This chicken afritada crockpot recipe is an easy and delicious dish packed with flavors. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this recipe is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Chicken afritada is a popular filipino dish that combines chicken, vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce. It is typically cooked in a slow cooker or crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a deliciously tender and flavorful dish.
To make chicken afritada in a crockpot, start by browning the chicken in a pan to give it a nice golden color. Then, transfer it to the crockpot along with onions, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Let it cook on low heat for several hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together. The result is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect served over white rice. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a fan of filipino cuisine or just looking to try something new, this chicken afritada crockpot recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
Chicken afritada is a classic filipino dish that is packed with flavors and loved by many. One of the best ways to prepare this mouthwatering dish is by using a crockpot. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, while all the flavors of the ingredients infuse together to create a delicious meal.
If you are ready to give this recipe a try, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients you will need.
List The Ingredients Required For Preparing Chicken Afritada:
- Chicken: Whether you prefer using bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, this is the star ingredient of the dish. It adds a rich and savory taste to the afritada.
- Potatoes: Adding potatoes not only provides a hearty element to the dish but also helps to thicken the sauce. Choose firm potatoes that hold their shape while cooking.
- Carrots: These vibrant orange-colored veggies not only add sweetness but also provide a slight crunch to the chicken afritada.
- Bell peppers: Use a combination of green and red bell peppers to add a burst of color and a slight tangy flavor to counterbalance the richness of the sauce.
- Onions: A staple in many filipino dishes, onions are the base for the sauce in this afritada recipe. They add a delightful aroma and deep flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: No filipino dish is complete without garlic. Crushed or minced garlic cloves release their distinctive taste and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce is the key ingredient that gives chicken afritada its signature red color and tangy taste. Opt for a good-quality tomato sauce for the best results.
- Soy sauce: Adding soy sauce provides a savory umami flavor to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables and infusing the chicken with a rich taste.
- Bay leaves: These aromatic leaves add a subtle earthy flavor to the afritada. They are commonly used in filipino cooking and bring a unique taste to the dish.
- Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a hint of spiciness and complements the other flavors in the chicken afritada.
With these ingredients on hand, you are ready to embark on your flavorful journey of cooking chicken afritada in a crockpot. Let the slow cooking process work its magic and enjoy a scrumptious and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Pour yourself a plate of steamed rice, serve the chicken afritada on top, and indulge in the delightful combination of flavors.
Preparation
Preparing the chicken for the chicken afritada crockpot recipe is an essential step in creating a flavorful and tender dish. Follow these simple steps to ensure your chicken is ready for cooking:
- Cutting the chicken:
- Start by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the chicken on a clean cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into manageable pieces.
- For this recipe, you can cut the chicken into drumsticks, thighs, or breast pieces, depending on your preference.
- Marinating the chicken:
- Marinating the chicken adds depth of flavor and tenderness to the dish.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the marinade ingredients, which may include soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices such as paprika and black pepper.
- Ensure that the chicken is coated evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a ziploc bag, then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Tenderizing the chicken:
- Tenderizing the chicken helps break down the proteins, resulting in a more tender and juicy meat.
- To tenderize the chicken, you can use a meat tenderizer or a fork.
- Lay the chicken pieces on a cutting board and gently pound them with a meat tenderizer or poke them with a fork.
- Be careful not to flatten or shred the chicken, as the goal is to break down the muscle fibers without damaging the meat.
- Tenderizing the chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Preparing the chicken properly ensures that it is ready to absorb the flavors from the marinade and become tender and succulent in the slow cooker. By following these simple steps, you will be well on your way to creating a delicious chicken afritada that will impress your family and friends.
Crockpot Cooking
Who doesn’t love a delicious home-cooked meal that practically prepares itself? That’s where the crockpot comes in. It’s a handy kitchen appliance that makes cooking so much easier. And when it comes to making chicken afritada, using a crockpot has its advantages.
Let’s dig into why this slow cooker is the perfect tool for this recipe.
Advantages Of Using A Crockpot For This Recipe:
- Slow cooking enhances flavors: The low and slow cooking process allows all the ingredients in the chicken afritada to blend together perfectly. The flavors are intensified as they simmer and develop over several hours, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.
- Tenderizes the meat: Tough cuts of chicken become tender and juicy when cooked in a crockpot. The slow cooking allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Say goodbye to chewy chicken!
- Convenient set-it-and-forget-it cooking: One of the best things about using a crockpot for this recipe is the convenience of being able to set it and leave it to cook while you attend to other tasks. Gone are the days of standing over a hot stove, constantly stirring and monitoring. With the crockpot, you can simply prep your ingredients, set the cooking time, and let it do its magic.
So, whether you’re a busy professional or a multitasking parent, the crockpot is a game-changer for making chicken afritada. Give yourself a break and let the slow cooking process work its magic. Your taste buds will thank you!
Cooking Steps
Browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics:
- Start by browning the chicken in a skillet or on the stovetop until it turns golden brown. This step adds a rich flavor to the dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté the aromatics such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they become fragrant. This step enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Adding the vegetables and spices to the crockpot:
- Transfer the browned chicken and sautéed aromatics to the crockpot, ensuring all the flavorful bits are scraped into the pot.
- Add the vegetables of your choice, such as potatoes, carrots, and green peas, to the crockpot. These veggies not only add color but also add nutritional value to the dish.
- Sprinkle the spices like bay leaves, paprika, and black pepper over the ingredients in the crockpot. These spices lend a delightful aroma and enhance the taste of the chicken afritada.
Pouring the tomato sauce and other liquids into the crockpot:
- Open a can of tomato sauce and pour it over the ingredients in the crockpot. Tomato sauce serves as the base of the flavorful sauce in the dish.
- Add other liquids like chicken broth or water to dilute the sauce and ensure the chicken afritada has enough liquid to cook.
Setting the cooking time and temperature:
- Cover the crockpot and set the cooking time according to the chicken afritada recipe you are following. Generally, a slow cooker recipe requires 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low heat for the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
- Adjust the temperature setting of your crockpot accordingly, ensuring a slow and steady cooking process that allows the ingredients to meld together and develop their flavors fully.
Allowing the ingredients to cook slowly for several hours until the chicken is tender:
- Resist the temptation to peek or stir the ingredients too often as it can interfere with the cooking process. Let the crockpot do its magic, slow-cooking the chicken afritada to perfection.
- After several hours, check the tenderness of the chicken. Once the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully, your chicken afritada is ready to be enjoyed.
Note: remember to follow the specific recipe you are using for measurements and additional instructions, as flavors and cooking times may vary. Enjoy this filipino favorite dish with steamed rice or warm bread for a satisfying meal.
Serving And Pairing
Chicken afritada is a delicious filipino dish that’s packed with flavor. When it comes to serving this tasty dish, there are a few traditional options as well as some creative ideas to consider. Whether you prefer to stick with the classic steamed rice or want to explore other accompaniments, here are some suggestions that will complement your chicken afritada perfectly:
Traditional Way Of Serving It With Steamed Rice
- Chicken afritada is traditionally served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the rich and flavorful sauce. The combination of tender chicken, chunky vegetables, and savory sauce mixed with fluffy rice creates a satisfying and hearty meal.
Other Possible Accompaniments
- Bread: If you’re looking for an alternative to rice, serving chicken afritada with warm crusty bread can be a great option. It allows you to soak up the flavorful sauce and adds a different texture to the dish.
- Pasta: Another way to enjoy chicken afritada is by pairing it with pasta. Whether you choose spaghetti, penne, or any other type of pasta, the combination of tender chicken and vegetables with pasta creates a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
- Salad: For a lighter and refreshing option, serve chicken afritada with a side salad. Opt for a simple green salad or get creative with a colorful mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will complement the richness of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: If you want to enhance the flavors and add more variety to your meal, roast some vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes. The roasted vegetables will bring a delicious smoky taste to the chicken afritada and create a well-rounded plate.
- Steamed vegetables: For a healthier alternative, steam some vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans. These lightly cooked veggies will provide a fresh and crisp contrast to the flavorful chicken afritada.
So whether you choose to stick with the classic steamed rice or experiment with other accompaniments like bread, pasta, or salad, there are plenty of delicious ways to serve and enjoy chicken afritada. The key is to find a combination that suits your taste preferences and complements the rich and flavorful nature of this filipino favorite.
Get creative and enjoy a satisfying meal that will leave you coming back for more.
Variations And Tips
Chicken afritada is a classic filipino dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether you want to experiment with different meats or add unique ingredients, here are some variations and tips to elevate your chicken afritada recipe:
Variations:
- Beef afritada: Instead of chicken, you can use beef as the main protein in your afritada. The slow cooking process will tenderize the beef, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.
- Pork afritada: Another delicious alternative to chicken is pork. The combination of tender pork and the rich afritada sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Seafood afritada: If you’re a seafood lover, consider adding shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood to your afritada. This variation adds a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.
- Vegetarian afritada: For those following a vegetarian diet, you can replace the meat with tofu or a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas. The vibrant colors and textures will make this dish a visual feast.
Tips For Adjusting Spice Level:
- Increase or decrease chili: If you prefer a spicier chicken afritada, add more chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes to the recipe. On the other hand, reduce the amount of chili for a milder version.
- Balance with sweetness: If the spiciness becomes overpowering, you can balance it out with a touch of sweetness. Adding a small amount of brown sugar or pineapple chunks will help to mellow the heat.
- Customize with hot sauce: If you’re a fan of heat, you can always serve your chicken afritada with your favorite hot sauce on the side. This way, everyone can adjust the spice level according to their own taste.
Enhancing Visual Appeal:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top of your chicken afritada. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Add colorful vegetables: Aside from the traditional vegetables like potatoes and carrots, consider incorporating other vibrant veggies such as red and yellow bell peppers or green peas. These colorful additions will make the dish visually appealing.
- Serve in a colorful dish: Presentation plays a significant role in making your chicken afritada visually appealing. Serve it in a colorful and attractive dish to enhance the overall dining experience.
Experimenting with different variations and applying these tips will help you create a chicken afritada that is not only bursting with flavor but also visually enticing. So, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the deliciousness of this filipino favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions Of Chicken Afritada Crockpot Recipe
What Ingredients Do I Need For Chicken Afritada?
For chicken afritada, you will need chicken, garlic, onion, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and spices like bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
How Do I Make Chicken Afritada In A Crockpot?
To make chicken afritada in a crockpot, simply combine all the ingredients in the crockpot, set it to low heat, and let it cook for 6-8 hours or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
Can I Use Other Meats Instead Of Chicken?
Yes, you can use other meats like pork, beef, or even fish for afritada. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as different meats require different cooking times.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Afritada?
You can store leftover chicken afritada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before consuming.
Can I Freeze Chicken Afritada?
Yes, you can freeze chicken afritada. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
To sum it up, this chicken afritada crockpot recipe is a delicious and simple way to bring filipino flavors to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and savory sauce is sure to satisfy any appetite. Plus, the convenience of using a crockpot means you can let it cook all day while you go about your daily activities.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal that is both flavorful and comforting. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore new flavors and add variety to their meal rotation.
So go ahead, give this chicken afritada crockpot recipe a try and elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering dish.