The classic Filipino dish, chicken afritada, never fails to tantalize our taste buds. A flavorful and savory concoction of chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables and spices, it’s a staple in many Filipino households. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and flavor profiles to create unique variations.
Whether you’re looking for a spicy kick, a creamy twist, or a healthy spin, there’s an afritada recipe out there for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious chicken afritada recipes that showcase the dish’s incredible versatility. From classic combinations with potatoes and carrots to bold twists featuring chorizo and chickpeas, we’ve got you covered. So grab a fork and get ready to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure!
Classic Chicken Afritada with Potatoes and Carrots
This hearty Filipino-inspired stew is a comforting blend of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and savory spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add potatoes, carrots, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes, chicken, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Spicy Chicken Afritada with Bell Peppers
A flavorful and spicy twist on the classic African chicken stew, this recipe combines succulent chicken, tender bell peppers, and aromatic spices for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken Afritada with Green Olives and Raisins
This Filipino-inspired dish combines the rich flavors of chicken, green olives, and raisins to create a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup chopped green olives
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add the green olives, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in garlic and raisins. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Chicken Afritada with Coconut Milk
A flavorful twist on the classic Afritada recipe, this creamy version adds a rich and velvety texture using coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and browned chicken back into the skillet. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Chicken Afritada with Chorizo and Chickpeas
This recipe combines the rich flavors of chorizo, chicken, and chickpeas in a savory tomato-based sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups diced chorizo (Spanish sausage)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.
2. In the same pan, add chorizo and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon.
3. Add garlic, cumin, and fish sauce to the pan; sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, cooked chicken, and chorizo back to the pan. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Chicken Afritada
This Filipino-inspired dish combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and tangy tomatoes in a flavorful and aromatic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fish sauce (optional)
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, pineapple, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the pan, add fish sauce (if using), and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken Afritada with Mushrooms
A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional chicken afritada, this recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with sautéed mushrooms and succulent chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add mushrooms and onion; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken and paprika; cook until chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
6. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Afritada for Busy Days
This Filipino-inspired dish is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious slow-cooked meal ready when you need it.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Bay leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and black pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About an hour before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir in some of the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker (if using).
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Chicken Afritada with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional Chicken Afritada, this recipe combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add sweet potatoes and green beans to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
One-Pot Chicken Afritada with Rice
One-Pot Chicken Afritada with Rice
A flavorful and hearty one-pot dish from Portugal, this chicken afritada is a twist on traditional paella. This recipe combines the bold flavors of Spain with the warm spices of Africa for a truly unique culinary experience.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Afritada with Liver Spread for Extra Richness
Elevate your chicken afritada game by adding liver spread for an intense flavor boost. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup liver spread (such as quail egg or chicken liver)
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in liver spread and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Healthy Chicken Afritada with Cauliflower and Broccoli
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious twist on a classic Filipino dish. This recipe combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed cauliflower and broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the cauliflower and broccoli mixture to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Afritada with Hard-Boiled Eggs and Peas
A Filipino-inspired dish that combines the flavors of tomato-based sauce, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and peas. This hearty stew is perfect for a comforting meal or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
– Cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, and paprika to the pan. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Add sliced hard-boiled eggs and peas to the pan. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Tomato-Based Chicken Afritada
Afritada is a popular Filipino dish that combines the richness of tomato-based sauce with the bold flavors of spices. This spicy version adds a kick of heat, making it perfect for those who love a little excitement in their meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, browned chicken, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken Afritada with Squash and Long Beans
This hearty dish from the Philippines combines the flavors of chicken, squash, and long beans in a rich and savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium-sized squashes (yellow or zucchini), sliced
– 1 cup long beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté garlic, onion, squash, and long beans until tender.
4. Add coconut milk, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to the pan.
5. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Chicken Afritada with Melted Mozzarella
This recipe combines the rich flavors of chicken afritada with the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Transfer the chicken mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken Afritada with Sausage and Black Olives
A hearty and flavorful dish from the Philippines, this Chicken Afritada is a one-pot wonder that combines chicken, sausage, and black olives in a rich tomato-based sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as chorizo or knockwurst), sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, pitted
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Stir in the black olives and serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Quick and Easy Chicken Afritada for Weeknights
Need a flavorful and comforting meal for the family on a busy weeknight? Look no further! This recipe for Quick and Easy Chicken Afritada is a twist on the classic Filipino dish, adapted to suit your hectic schedule.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
7. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover 18 mouthwatering chicken afritada recipes that will spice up your mealtime! From classic combinations with potatoes and carrots to spicy twists with bell peppers, these delectable dishes offer something for everyone. Whether you prefer sweet and tangy pineapple or savory chorizo and chickpeas, there’s a recipe here to satisfy your cravings. With options ranging from slow cooker meals to one-pot wonders, you’ll find the perfect afritada recipe to suit your taste and schedule.
