Chicken Afritada is a warm, vibrant Filipino stew made with tender chicken simmered in tomato sauce alongside potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find in countless Filipino homes — cozy, hearty, and full of familiar flavors that feel like a comforting hug from Ate.

What makes Chicken Afritada special is how approachable it is. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, the steps are beginner-friendly, and the flavors come together beautifully with minimal effort. The tomato-based broth slowly thickens into a savory, subtly sweet sauce that coats every piece of chicken. It’s the perfect weekday meal and a dish every new Filipino home cook should learn.

Its bright colors and gently sweet, savory taste make Afritada comforting for both kids and adults. With soft vegetables, tender chicken, and the rich tomato aroma filling your kitchen, this dish is a classic that never fails to satisfy — perfect for busy days, cozy nights, or family meals.

Ingredients List

To prepare this easy Chicken Afritada, gather the following:

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs chicken (thighs or drumsticks preferred)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium potato, diced

• 1 medium carrot, sliced

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1–1 ½ cups water or broth

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

• Green peas

• Hotdogs (for a classic Filipino twist)

• Bay leaf (1–2 pieces)

• A teaspoon of sugar (for flavor balance)

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 40–50 minutes

A simple, hearty, beginner-friendly dish ready in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chicken Afritada is very easy to make. Follow these beginner-friendly steps:

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the vegetables and rinsing the chicken.

Step 2: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the chicken pieces and sauté until lightly browned on all sides.

Step 4: Add soy sauce and stir to coat the chicken. Let it sauté for a minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Pour in tomato sauce and water/broth. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Lower the heat and allow the chicken to cook for 15–20 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Add potatoes and carrots. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables soften.

Step 8: Add bell peppers and optional ingredients such as peas or hotdogs. Cook for 3–5 more minutes.

Step 9: Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar to balance the acidity.

Your Chicken Afritada is now ready — savory, colorful, and perfect with rice!

Ate’s Helpful Tips

• Chicken thighs give the best tenderness and flavor.

• Add carrots before potatoes if you want firmer vegetables.

• A little sugar helps mellow the tomato sauce.

• For a richer stew, simmer uncovered during the last few minutes.

• Leftovers taste even better as the flavors deepen overnight.

• Add hotdogs for the nostalgic Filipino party-style Afritada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but reduce simmer time to prevent drying.

Do I need tomato sauce?
You can substitute tomato paste (thinned with water) or crushed tomatoes.

Can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes or siling labuyo.

Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?
Add more broth to thin it out or simmer uncovered to reduce.