How to Make CHICKEN AFRITADA using Tomato Ketchup

Rediscovering Childhood Joys with Chicken Afritada

One of my cherished childhood memories is the delightful aroma of Chicken Afritada wafting through our kitchen. My mom, humming happily as she cooked, would fill our home with the comforting scent of this beloved dish. The combination of her joyful humming and the mouth-watering aroma created an atmosphere of warmth and love, making our kitchen the heart of our home. My siblings and I, gathered around our long table, would eagerly await our meal, enjoying steamed rice and ice-cold water while savoring every bite of this flavorful stew. The memory of those moments, filled with laughter and shared stories, still brings a smile to my face.

Cooking and sharing meals was a significant part of our family life. It was during these mealtimes that we bonded the most, recounting our day’s adventures and enjoying each other’s company. Chicken Afritada, with its rich and inviting flavors, was always a highlight. Its preparation was an event in itself, a testament to the love and care my mom poured into her cooking.

A Filipino Classic with a Twist

Chicken Afritada is a classic Filipino dish, renowned for its savory tomato-based sauce and tender, flavorful chicken. Traditionally, it is stewed in tomato sauce with carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, creating a hearty meal that pairs perfectly with white rice. The origins of Afritada can be traced back to Spanish influence on Filipino cuisine, where the term "fritada" refers to frying, an initial step in the preparation of this dish. The melding of Spanish and Filipino culinary techniques gives Afritada its distinctive taste, making it a beloved dish across the Philippines.

However, in my version of this beloved dish, I use tomato ketchup instead of tomato sauce, adding a unique, flavorful twist that brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and enhances the overall taste. The ketchup adds a subtle tanginess that complements the rich flavors of the chicken and vegetables. This variation not only makes the dish more vibrant but also infuses it with a nostalgic sweetness that reminds me of my childhood. The use of ketchup, a common household staple, also simplifies the preparation, making it more accessible to many home cooks.

A Nostalgic Journey

As a child, Chicken Afritada was one of my favorite dishes, and it remains a beloved staple in my diet to this day. The memories of my mom’s joyful humming and the delicious aroma filling our kitchen are intertwined with my love for this dish. The excitement of sitting down at the table with my siblings, ready to dig into our meal, is a memory I cherish deeply. Each bite of Chicken Afritada transports me back to those happy days, where food and family were at the center of my world.

The preparation of Chicken Afritada was always a family affair. I remember watching my mom skillfully chop the vegetables and carefully pan-fry the chicken, her movements precise and filled with love. She would let me help by adding the ingredients or stirring the pot, making me feel like an essential part of the cooking process. These small moments fostered my love for cooking and taught me the importance of family traditions and homemade meals.

Eating Chicken Afritada was more than just satisfying our hunger; it was about creating lasting memories and celebrating our family’s togetherness. The vibrant colors and rich flavors of the dish made every meal feel like a special occasion. Even now, as an adult, cooking Chicken Afritada brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminding me of the warmth and joy of my childhood home.

Recipe Video:

What is Chicken Afritada?

Chicken Afritada is a well-loved Filipino dish made by braising chicken, beef, or pork in a tomato-based sauce along with carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers. It is commonly served with white rice, making it a staple meal in many Filipino households. The name "afritada" is derived from the Spanish word "fritada," meaning "fried," which refers to the initial step of pan-frying the meat before simmering it in the tomato sauce.

Cooking Chicken Afritada

To prepare Chicken Afritada, you begin by sautéing garlic and onion until they are fragrant. Then, add the diced chicken and pan-fry until it is tender and browned. Once the chicken is ready, add water and tomato ketchup to the pan, along with diced carrots, potatoes, and sliced red and green bell peppers. You can also include sliced tomatoes, peas, chickpeas, or beans for additional flavor and texture. Season the dish with salt, black pepper, bay leaves, and fish sauce to taste. Simmer the mixture until the vegetables are cooked and the flavors meld together.

Recipe: Chicken Afritada with Tomato Ketchup

Ingredients:

• 1 kilo chicken legs (or chicken breast)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1/4 cup snow peas (optional)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp mirin

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the garlic and onions until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the chicken pieces and pan-fry until they are browned on all sides.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and tomato ketchup, mixing well to coat the chicken.
5. Pour in the water and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
6. Add the diced potatoes and carrots. Season with salt, pepper, and mirin.
7. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8. Add the sliced bell pepper and snow peas (if using). Continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the bell pepper is cooked but still crisp.
9. Serve hot with steamed white rice.

A Dish of Memories

Chicken Afritada is more than just a meal; it’s a journey back to my childhood, a reminder of family gatherings, and a celebration of Filipino culinary tradition. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the sweet and tangy tomato ketchup sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and nostalgic. Whether you’re making it for the first time or rediscovering it as an old favorite, Chicken Afritada is sure to fill your kitchen with warmth and joy.

I hope this recipe brings you as much happiness as it has brought me and my family over the years. Enjoy!