Easy Filipino Chicken And Pork Afritada Recipe

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving into a classic Filipino dish that's super easy to make and incredibly delicious: Chicken and Pork Afritada. If you're looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that brings a taste of the Philippines right to your kitchen, you've come to the right place, guys. This dish is a staple in many Filipino households, and for good reason! It's a hearty, savory stew that combines tender pieces of chicken and pork with a rich, tomato-based sauce, infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of bell peppers, potatoes, and carrots. It's the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for family dinners or even when you're just craving something truly satisfying. We'll break down how to make this simple yet impressive dish, step-by-step, so even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, you'll nail it. So, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Simple Afritada Recipe

So, why should you add Chicken and Pork Afritada to your cooking repertoire? Well, for starters, it's incredibly versatile. While this recipe focuses on chicken and pork, you can easily adapt it. Some folks love adding liver for an extra layer of richness, and others might swap out the meats entirely for beef or even just stick to chicken. The beauty of Filipino cooking is its flexibility, and afritada is a prime example of that. It's also a fantastic way to get your family to eat their veggies! The potatoes and carrots become tender and slightly sweet, absorbing all the delicious sauce, while the bell peppers add a pop of color and a mild crunch. The tomato sauce base is not only packed with flavor but also provides a good dose of lycopene, which is great for your health, guys. Plus, it's a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup, and who doesn't love that? Imagine serving this vibrant, bubbling dish over a bed of fluffy white rice – pure comfort food bliss. The aromas alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their plates. It's a dish that truly nourishes the body and soul, embodying the warm and generous spirit of Filipino cuisine. The combination of savory meat, tender vegetables, and the slightly sweet, tangy tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that's both familiar and exciting. It's the kind of meal that evokes memories of home, family gatherings, and happy times. And the best part? It's surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a showstopper for weekend get-togethers. So, get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with this amazing Filipino classic!

Ingredients You'll Need for Your Filipino Afritada

To make our simple chicken and pork afritada, you'll need a few key ingredients. First up, the proteins: about 1 pound of chicken, cut into serving pieces (bone-in or boneless, your choice!), and 1 pound of pork belly or pork shoulder, also cut into cubes. Using a mix of chicken and pork gives the dish a wonderful depth of flavor and texture. For the sauce base, we'll need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce and about 1 cup of water or chicken broth to get the right consistency. Don't forget the aromatics, guys! We'll need 1 medium onion, chopped, and 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced. To add that signature sweetness and color, grab 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks. For the heartiness, we need 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed, and 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced. Seasoning is key, of course. You'll need salt and black pepper to taste. Some people also like to add a bay leaf for extra aroma, which is a great touch if you have one! And finally, 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil for sautéing. That’s pretty much it! All these simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Remember, the quality of your ingredients will shine through in the final dish, so opt for fresh produce and good quality meats if possible. The pork belly will render its fat, adding incredible richness, while the pork shoulder will offer a more tender, meaty bite. The chicken, whether bone-in or boneless, will soak up the flavors beautifully. The combination of onion and garlic is the foundation of many great dishes, and here they provide a savory base for the tomato sauce. The bell peppers not only add visual appeal but also contribute a subtle sweetness and a slight textural contrast to the tender meats and vegetables. Potatoes and carrots are classic additions that make the dish more substantial and satisfying, absorbing the savory tomato goodness. And the tomato sauce itself is the star, providing that signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile that defines afritada. Don't be afraid to adjust the amounts of these ingredients to your liking. If you love more garlic, toss in an extra clove or two! Prefer a richer sauce? Add a splash more broth. This recipe is your canvas, so feel free to make it your own!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Pork Afritada

Alright, let's get down to business and make some delicious chicken and pork afritada! It's a straightforward process, guys, and totally doable for any home cook. First things first, heat about 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your pork pieces and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don't rush it! Once the pork is nicely browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're fragrant and the onion is softened, usually about 3-5 minutes. Next, add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear them for a couple of minutes on each side. Now comes the saucy part! Pour in the tomato sauce and water or chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's pure flavor, right there! Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. If you're using a bay leaf, toss it in now. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens! Let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the pork and chicken are tender and the potatoes and carrots are cooked through. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the bell pepper chunks. This ensures they stay slightly crisp-tender and retain their vibrant color, guys. Once everything is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, do a final taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf if you used one. And voila! Your simple chicken and pork afritada is ready to be served. It's that easy! The key is patience during the simmering process, allowing the flavors to meld and the meats and vegetables to become perfectly tender. Don't be tempted to crank up the heat to speed things up; a gentle simmer is what builds that deep, satisfying flavor. Remember to stir occasionally, especially as the sauce starts to thicken, to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom and burns. The aroma filling your kitchen during this stage is just incredible, a promise of the delicious meal to come. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of time can create something truly special. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and get ready for a culinary triumph!

Serving Your Delicious Filipino Afritada

Now that you've got this amazing pot of Chicken and Pork Afritada bubbling away, the best part is serving it up! The absolute classic way to enjoy afritada in the Philippines is over a big mound of steamed white rice. The fluffy rice is the perfect canvas to soak up all that rich, savory, and slightly tangy tomato sauce. Seriously, guys, don't skip the rice – it's essential! Spoon generous portions of the afritada over the rice, making sure everyone gets a good mix of chicken, pork, potatoes, carrots, and those colorful bell peppers. The contrast of the tender meat, soft vegetables, and the slightly firmer bell peppers against the fluffy rice is just heavenly. For an extra touch, some people like to sprinkle a little chopped green onion or cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. It's totally optional, but it does look pretty snazzy! If you're feeling fancy or want to add another dimension, a side of atchara (pickled green papaya) can be a fantastic contrast to the richness of the afritada. Its sweet and sour notes cut through the savory sauce beautifully. Another great accompaniment could be some simple steamed greens, like bok choy or spinach, to add a bit of freshness. But honestly, afritada on its own with rice is pure perfection. This dish is meant to be shared, so gather your loved ones, set the table, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The warmth, the flavors, the comfort – it's all part of the experience. It's a meal that brings people together, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories. So, serve it hot, serve it with love, and get ready for the compliments, guys! You've earned them.

Tips and Variations for Your Afritada

While this simple chicken and pork afritada recipe is fantastic as is, here are a few tips and variations to make it even better or to suit your preferences, guys. For a richer flavor, you can use pork belly, as mentioned, or even add a small piece of pork liver, sautéed and then simmered with the rest of the ingredients. The liver adds a unique depth and creaminess that many Filipinos love. If you're short on time, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breast and pork loin cut into smaller pieces for quicker cooking. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the bell peppers. Don't have pork? No problem! You can easily make this with just chicken, or even beef chunks (though beef will require a longer simmering time to become tender). Want to make it healthier? You can lean more towards chicken breast and load up on the vegetables. Using low-sodium tomato sauce and broth also helps. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes, or mash a few pieces of the cooked potato against the side of the pot to release their starch and thicken the sauce naturally. Sweetness level: The sweetness in afritada comes mainly from the carrots and the tomato sauce. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, you can add a teaspoon or two of sugar, but taste it first! Remember, the beauty of Filipino cooking is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. These little tweaks can elevate your afritada from good to absolutely phenomenal, guys. So, don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and discover your perfect version of this beloved Filipino stew!

Conclusion

And there you have it, simple chicken and pork afritada! A dish that’s not just food, but a warm hug in a bowl, a taste of home, and a testament to the delicious simplicity of Filipino cuisine. We've walked through the ingredients, the steps, and even some fun ways to mix it up. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a winner. It’s flavorful, comforting, and relatively easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and bring a little piece of the Philippines to your dining table. Trust me, guys, you won't regret it! Enjoy every bite of this hearty, delicious stew. Mabuhay and happy cooking!