Filipino Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Afritada
Chicken braised in a mild tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
No common allergens detected
Based on this recipe's ingredient list. Always verify with your own brands and labels.
Good to know
- One-pot
Matched from this dish's own ingredients and timing. Browse more: one-pot dinners
Instructions
5 steps- 1
Pan-Fry Chicken and Veggies: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or pot. Lightly pan-fry the potatoes and carrots for 3-4 minutes to help them hold their shape later. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, brown the chicken pieces on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- 2
Sauté Aromatics: In the remaining oil and chicken fat, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onions until translucent.
- 3
Simmer the Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- 4
Cook the Vegetables: Add the pan-fried potatoes and carrots back into the pot. Cover and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- 5
Finish: Stir in the bell peppers and green peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the peppers remain crisp and vibrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
73/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving485
Calories
49 g
Protein
20 g
Carbs
24 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Afritada is a homestyle Filipino chicken stew in a tomato base with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. One of a family of Spanish-influenced tomato braises that includes mechado and kaldereta, it is the gentlest and most everyday of them. Simple, colorful, and comforting, it is weeknight dinner across the islands.
Listahan note
This version browns the chicken first for depth, then simmers it in a tomato base with the vegetables added by cook time for a bright, tidy stew.
Technique cues
- Brown the chicken before stewing for a richer base.
- Add potatoes and carrots early, peppers and peas late.
- Reduce the sauce until it lightly coats the chicken and vegetables.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- Brown the chicken and start the braise, then prep vegetables during the simmer.
- Make-ahead
- Make a day ahead; the flavor deepens overnight.
- Leftover move
- Spoon leftover afritada over fresh rice or into a pot pie.
- Cleanup rhythm
- One pot; soak it promptly, as tomato sauce clings.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
Bone-in chicken
Main protein
Purpose: Bones and dark meat enrich the tomato sauce and stay juicy.
Handling: Brown the pieces before adding liquid.
Adaptation: Boneless thighs work for a faster stew.
Tomato sauce
Base
Purpose: Forms the bright, savory body of afritada.
Handling: Simmer with the chicken to meld.
Adaptation: Fresh tomatoes plus a little paste work.
Potatoes and carrots
Hearty vegetables
Purpose: Add substance and sweetness to the stew.
Handling: Cut into even chunks and add early.
Adaptation: Use either alone if needed.
Bell peppers and peas
Color and freshness
Purpose: Add color and a fresh finish.
Handling: Add in the last few minutes.
Adaptation: Frozen peas are fine; add at the very end.
Technique notes
- Brown the chicken for a deeper, less flat tomato base.
- Stagger the vegetables so each is cooked just right.
- Reduce to a coating sauce rather than a thin soup.
Ingredient swaps
- Leaner direction
- Use skinless chicken and trim visible fat.
- Pork direction
- Use pork for afritadang baboy.
- Vegetable-forward direction
- Add extra vegetables to stretch the dish.
Serve alongside
- Steamed white rice
- Crusty bread
- Sauteed greens
- Atchara (pickled papaya)
- Cold water
- Iced tea
- Calamansi juice
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate up to 3 days; the flavor improves overnight.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
- Freeze up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Equipment
- Heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Ladle
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