a bit of crispiness on the rice.

FAQs

What is chicken afritada?

This popular Filipino dish is a tomato-based sauce chicken stew that is usually served with rice. Chicken afritada is one of the many chicken stews in the Philippines that also includes chicken adobo and chicken kaldereta. You can also make beef or pork afritada, but chicken is the most common protein used in this dish.

Loaded with vegetables like green, red chopped bell pepper, and carrots, this afritada chicken recipe boasts a flavorful, hearty, and filling meal that the whole family will love. Chicken afritada or afritadang manok in Tagalog is usually served at family gatherings and special occasions. However, this chicken dish is so good and easy to make, you will want to cook it more often at home.

What is the history of chicken afritada?

The word "afritada" came from the Spanish word "fritada" which means fried. It refers to the first step of the preparation, where the chicken is pan-fried before stewing in the sauce. My afritada recipe does that for you in one cooking pot to make the dish more authentic.

How do I cook Chicken Afritada with potatoes and carrots?

To make this recipe with potatoes and carrots, start by browning seasoned chicken in a pot. Remove the chicken, and in the same pot, sauté garlic, shallots, and then add the rice. After toasting the rice, add canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, water, and then the potatoes and carrots. Finally, add the chicken back, along with fish sauce, soy sauce, bay leaves, and chopped bell pepper. Simmer until the chicken and vegetables are cooked through.

What's the role of canned tomato sauce in Chicken Afritada?

Canned tomato sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing the base for the stew's rich, tangy, and savory sauce. It contributes to the dish's characteristic flavor and color.

Most Chicken Afritada recipes include green peas - Should I add them?

You're right. Many chicken afritada recipes include green peas. However, they aren't required in my recipe, but you could certainly add green peas if you like!

Why is Chicken Afritada a popular Filipino food?

Chicken Afritada is popular in Filipino cuisine because it combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, chicken, and vegetables in a comforting stew. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted with various ingredients and is often served at family gatherings, making it a staple in Filipino food culture.

More FAQs

When should I add fish sauce to Chicken Afritada?

You should add fish sauce to the recipe during the stage when you combine the tomatoes (either canned tomato sauce or plain tomato sauce), water, and other ingredients like potatoes, and carrots, and chopped bell pepper. Adding it at this point allows the fish sauce to infuse the entire dish with its savory umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of this classic Filipino food.

What is the difference between Afritada and Caldereta?

Afritada and Caldereta are both popular Filipino stews, known for their rich, savory flavors and the use of tomatoes in their recipes. Despite these similarities, there are notable differences between the two:

Ingredients:

• Afritada typically uses chicken, pork, or sometimes beef, simmered in tomato sauce with potatoes, bell peppers, and carrots. It's known for its simplicity and is often considered a comfort food in the Philippines.
• Caldereta, on the other hand, traditionally uses goat meat, though beef, chicken, or pork are common substitutes. It's distinguished by the addition of liver spread or liver paste, which thickens the sauce and gives it a unique flavor. Caldereta also includes potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and sometimes olives and peas, making it richer and more complex in flavor.

Spiciness:

• Afritada is generally not spicy, focusing more on the sweetness of the tomatoes and the savoriness of the meat.
• Caldereta can be spicy, with the addition of chili peppers or hot sauce to give it a bit of heat. This isn't mandatory, but it's a common variation that adds to its distinctiveness.

Origin and Influence:

• Afritada is influenced by Spanish cuisine, like many Filipino dishes, but it has been adapted over the years to suit local tastes and ingredients.
• Caldereta also has Spanish origins (its name is derived from "caldera," meaning cauldron) and has evolved in the Filipino culinary tradition, incorporating local ingredients and flavors to create a dish that's uniquely Filipino.

Complexity and Occasion:

• Afritada is considered more of an everyday dish due to its simplicity and ease of preparation.
• Caldereta is often reserved for special occasions, partly because of its richer ingredients and more complex flavor profile. It's a dish that's meant to impress and is often served at parties, fiestas, and family gatherings.

What are the health benefits of eating Chicken Afritada?

Eating Chicken Afritada offers several health benefits. This dish is not only delicious and comforting but also includes a variety of ingredients that contribute positively to your overall diet. Here are some of the health benefits associated with the key components of your Chicken Afritada recipe. Please note that I am a food blogger, not a doctor, and this information is not medical advice, so please consult a doctor for more information.

Skinless Bone-in Chicken

--Lean Protein Source: Removing the skin from chicken reduces the fat content, making it a healthier option. Chicken provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

--Nutrients: Chicken is also a good source of certain B vitamins, such as niacin and B6, which are important for energy metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Canned Tomatoes and Fresh Tomatoes

--Lycopene: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Cooking tomatoes, as in this recipe, can increase the bioavailability of lycopene.

--Vitamin C and Potassium: They provide vitamin C, which supports immune function, and potassium, important for blood pressure regulation.

Vegetables (Bell Pepper, Carrot, Shallot)

--Fiber and Vitamins: The vegetables add dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals; for example, bell peppers are high in vitamin C, carrots provide vitamin A as beta-carotene, and shallots offer flavonoids and antioxidants.

--Low-Calorie Content: These vegetables are low in calories, helping to create a filling, nutrient-dense meal that can support weight management.

Jasmine Rice

--Energy Source: Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, the body's primary energy source, making this dish energy-dense and satisfying.

--Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, jasmine rice is a safe, gluten-free grain option.

I hope this Chicken Afritada recipe brings you a taste of true Filipino comfort!