How should I cut the chicken for Chicken Afritada?

Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving. Typically, cutting into 1.5 to 2-inch chunks works well. If preparing for a larger group, smaller pieces can help distribute the dish better. Make sure to remove excess fat and skin if you prefer a leaner stew.

Can I use chicken broth instead of water in Chicken Afritada?

Yes, substituting water with chicken broth or store-bought chicken stock enhances the stew’s flavor. If using chicken bouillon cubes, dissolve 1 to 2 cubes in water according to package instructions before adding. This will give your Chicken Afritada a richer and more savory taste.

Is it okay to replace tomato sauce with tomato paste in this recipe?

You can use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce, but expect a thicker consistency. To keep the stew balanced, add extra water or broth gradually until you reach your desired texture. Tomato paste also offers a more concentrated tomato flavor, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Are bay leaves necessary when cooking Chicken Afritada?

While bay leaves are optional, they add a subtle herbal aroma that deepens the dish’s flavor profile. Including one or two dried bay leaves during simmering is recommended for a more authentic taste, but omitting them will not significantly affect the overall dish.

What should I do if the Chicken Afritada sauce starts to dry up while cooking?

If the sauce reduces too much, simply add more water or chicken broth a little at a time. This prevents the stew from burning or sticking to the pan and maintains a saucy consistency. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning after adding liquid to keep the flavors balanced.

Chicken Afritada Recipe Simple Filipino Dish To Try Today

Name: Chicken Afritada Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: – 2 lbs chicken cut into serving pieces; – 1 minced onion; – 2 teaspoons garlic; – 2 cups chicken broth; – 6 oz tomato paste; – 1 large baking potato, cubed; – 1 large carrot, cubed; – 4 dried bay leaves (optional); – 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional); – Salt and pepper to taste; – 3 tablespoons cooking oil

Ingredients

– 2 lbs chicken cut into serving pieces

– 1 minced onion

– 2 teaspoons garlic

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 6 oz tomato paste

– 1 large baking potato, cubed

– 1 large carrot, cubed

– 4 dried bay leaves (optional)

– 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 3 tablespoons cooking oil

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Instructions

1-First, heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté 1 minced onion and 2 teaspoons garlic until they become fragrant, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

2-Next, add 2 lbs of chicken pieces and cook them until lightly browned, around 5-7 minutes, to lock in those savory flavors.

3-Then, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and stir in 6 oz of tomato paste to form the base of your sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and add 4 dried bay leaves and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar if you want a touch of sweetness. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 35 minutes, adding more water or broth as needed to keep it from drying out.

4-After simmering, add the cubed baking potato and carrot, then cover and cook over medium heat for another 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as you go for the perfect balance. Finally, transfer your chicken afritada to a serving dish and enjoy it hot.

Last Step:

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Notes

🐔 Using chicken with bone and skin enhances flavor and richness of the dish.
🍲 Store-bought chicken broth or bouillon cubes can be used; adjust water accordingly.
🌿 Bay leaves are optional but add depth to the flavor profile of the dish.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: Filipino
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg