Chicken Afritada, a savory stew-like dish that carries the essence of tomato and chicken, is a local favorite that can have different variations depending on the preference of each household. With a heartier flavor profile due to ingredients being seared before stewing in its own juices, it is a dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day with the accompaniment of freshly cooked and steaming white rice as accompaniment.
The tang of the tomatoes mingle with the creaminess of cheese, a unique combination that enhances the richness of Afritada. With this particular addition, the dish rises to a whole other level, creating a seemingly different recipe despite the familiar base.
Cheesy Chicken Afritada
Ingredients
Marinate:
- 3 - 4 pcs. chicken leg quarter
- 1/4 cup calamansi
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Frying:
- 2 pcs. potato
- 1 pc. carrot
Sauce:
- Oil, for sautéing
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 pc. garlic, minced
- 1 pc. onion, sliced
- 2 Tbsps. butter
- 3 pcs. Laurel leaf
- 1 pc. chicken cube
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 pc. green bell pepper
- 1 pc. red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup Nestle All-Purpose Cream
- Season with black pepper
- 2 pcs. red chili (optional)
Instructions
- In a pan, heat the oil. Fry the carrots and potatoes. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and season it with salt. Set aside.
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and calamansi. Let it sit for an hour.
- In the same pan where the carrots and potatoes were fried, sear the chicken. Cook it until it has a nice color. Set aside.
- Using the same pan, sauté the garlic and onions. Add butter for more flavor. Put the seared chicken back into the pan. Let it all cook together before adding the laurel leaves. Pour the extra marinade in, then add the chicken cube. Place the carrots and potatoes back in, then add water and tomato sauce. Cover and let it simmer.
- Once it starts boiling, mix it all. Cover and leave it to simmer for a few more minutes. While it is cooking, prepare the other ingredients.
- After it has been left to simmer, remove the cover and add the cheese. Cover and let it simmer. After some time, check your sauce to see if it has been seasoned well, then cover again.
- Once the chicken is cooked, and the carrots and potatoes have softened, add the bell peppers. Add green peas as well. Pour in the Nestle All-Purpose Cream. Mix well. Season with black pepper. Add the chilies.
- Sauté the bell peppers. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish the Afritada with it.
This cheesy rendition will be an interesting experience, especially if you and your family like Afritada. Not only will you be able to enjoy the original tanginess of tomato, you will also be able to feel the creaminess of the cheese that coats your taste buds.
For more simple and easy recipes, grab copies of our Simpol Cookbook collection on Shopee or Lazada. Also available in Fully Booked and National Book Store.
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