Chicken Afritada (or afritadang manok) is a popular Filipino dish known for its rich tomato-based sauce and tender chicken, combined with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It is a traditional favorite at Filipino celebrations such as fiestas and birthdays, and it is commonly paired with white rice.
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Published: 9/13/24
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To elevate your dish for special occasions, try our upgraded recipe called Special Chicken Afritada. It offers a richer flavor and is perfect for your next celebration. It has more ingredients compared to the traditional chicken afritada, but trust me, it’s something your guests or family will remember.
How to Cook Special Chicken Afritada
- Heat the cooking oil in a wok over medium heat until shimmering. Pan-fry the potatoes and carrots until they brown slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes, then set aside.
- Next, reduce the oil to 3 tablespoons and pan-fry the chicken livers for 30 seconds on each side. This quick sear keeps them tender and flavorful. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in the remaining oil until the onion becomes translucent. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they turn light golden-brown to lock in juices.
- Pour in the soy sauce and cook for 30 seconds. Then add the sliced hotdogs and cook for 1 minute to blend their savory flavor.
- Add the tomato sauce and 1 cup of water, stirring well. Bring to a boil to develop a rich sauce for your Special Chicken Afritada.
- Add the chicken liver and dried bay leaves, then simmer for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stir in the green peas and bell peppers, cooking for 2 minutes. Add the fried potatoes and carrots, and mix well.
- Season with the Maggi Magic Chicken Cube, stirring for 1 minute. Adjust with fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste, then top with grated cheese.
- Transfer the Special Chicken Afritada to a serving plate, spooning some sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy with family or guests!
Special Chicken Afritada Ingredients
The ingredients listed are the basics for chicken afritada, but we’re going to add a few more for this special recipe. Check out the list below.
- 1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces – This is the main protein of the dish. If you don’t prefer using chicken, you can cook this easy pork afritada instead.
- 4 ounces chicken liver – It provides a distinct taste and texture. Without it, the dish would lack this additional flavor dimension.
- 3 hotdogs sliced diagonally – Introduces a slightly sweet and savory flavor, adding variety to the taste.
- 2 potatoes, quartered – Contributes to the heartiness of the dish, absorbing flavors and providing a starchy texture. Without potatoes, the dish would be less filling.
- 2 carrots, diced – Adds sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing the flavors of the dish.
- 2 bell peppers, sliced – Adds a fresh, slightly tangy flavor and a vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped – Forms the base of the flavor by being sautéed with garlic. It adds sweetness and depth.
- 5 dried bay leaves – Infuses a subtle herbal note into the sauce. Omitting bay leaves would result in a less aromatic dish.
- ¾ cups green peas – Adds a burst of sweetness and color, as well as a contrasting texture.
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped – Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the onions.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce – Forms the base of the stew’s sauce, providing acidity and a rich tomato flavor.
- 1 piece Maggi Magic Chicken Cube – This magic seasoning adds concentrated chicken flavor and enhances the overall taste.
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated – Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor as a finishing touch.
- Fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste – Provides additional umami and saltiness, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
- ½ cup cooking oil – Used for frying and sautéing the ingredients.
Origin Of Chicken Afritada
Chicken Afritada, a favorite in Filipino kitchens, has its origins in Spanish cooking. The term “afritada” comes from the Spanish word “fritada,” meaning “fried,” which describes the initial step of the cooking process where the meat is first pan-fried before being simmered in tomato sauce. When the Spanish came to the Philippines, they adjusted their recipes to fit local ingredients and tastes. Over time, Filipino Afritada developed its own style, featuring chicken in a rich tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, just like our Special Chicken Afritada recipe today with additional ingredients. This blend of Spanish and Filipino flavors makes it unique. For a tasty variation, try this Special Chicken Afritada.
Tip
Overcooked vegetables can turn mushy and lose their color, affecting the appearance and texture of this special afritada. To avoid overcooking the vegetables, follow the timing in the recipe.
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Special Chicken Afritada
Special Chicken Afritada is a flavorful Filipino stew made with chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce and a mix of vegetables for a deliciously unique dish.
Instructions
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Heat the cooking oil in a wok. Pan-fry the potatoes and carrots until they brown a bit (about 3 to 4 minutes). Set aside.
2 potatoes, ½ cup cooking oil, 2 carrots
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Reduce the oil to 3 tablespoons. Pan-fry the chicken livers for 30 seconds on each side. Remove the liver and set aside.
4 ounces chicken liver
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Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion softens. Add the chicken pieces and continue sautéing until the outer part turns light brown.
1 yellow onion, 5 cloves garlic, 1 whole chicken
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Pour the soy sauce into the wok and cook for 30 seconds. Add the hotdogs and cook for 1 minute.
3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 hotdogs
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Pour the tomato sauce into the wok, add 1 cup of water, stir, and bring it to a boil.
8 ounces tomato sauce
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Add the chicken liver and dried bay leaves. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5 dried bay leaves
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Add the green peas and bell peppers, and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the fried potatoes and carrots and stir.
¾ cups green peas, 2 bell peppers
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Season with the Maggi Magic Chicken Cube, stirring and cooking for 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste. Top with grated cheese.
1 piece Maggi Magic Chicken Cube, fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste., ½ cup cheddar cheese
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Transfer to a serving plate. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Impact of Different Cheese on Chicken Afritada Flavor
If you choose to use a different cheese other than cheddar in your Chicken Afritada, you may notice a difference in taste. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor and a creamy texture that complements the dish’s rich tomato sauce. If you substitute it with another type of cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda, the flavor will shift accordingly. For example, mozzarella will add a milder, more elastic texture, while Parmesan will introduce a nutty, salty note. So each cheese will bring its unique characteristics to the dish, altering the final taste and texture of your Afritada.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 3682kcal (184%) Carbohydrates: 99g (33%) Protein: 208g (416%) Fat: 274g (422%) Saturated Fat: 61g (305%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 62g Monounsaturated Fat: 134g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 1080mg (360%) Sodium: 6104mg (254%) Potassium: 4111mg (117%) Fiber: 21g (84%) Sugar: 36g (40%) Vitamin A: 43876IU (878%) Vitamin C: 417mg (505%) Calcium: 708mg (71%) Iron: 27mg (150%)
