Name: Chicken Afritada Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken cut into serving pieces; 4 ounces chicken liver; 3 hotdogs sliced diagonally (optional); 2 potatoes quartered; 2 carrots diced; 2 bell peppers sliced; 1 yellow onion chopped; 5 dried bay leaves; ¾ cups green peas; 5 cloves garlic chopped; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1 piece Chicken Broth Cube; ½ cup cheddar cheese grated; Fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste; ½ cup cooking oil

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Afritada Recipe because it reminds me of cozy family dinners filled with warmth and hearty flavors. This dish offers a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables that create a comforting and delicious meal every time. It’s a classic Filipino favorite that is surprisingly simple to prepare but leaves a lasting impression on everyone at the table. Whenever I make this recipe, I’m always excited to gather around and enjoy its rich, vibrant taste with loved ones.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Afritada Recipe

What really makes this Chicken Afritada Recipe stand out for me is the beautiful harmony of flavors. The tomato sauce brings a luscious, slightly sweet tang that complements the tender, juicy chicken perfectly. The subtle umami notes from the soy sauce and fish sauce deepen the flavor profile, while the fresh bell peppers, peas, potatoes, and carrots add a wonderful variety of textures and colors that make the dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

I also appreciate how approachable this recipe is. Even if you’re not usually confident in the kitchen, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. You get to do a bit of pan-frying, sautéing, and simmering, so it’s fun without being intimidating. Plus, the ingredient list features basics that are often already in my pantry or fridge, which means I can whip this up on the fly without a special trip to the store.

This dish is perfect for so many occasions too. Whether I’m serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, Chicken Afritada always feels special and satisfying. Its vibrant flavors and hearty components encourage everyone at the table to dig right in and enjoy a meal that brings comfort and a taste of home.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows raw ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top, there is a white plate holding two whole raw chicken pieces. Below and spread across in rows, colorful vegetables are placed: a green bell pepper, a red bell pepper, two orange carrots, and three brown potatoes. There are also small glass bowls filled with bright red tomato sauce and green peas. Nearby, a block of yellow butter sits next to two red sticks of what appears to be seasoning or sausages. Smaller ingredients like an onion, garlic cloves, a small bowl of dark soy sauce, a small bowl of brown sauce, black pepper, and spice packets are also arranged in a clean, organized layout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chicken Afritada Recipe uses a simple set of ingredients that work together beautifully to create depth, richness, and color in the final dish. Each item serves an important role—chicken for protein, vegetables for freshness and texture, and pantry staples for seasoning and sauce.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chicken pieces: The centerpiece of the dish, providing tender and flavorful protein.
Chicken liver: Adds a rich depth and slight earthiness that enhances the sauce.
Hotdogs (optional): A nostalgic touch that adds subtle smoky flavor and a different texture.
Potatoes and carrots: These veggies offer comforting heartiness and a sweet earthiness.
Bell peppers: Provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
Yellow onion and garlic: Create a savory aromatic base essential for building flavor.
Dried bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with mild herbal notes that round out the taste.
Green peas: Add a pop of sweetness and bright green color for balance.
Soy sauce and fish sauce: These seasonings bring umami and depth to the savory profile.
Tomato sauce: The rich, tangy base that defines the classic afritada flavor.
Chicken broth cube: Enhances savory richness and rounds out the sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Melts on top for a creamy finish and slight tangy bite.
Cooking oil: For frying the ingredients to golden perfection.

Directions

Step 1: Heat your cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Start by pan-frying the quartered potatoes and diced carrots until they develop a light brown crust, about 3 to 4 minutes. This adds a lovely texture and flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once done, set them aside to keep them crispy.

Step 2: Reduce the oil in the pan to about 3 tablespoons. Quickly pan-fry the chicken livers for just 30 seconds on each side to keep them tender and juicy. Remove the livers and set them aside with the fried potatoes and carrots.

Step 3: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions and garlic until the onions become translucent and soft. This step unlocks the aromatic foundation for the entire dish.

Step 4: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and continue sautéing until their outer skin turns a light golden brown. This sealing process helps keep the chicken juicy inside while adding flavor from the slight caramelization.

Step 5: Pour in the soy sauce and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the chicken to absorb the savory goodness. Then stir in the sliced hotdogs (if using) and cook for an additional 1 minute to meld their flavors.

Step 6: Add the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water to the pan, stirring well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, which forms the rich, tangy base of our afritada sauce.

Step 7: Lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Add the chicken livers and dried bay leaves, then cover and let everything simmer for 30 minutes. This slow cooking softens the chicken and allows the flavors to deepen beautifully.

Step 8: After simmering, stir in the green peas and sliced bell peppers, cooking for just 2 minutes so they stay bright and fresh. Fold in the previously fried potatoes and carrots, stirring gently to combine.

Step 9: Season the dish with the chicken broth cube, stirring until it dissolves and blends perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning with fish sauce and ground black pepper as desired. Just before serving, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top for a creamy, melted finish.

Step 10: Transfer your Chicken Afritada to a serving plate and enjoy it piping hot with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Afritada Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time usually takes around 15 minutes since the ingredients need peeling, chopping, and slicing. Cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, including simmering, so you’re looking at a total time of about 1 hour. No resting time is needed, but I recommend serving it immediately to enjoy all its flavors at their peak.

How to Serve This Chicken Afritada Recipe

A white bowl filled with a stew of chicken pieces with golden skin sitting in a thick red-brown sauce. The stew has bright orange carrot cubes and green peas scattered evenly throughout. A woman's hand holds a wooden spoon in the bowl, lifting some chicken and vegetables. The background surface is white marble, making the colors of the stew stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving Chicken Afritada, I love pairing it with plain steamed white rice because the rice soaks up all those delicious tomato-based juices perfectly. For a bit of variety, garlic fried rice or even a side of buttery corn on the cob can be wonderful companions that bring contrasting textures and flavors to the meal.

For presentation, I like to garnish the chicken and vegetables with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of freshness and enhance the visual appeal. Serving it in a large, colorful ceramic dish just elevates the homey feel that makes this dish so welcoming. Adding the melted cheddar cheese on top right before serving brings a lovely, creamy touch to each portion.

In terms of beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy beer complements the tangy and savory flavors delightfully. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try a chilled calamansi or lemon iced tea to balance the meal's richness. This Chicken Afritada is versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners, festive holidays, or even parties where guests can enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal served hot straight from the stove.

Variations

If you want to put a twist on this Chicken Afritada Recipe, one of my favorite variations is swapping chicken liver for mushrooms to give it a vegetarian-friendly flair. Simply sauté your favorite mushrooms until golden and add them in place of the liver for a similar rich texture without the meat. For a vegan version, you can also omit the cheese and substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for depth.

Another way I like to experiment is by incorporating different vegetables depending on what I have handy—like green beans, zucchini, or even chunks of sweet potato instead of regular potato to sweeten things up. Adjusting the spice level is also easy; adding a pinch of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers brings a hint of heat that livens up the sauce wonderfully.

In terms of cooking methods, slow cooking this recipe in a crockpot is a convenient alternative. Just brown the chicken beforehand to lock in flavor, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it simmer for several hours until tender. This hands-off approach deepens the flavors even more and makes dinner ready when you come home.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Chicken Afritada in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any fridge odors from altering the taste. It tends to keep well for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. When storing, I make sure the dish cools down to room temperature before sealing the container to avoid condensation buildup that can affect texture.

Freezing

This dish can definitely be frozen for longer storage. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It stays good for up to 3 months frozen. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I like to warm Chicken Afritada gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Adding a splash of water or broth as it reheats helps loosen the sauce and refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving it on high heat to keep the chicken moist and vegetables from becoming too soft. Giving it a gentle stir while reheating really revives the dish’s original deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I usually use a whole chicken cut into pieces, you can substitute with drumsticks, thighs, or even boneless chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you use boneless cuts—less simmering time will keep the chicken tender without drying it out.

Is it necessary to add hotdogs in Chicken Afritada?

Not at all. Hotdogs are optional and add a nostalgic flavor and texture, but the dish is delicious without them. Feel free to skip or replace them with other sausages or even extra vegetables if you prefer.

Can I make this Chicken Afritada Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make it gluten-free, simply ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this swap keeps the dish safe and just as tasty.

What can I serve with Chicken Afritada?

I highly recommend serving it with steamed white rice as a classic combo, but garlic fried rice, quinoa, or crusty bread also work beautifully to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple side salad can add lightness if you want a more balanced meal.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You definitely can! In fact, Chicken Afritada often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day ahead and gently reheat when ready to serve for an easy, flavorful meal.

Conclusion

I hope this Chicken Afritada Recipe inspires you to bring a little joy and comfort to your kitchen. It’s a dish close to my heart because it’s so vibrant, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re new to Filipino cooking or just want a reliable childhood favorite, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your favorites too!