Special Chicken Afritada is a tasty Filipino dish that brings comfort to the table. It features tender chicken cooked with colorful veggies like bell peppers and carrots in a flavorful tomato sauce.
This dish is perfect for family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I love serving it with rice. Trust me, the sauce is so good, you’ll want to save some for dipping! 🍚😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For this recipe, I recommend using bone-in chicken pieces for flavor. However, if you prefer, you can use chicken thighs or breasts. Just remember, thighs are juicier and won’t dry out as quickly!
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works well here, but I prefer using canola oil. You can substitute it with olive oil for a slightly different flavor, though it may not handle high heat as well.
Tomato Sauce: You can use homemade tomato sauce for a richer taste, or a can of good-quality store-bought sauce. If you want a little kick, add some diced tomatoes or tomato paste for depth.
Vegetables: I love using fresh produce! If you don’t have carrots or bell peppers, try using green beans or sweet potatoes instead. Get creative with what veggies you have on hand!
Fish Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with Worcestershire sauce or just skip it altogether. The dish will still taste great!
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken is Tender?
Getting tender chicken is all about the cooking time and method. After browning, let the chicken simmer slowly. This helps it cook evenly and soak in flavors. Here’s how:
- Brown the chicken well on medium heat, as this adds flavor.
- Once you’ve added the liquids, keep it at a low simmer. This prevents the chicken from getting tough.
- Check for doneness after about 30 minutes, and if it’s tender and cooked through, you’re good to go!
How Do You Cook the Perfect Vegetables?
Timing is key for those veggies—especially in a one-pot dish like this! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Add the potatoes and carrots first, as they take longer to soften. Cook for about 10-15 minutes.
- Next, stir in the bell peppers and peas. These should last only a few minutes so they stay bright and crunchy.
Following these tips will help you achieve that delightful mix of tender and crisp veggies. Enjoy your Special Chicken Afritada!
How to Make Special Chicken Afritada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg chicken (cut into serving pieces)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 1 hour of cooking time. So you can enjoy a delicious meal in about 1 hour and 10 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté them until they smell wonderful and the onions turn translucent. This will take a few minutes, and it creates a lovely base for your dish.
2. Brown the Chicken:
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This helps to develop great flavor in the dish. Make sure to stir them occasionally to get an even color.
3. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. If you’re using fish sauce and soy sauce, add those too along with the bay leaves. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed. The sauce will be the heart of your Afritada.
4. Simmer the Chicken:
Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and become tender, soaking in all those delicious flavors. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally!
5. Add Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the potatoes and carrots. Cook these in the sauce until they are soft, which should take about 10-15 minutes. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
6. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the sliced bell peppers and green peas. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the bell peppers are tender yet still a bit crisp. This will add a nice crunch and color to your dish.
7. Season to Perfection:
Finally, taste your Chicken Afritada and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Special Chicken Afritada hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the savory flavors and impress your family or friends with this delicious dish!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as dark meat may take a bit longer to cook through than white meat. Be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Can I Make Chicken Afritada Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Afritada in advance! Cook the dish and then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it back up on the stove over low heat until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth, or even water mixed with a little extra seasoning (like bouillon or soy sauce) for added flavor. If you want a richer taste, a combination of water and a splash of white wine can work well too!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Afritada?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, put it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s sealed well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
