Filipino Chicken Afritada

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken thighs and drumsticks 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), sliced 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Add the bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes to the pot.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle in the sugar and season with salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
8. 8.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. 9.
   Serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks. You can also remove the skin if desired for a healthier option.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a good quality tomato sauce to ensure a rich and flavorful base for the stew.
• Bell peppers — Choose bell peppers that are firm and vibrant in color for the best taste and texture.
• Potatoes — Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
• Soy sauce — Use a low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add green peas, green beans, or even pineapple chunks for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Serve the dish with a side of steamed rice and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino Chicken Afritada hot with steamed rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

Transfer the Chicken Afritada to a large serving dish and arrange the chicken pieces on top. Spoon the vegetables and sauce around the chicken for an appealing presentation. Sprinkle some chopped herbs on top for an extra touch of elegance.