Chicken Afritada Recipe | Napakadali pero Masarap na Chicken Afritada!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making Chicken Afritada, a delicious Filipino dish known for its rich flavors and colorful presentation. It’s a simple recipe that combines chicken with a variety of vegetables in a savory tomato sauce, making it perfect for serving with rice during major meals. Follow these steps for a mouth-watering Chicken Afritada that will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here’s what you need:

• 1 kg chicken (cut into serving pieces)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium potatoes (cut into wedges)
• 1 small carrot (cut into wedges)
• 1 chicken broth cube (optional)
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
• 1/3 cup green peas
• 1 medium green bell pepper (cut into squares)
• Oil for sautéing

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat Oil: In a pan, heat a suitable amount of oil over medium heat.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are aromatic and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add Chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces and sauté until they change color and are no longer pink.
2. Season: Once the chicken is light brown, add the black pepper and fish sauce. Stir well to blend the flavors.
3. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes, letting the fish sauce evaporate.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato and Broth

1. Add Tomato Paste and Broth Cube: Mix in the tomato paste and chicken broth cube (if using).
2. Add Liquid: Pour in the water or chicken broth. Stir to combine, then cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

1. Incorporate Potatoes and Carrots: After simmering, add the potato wedges, carrot wedges, and the tomato sauce. Mix well.
2. Continue Simmering: Cover the pan again and simmer for another 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Taste the Sauce: Once the potatoes and carrots are soft, taste the sauce. Adjust sweetness with sugar if desired.
2. Add Green Peas and Bell Pepper: Stir in the green peas and green bell pepper. You can also add salt if needed.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Conclusion

Your Chicken Afritada is now ready to be served! This flavorful dish pairs excellently with hot rice, making it a satisfying meal. Remember to enjoy the vibrant colors and rich flavors. You can experiment with variations, such as adding pineapple for a sweet twist or using different vegetables. Happy cooking!