This Cheesy Chicken Afritada is a colorful, comforting Filipino dish made with tender chicken simmered in tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and a generous topping of melted Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese. It’s a family‑favorite recipe that brings warmth, flavor, and nostalgia to the table.
Ingredients for Chicken Afritada (Afritadang Manok)
You will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs recommended)
- 1 small potato, chopped
- 1 small carrot, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- ½ small red and green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 can Del Monte tomato sauce
- ½ cup Cheddar cheese (or Cheddar–Mozzarella mix)
- 1 Knorr chicken bouillon cube
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
How to Cook Filipino‑Style Chicken Afritada
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious and cheesy Afritada:
1. Heat the oil.
Warm the skillet and add vegetable oil (or any cooking oil you prefer).
2. Fry the potatoes.
Add the chopped potatoes and cook until slightly soft.
3. Add the carrots.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Cook until tender.
Once the vegetables are soft, remove and set aside.
5. Sauté the aromatics.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then onions, then tomatoes.
6. Add the chicken.
Place the chicken pieces in the pan.
Tip: Make small slice marks on each piece for even cooking.
7. Cover and cook.
Cook for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned. Flip the chicken, cover again, and cook another 8–10 minutes.
8. Continue cooking uncovered.
Let the chicken absorb the juices and cook until tender.
9. Add the tomato sauce.
Pour in the Del Monte tomato sauce.
10. Add water.
This prevents the sauce from burning and helps create a rich stew.
11. Add the bouillon cube.
Crumble the Knorr chicken cube into the sauce.
12. Season.
Add salt and crushed black pepper according to taste.
13. Return the vegetables.
Add back the cooked potatoes and carrots.
14. Add the bell peppers.
Stir and let the flavors combine.
15. Cover and simmer.
Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are fully tender.
16. Add the cheese.
Top with grated Cheddar or a Cheddar–Mozzarella mix.
17. Melt the cheese.
Cook for 2 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
18. Serve hot.
Enjoy with freshly steamed white rice.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Bowls and plates
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Vegetable peeler
Benefits of Eating Tomatoes
Tomatoes, or kamatis, are nutritious and flavorful. They are:
- rich in Vitamin C and folate
- low in calories and carbs
- high in water and fiber
Fresh tomatoes are commonly used in Filipino dishes—from salads and dipping sauces to soups and stews like Bulalo, Nilaga, and of course, Afritada.
Final Thoughts
Maraming salamat po for visiting our blog! We hope you enjoyed this Cheesy Chicken Afritada Recipe. Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more delicious and easy‑to‑cook Filipino dishes.