Creamy Chicken Afritada

Creamy Chicken Afritada is our classic Filipino stew made extra rich and tasty with simple additions. It cooks in one pan with a short list of ingredients yet is full of flavor. It’s perfect with steamed rice!

We’re in the first week of BER months, and as is my yearly ritual, I’ll be working on plenty of party dishes this last quarter to help you plan your Noche Buena menu. These recipes, however, are far from complicated. As I mentioned in my pineapple pork adobo post, holiday cooking need not be elaborate; you can quickly turn everyday meals into something fancy with just a few simple additions.

This Creamy Chicken Afritada is a delicious twist on our classic afritadang manok. It’s made extra special and delicious with a boost of flavor from Maggi Chicken Cubes and Nestle all-purpose cream. It’s easy to make yet guaranteed to be a standout dish at family gatherings and special occasions. The hearty tomato sauce and luscious all-purpose cream will surely hit the spot!

Ingredient notes

• Oil– for sauteing the aromatics and browning the meat
• Onions and garlic– flavor base of Filipino ginisa recipes
• Chicken– use bone-in for maximum flavor. If you prefer boneless, use thigh fillets, as boneless breasts can turn chewy and dry in prolonged cooking. I like to use whole chicken cut up into serving parts to give everyone a choice of white or dark meat.
• Tomato sauce– You can substitute tomato sauce with tomato paste; use ½ a cup of tomato paste and ½ a cup water to replace 1 cup of tomato sauce.
• Water– use more or less depending on the desired sauciness
• Maggi Chicken Cubes– for a deeper and meatier flavor
• Vegetables– Potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers extend servings and add color, texture, and nutrients.
• All-purpose Cream, or table cream– a versatile ingredient in savory and sweet dishes. I trust Nestle All-Purpose cream, made with milkfat for the most decadent taste.
• Brown sugar– balances the sour notes of the tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper – enhances flavor and adds a touch of zing

Creamy Chicken Afritada Cooking Steps

1. Brown vegetables. In a pan over medium heat, brown potatoes and carrots in hot oil. Remove from pan and drain well. Add bell peppers and cook for about 30 to 40 seconds. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned and juices run clear. Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, water, and chicken cube. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until chicken is tender and sauce is slightly reduced.
3. Add potatoes and carrots and cook until tender. Add bell peppers and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir well.
4. Add all-purpose cream and simmer until heated through. Keep the heat low and consistent, as large jumps in temperature can cause the emulsion to break.