Chicken Afritada Recipe | Easy Way To Cook Chicken Afritada Recipe (serves: 5)

A classic Filipino chicken afritada stew simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, loaded with vegetables and made for comforting meals with warm rice.

Discover a flavorful Chicken Afritada recipe made with juicy chicken, tomato sauce, potatoes, carrots, and green peas. This hearty Filipino stew is perfect for everyday lunches or special family dinners. Easy to make, comforting, and best served with steamed white rice.

How to Cook Chicken Afritada

Cooking Chicken Afritada is simple and straightforward, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced home cooks. Start by sautéing garlic and onion until aromatic, then brown the chicken pieces for added flavor. Once the chicken is lightly seared, simmer it in tomato sauce and chicken broth along with bay leaves to infuse rich, savory notes.

After the chicken becomes tender, add sliced hotdogs, carrots, and potatoes, letting them cook until soft. Finish it off with green peas and season to taste. Serve it warm with steamed rice for a hearty and comforting Filipino meal the whole family will enjoy.

How did Chicken Afritada come to be?

Chicken Afritada is a beloved Filipino dish that reflects the country’s rich history and love for hearty, comforting meals. Its roots trace back to Spanish colonization, which introduced tomato-based stews to the Philippines. Over time, Filipinos made the dish their own by incorporating local ingredients like bell peppers, potatoes, and carrots, along with tender chicken simmered in a savory tomato sauce.

The result is a flavorful, home-cooked stew often served at family gatherings and everyday meals. Chicken Afritada’s evolution shows how Filipino cuisine blends foreign influences with local tastes to create something uniquely satisfying.

What are the health benefits of eating Chicken Afritada?

Chicken Afritada offers several health benefits, especially when made with fresh ingredients and balanced portions. The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The dish also includes vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes, which are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health and immunity.

The tomato-based sauce adds lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart health and anti-inflammatory properties. When cooked with minimal oil and salt, Chicken Afritada can be a wholesome, nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and good for the body.

The Health Benefits of Chicken Afritada (And How to Make It Last!)

Chicken Afritada is more than just a comforting, flavorful stew — it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that your body will thank you for. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish not only delicious but also good for your health.

Tomato Sauce

One of the key ingredients in Afritada is that rich, velvety tomato sauce. It gives the dish its signature flavor and ties everything together beautifully. But tomato sauce isn’t just tasty — it’s also loaded with nutrients. For starters, it’s a great source of Vitamin A, which helps maintain good vision and supports reproductive health.

Chicken Broth

You might not expect it, but chicken broth adds more than just depth of flavor to Afritada — it brings some serious health perks too. It’s low in calories, which makes it a great base if you’re aiming for a lighter meal, but it still packs in valuable nutrients.
Chicken broth is a good source of protein and essential fatty acids, which help with muscle repair, healthy skin, and bone strength. It also contains selenium, which supports heart health and helps reduce the risk of stroke, and iron, which is key for producing hemoglobin and transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Potatoes

What would Afritada be without tender chunks of potatoes? They help make the dish heartier and more filling — and they come with a bunch of health benefits, too. Potatoes are high in dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion and lower cholesterol.
They’re also full of antioxidants, which help protect your body from harmful free radicals that can contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. In short, they’re not just there for comfort — they’re there for your well-being, too.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Afritada

Whether you’ve made a big batch for meal prep or have some leftovers from dinner, storing your Chicken Afritada properly can help keep it fresh and delicious for days to come.
First, let the dish cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and it should stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or freezer-safe container, and freeze it. This way, it can last for up to 3 to 4 months.
When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it completely in the fridge if it’s frozen. Then reheat it in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish, or warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat. It’ll taste just as good the second time around!

🎥 Video Credit: Panlasang Pinoy

We do not own this video. All rights belong to the original creator, Panlasang Pinoy. Please support their channel for more amazing Filipino recipes.

---

🍽️ About Chicken Afritada

Chicken Afritada is a Filipino comfort food favorite — a savory tomato-based stew made with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect with a warm cup of rice. This dish is a regular on many Filipino dining tables for its delicious, homey taste.

💬 What Do You Think About This Recipe?

Tried making Chicken Afritada? Or planning to try it soon?
Leave a comment below — we’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or how your version turned out! 🍽️👇