Chicken Afritada (Filipino Chicken in Tomato Sauce)

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April 26, 2016 by Liza Agbanlog 74 Comments

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Chicken Afritada is another popular Filipino dish. Pieces of chicken are cooked in tomato sauce along with carrots, potatoes and bell peppers. Some prefer to add green peas and hot dogs as well, but I prefer my chicken afritada without it. Another variation will use both pork and chicken or will use just pork. I like my afritada simple and easy, with just the basic vegetables.

In this recipe, chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks) are marinated in soy sauce and lemonand then they are cooked in garlic, onions and tomatoes. Carrots, potatoes and red bell peppers are added and simmered for 20 minutes. The result is a chicken dish with a delicious tomato sauce.

Chicken Afritada (Filipino Chicken in Tomato Sauce) - Salu Salo Recipes (4)

Chicken Afritada (Chicken Braised in Tomato Sauce)

Liza Agbanlog

Chicken Afritada is a popular chicken Filipino dish that is cooked in tomato sauce with carrots, potatoes and bell peppers asthe main vegetables.

4.37 from 47 votes

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Filipino

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken (mix of thighs and drumsticks)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
2 tablespoons fish sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 large potatoes, cubed
1 carrot, cubed
1 red bell pepper, cubed

Instructions

Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce and lemon juice for half an hour. Drain chicken from the marinade.
In a heavy pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Sauté garlic, onions and tomatoes for 2 minutes or until onions are soft.
Add chicken pieces and saute for a few minutes until meat is nicely browned and no longer pink.
Add fish sauce and stir. Add tomato sauce and water and stir to combine. Let the mixture boil and then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
Add carrots, red bell pepper and potatoes; cover and cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve with steamed rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 384gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 17.7gProtein: 46.8gFat: 9.5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 1088mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 5.5g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Afritada (Chicken Braised in Tomato Sauce)

Amount Per Serving (384 g)

Calories 350 Calories from Fat 86

% Daily Value*

Fat 9.5g15%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 116mg39%

Sodium 1088mg47%

Carbohydrates 17.7g6%

Fiber 3.5g15%

Sugar 5.5g6%

Protein 46.8g94%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Chicken Afritada (Filipino Chicken in Tomato Sauce) - Salu Salo Recipes (6)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Fanica
January 20, 2024 at 9:47 am

Thank you for all the wonderful recipes. I have your cookbook and use it all the time. We lived in Charleston South Carolina on the Navy Base for 8 years. My son went to school with the Filipino kids. We were invited to many Fiestas where I helped in the kitchen and learned to cook Filipino food. Back then many imported groceries were not available. I will be making your recipe this weekend.
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  January 20, 2024 at 4:23 pm
  Hi Fanica,
  Thanks for sharing. I am pretty sure there are many Filipinas out there that can relate to your story. Take care!
  Reply
Lynne
December 5, 2023 at 8:02 pm
Can this recipe be easily doubled?
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  December 6, 2023 at 9:43 am
  Hi Lynne,
  To double this recipe,I would use the same amount of ingredients except for chicken (4 lbs),water (1.5 cups), potatoes ( 2 medium),carrots ( 2 small) and bell peppers (2). Season to taste by adding salt and ground pepper (if needed) at the end. Hope these help!
  Reply
  - Anonymous
    December 18, 2023 at 9:14 am
    Thank you! I do have another question. Can I make this dish a day or two ahead of time, refrigerate and then warm up to serve?
    Reply
    - Liza Agbanlog
      December 18, 2023 at 10:39 am
      Yes, definitely you can make this ahead of time, refrigerate and warm it up to serve.
      Reply
Anonymous
May 23, 2023 at 1:55 am

I WILL COOK THIS RECIPE ON THE DAY OF GRADUATION OF MY SISTER AS WE CELEBRATE HER SPECIAL MILESTONE, I HOPE I CAN DO THIS AND THEY WILL LIKE IT
Reply
Nique
June 18, 2022 at 5:38 pm

Always use this recipe. Thanks!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  June 19, 2022 at 9:11 am
  You are welcome Nino! Take care 🙂
  Reply
  See Also
  Spicy Southern Hot Corn - Peas and Crayons Recipes Hungarian stuffed peppers in tomato sauce (Töltött paprika) recipe Rancher's Texas Chili Recipe (Chili con Carne) - Little Spice Jar The Original Lasagna Soup Recipe & Still the BEST!
Mica
February 25, 2022 at 2:15 pm
I tried this and my partner liked it so much. Will save this recipe. Thank you.
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  February 26, 2022 at 11:21 am
  You are welcome Mica! Glad that your partner liked this chicken recipe. Take care!
  Reply
Miles
February 9, 2022 at 11:51 pm

I followed this recipe, and it was perfect. Esp the sauce mmm very tasty! My family loves it. Thank you for sharing your recipe. It’s a keeper ^-^
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  February 10, 2022 at 9:36 am
  You’re welcome Miles! Glad that your family loved it. Take care and thanks for writing 0
  Reply
Lea Baker
October 4, 2021 at 4:07 pm

This was a great recipe! It reminded me of home. I don’t usually cook a lot of Filipino food at our house but I’ve made this one with only sliced chicken thighs and it was delicious. It was so easy to prepare too as long as you’ve already pre-chopped your vegetables. My daughters loved it and ate everything on their plates. Thank you for a wonderful recipe!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  October 5, 2021 at 9:33 am
  You are welcome Lea! I am glad your daughters enjoyed this dish. Take care and thanks for writing!
  Reply
Jaclyn
August 21, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Can you substitute pork shoulder instead of chicken? If so, do any other modifications need to be made with the other ingredients?
Thanks!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  August 22, 2021 at 11:13 am
  Hi Jaclyn,
  Yes, you can use pork shoulder to make afritada. Follow the same instructions except in step 4, cook the meat longer (45 minutes). Check every 15 minutes, adding 1/4 cup of water if running out of sauce. Hope these help!
  Reply
Tess Martorelli
July 30, 2021 at 7:26 pm
Hi Liza-
Can you use calamansi juice instead of lemon juice.
Thanks for the recipe cant wait to try it.
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  July 30, 2021 at 7:45 pm
  Hi Tess,
  Yes, you can use calamansi juice instead of lemon juice. Actually, the original recipe calls for calamansi juice but here in Vancouver, calamansi is not always accessible.
  Reply
Min
May 2, 2021 at 4:30 pm

Very tasty easy weeknight meal.
Just a tip if you have a good quality fish sauce follow the recipe and use water. No need for chicken broth.
Cheers from Winnipeg!
Reply
Mary ann
February 4, 2021 at 10:05 pm
Hi I don’t have fish sauce but what can I use?
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  February 5, 2021 at 9:53 am
  Hi Mary ann,
  You can replace the fish sauce with salt. Start with 1/2 teaspoon table salt and then adjust the seasoning at the end (step 6). Hope this helps!
  Reply
Mary Ann
October 26, 2020 at 7:53 am

Thank you Liza. Your recipe has become “one for the books” in my household. I have made this recipe twice now and it never fails, no leftovers. My family loves the flavors.
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  October 26, 2020 at 1:07 pm
  You’re welcome Mary Ann! Glad that your family loves this recipe. Take care and stay safe!
  Reply
Clarita grant
October 23, 2020 at 2:18 pm
I love your chicken afritada. I make it once a week. It’s very tasty.😋😋❤️❤️
Reply
Crystal
October 11, 2020 at 11:18 am

Best Afritada Recipe. Love how there’s lemon juice. Gives a bit of zest too it!!!! I added sausages to it as well. Will for sure keep using this recipe. It’s definitely a keeper!!!
Reply
Kaydin
August 19, 2020 at 4:41 am

It’s my first time to cook chicken afritada and your recipe was very helpful! My partner loved it. Thank you! 🙂
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  August 19, 2020 at 4:01 pm
  You are welcome Kaydin!
  Reply
Rozafelle Dela Cruz
July 8, 2020 at 8:15 pm

The whole family enjoyed it! Thank you!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  July 9, 2020 at 7:20 pm
  You’re welcome Rozafelle! Glad your family enjoyed it 🙂
  Reply
Shami
May 10, 2020 at 10:09 am
Made this for mother’s day today! My mom absolutely loved it. I didn’t add any salt, as the fish sauce was more than enough.
Thank you for this recipe!
See Also
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup - Recipes From A Pantry
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  May 10, 2020 at 11:16 am
  You’re welcome Shami! Your mom must be happy and proud of you. Take care and happy mother’s day to your mom :0
  Reply
Char
May 2, 2020 at 8:24 pm

Looks great & already feels like home. Trying this tomorrow, will update once complete! Thank you sharing! Salamat!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  May 3, 2020 at 1:10 pm
  You’re welcome Char!
  Reply
  - Margarita
    March 31, 2022 at 5:59 pm
    
    Am making this right now. Did not marinate the chicken but put some lemon juice with the tomato sauce. It smells so good. Will let you know the outcome. Am sure it is yummy
    Reply
Kev
April 30, 2020 at 5:39 am

I tried this today and I must say wow! Ito yung pinaka masarap na afritadang nagawa ko so far! 😁 Thanks for sharing your recipe! 😁
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  May 1, 2020 at 8:02 am
  You’re welcome Kev! Glad you were able to try my recipe. Take care and thanks for writing 🙂
  Reply
Kev
April 29, 2020 at 10:26 pm
I’m a saucy kind of guy. I really want more sauce on the dishes that I cook. What could do to achieve that without sacrificing the taste of the dish? Thanks
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  May 1, 2020 at 8:12 am
  Hi Kev,
  I know how you feel. My family love more sauce on their afritadas and adobos too. If you like more sauce on your afritada, I would recommend in step 5, adding water ( start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed) when you add your veggies. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper (final step). Hope these help!
  Reply
  - Amanda
    July 5, 2020 at 12:50 pm
    Could you swap chicken broth instead of water?
    Reply
    - Liza Agbanlog
      July 5, 2020 at 12:54 pm
      Hi Amanda,
      Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of water for this recipe. The broth will make the dish tastier.
      Reply
Paula
March 4, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Hello!
I’m so glad I picked your recipe when I was looking. I happen to have all of the ingredients. I had leftover chicken thighs when I made chicken adobo last. This turned out delicious and looked really appetizing, good enough to serve for special occasions.
Thank you for sharing this recipe which I will follow from now on.
Will browse more of your recipes…
Paula
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  March 4, 2020 at 10:05 pm
  Hi Paula,
  Thanks for the feedback! Take care and enjoy browsing through the recipes 🙂
  Reply
Jaja
March 4, 2020 at 10:39 am

Liza, I have followed this recipe since probably I started missing home food.
I’ve always liked chicken afritada but never got to actually cooked them when I was still living in the Philippines.
Thanks for a great and easy to follow recipe and all I can say is … taste like home.
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  March 4, 2020 at 10:03 pm
  You’re welcome Jaja! So glad that you were able to try and had success with this recipe. Take care and thanks for writing 🙂
  Reply
Aida
January 17, 2020 at 11:59 pm

I am old lady and had been cooking for as long as I remember. I always use whatever ingredients are available to me. I had totally forgotten the original recipe from the country of my birth until I came across your recipes. Great, they bring back the Filipino flavor I grew up with..
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  January 18, 2020 at 2:03 pm
  Hi Aida,
  I am glad you were able to find my blog:) I hope you will be able to find some recipes to try. Take care and thanks for writing your story!
  Reply
Aprill
January 13, 2019 at 5:14 pm

Thank you for this recipe! My husband is Filipino and when we first met this was the first Filipino dish he introduced me to. Unfortunately my mother-in-law passed away before I could learn from her how to make this great dish the way my husband enjoys it. I’ve looked at many recipes but none of them were like how my mother-in-law made it until this one. it reminds him of his childhood and he loves the dish and so do I and our children. Thank you!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  January 13, 2019 at 6:57 pm
  Hi April,
  Thanks for writing your heartwarming story. It made my day!
  Reply
Genevieve
October 15, 2018 at 9:58 am

Hi there! I stumbled into your afritada recipe while browsing. Most of the recipes I’ve encountered uses sugar, soy sauce, tomato sauce and tomato paste for the sauce. Your recipe is almost similar to the afritada of my childhood. Both my mom and grandmother use vinegar (instead of lemon), fish sauce, soy sauce and chopped tomatoes. And in Pampanga where I hail from, we use pork in lieu of chicken. I’ve tried those popular recipes but nothing comes close to the flavor of the afritada of my youth until I came upon your recipe. In my opinion, it should be as it is. Simple meat with just vegetables and sauce. On special occasions, my they would add green peas just to make it look more festive. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  October 18, 2018 at 7:37 pm
  You’re welcome Genevieve!
  Reply
  - Stephanie
    January 31, 2020 at 4:51 pm
    just curious how it would come out in crockpot?
    Reply
    - Liza Agbanlog
      February 2, 2020 at 11:26 am
      Hi Stephanie,
      To make chicken afritada in a crockpot, I would follow the same procedures in steps 1, 2 and 3. Then I would transfer the browned chicken pieces in the crockpot. Next is to stir in the fish sauce, tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, carrots, bell pepper and potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked though. Uncover and season with salt and pepper to taste. Hope these help!
      Reply
- Erika
  February 19, 2023 at 12:00 pm
  
  I followed the recipe to a T but I’m not sure why my sauce didn’t thicken and there just too much of it. Though the taste is okay, it would have taste better with thick sauce.
  Reply
  - Liza Agbanlog
    February 21, 2023 at 11:32 am
    Hi Erika,
    You can stir in breadcrumbs to the sauce if you want it thicker. Hope this helps!
    Reply
Anonymous
October 1, 2018 at 6:25 pm

Great recipe! The house smells really good right now. 😊 I forgot the peas and used green beans from my garden. Thank you for this tasty dish from my childhood .😁
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  October 1, 2018 at 8:07 pm
  Awesome!
  Reply
Karen
August 16, 2018 at 11:36 pm
Hello can cook this with my crop pot thank you so much
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  August 17, 2018 at 5:53 pm
  I have not made this dish using a crock pot but I am pretty sure it can be done. Follow steps 1,2 and 3. After the chicken has been browned in step 3, place the mixture in the crockpot. Add the fish sauce and tomato sauce, and stir. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. then add the vegetables and cook until the potato is tender, about 1- 2 hours. The times are estimate, adjust accordingly, if needed.
  Reply
Cyn
October 4, 2017 at 8:42 am
Have you tried this with boneless skinless chicken thighs?
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  October 6, 2017 at 7:16 pm
  Hi Cyn,
  No, I have not tried boneless, skinless chicken thighs in making afritada but I am pretty sure it will work. Just adjust the cooking time, if needed to.
  Reply
Ariana
June 27, 2017 at 3:51 am
Hello,
Just wondering if there is a typo in the marinade ratios. Is it really just 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons lemon juice? Or do you add the 1 cup water to make it a marinade? Hope you can clarify, thank you!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  June 27, 2017 at 7:17 pm
  Hi,
  There’s no typo, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. A cup of water is later added after the chicken has been browned. Hope this helps.
  Reply
Ro
May 29, 2017 at 4:18 pm

I made this today. It tastes exactly as it did in my childhood. Thank you for sharing your recipes. This is the first recipe I’ve tried from your site and it was a complete success in my books!
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  May 29, 2017 at 7:41 pm
  Hi Ro,
  So happy you were able to try and had success with the recipe 🙂
  Reply
- Andrea Peralejo
  October 1, 2021 at 12:38 am
  Make it vegan by using oyster mushrooms and/or firm tofu instead of chicken or pork. Omit fish sauce.
  Reply
Claude jr rosalez
April 4, 2017 at 7:14 am
Salamat ate its simple and tasty thank you for the recipes
Reply
- Liza Agbanlog
  April 4, 2017 at 3:30 pm
  You’re welcome Claude!
  Reply
Hope C
April 27, 2016 at 10:52 am
What kind of tomato sauce is best with this?
Reply
- Liza A
  April 27, 2016 at 6:10 pm
  I used the regular or plain tomato sauce.
  Reply
Anonymous
April 27, 2016 at 2:15 am
Thanks for sharing your tasty recipe. I will definitely try this one coz its one of my fav 🙂
Reply
- Liza A
  April 27, 2016 at 6:08 pm
  You are welcome 🙂
  Reply
goose
September 18, 2013 at 2:04 pm
sarap!! thanks for the recipe. already knew how to make it, but nice to know other people can learn. i like to add peas.
Reply
- Liza
  September 18, 2013 at 2:09 pm
  You’re welcome! I had it for lunch today, ate it with lemon and fish sauce on the side 🙂
  Reply