Pressure Cooker Chicken Afritada with Seasonal Vegetables
A comforting Filipino classic, Chicken Afritada is flavorful and hearty. This version uses a pressure cooker to tenderize chicken quickly while preserving the bright taste of fresh, seasonal carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. Served over steamed rice, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that celebrates Filipino cuisine with a familiar cooking method.
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Overview
Chicken Afritada is a beloved Filipino stew known for its vibrant tomato-based sauce and tender chicken combined with an array of vegetables. This recipe leverages a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process while locking in flavors, resulting in a richly aromatic and tender dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Why you’ll love it
- Quick and easy: Pressure cooking reduces traditional simmering time significantly.
- Full of flavor: The pressure cooking method enhances the infusion of tomato and spices into the chicken.
- Seasonal vegetables: Fresh carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes add vibrant color and nutrition.
- Comforting and hearty: Served over steamed rice, it’s a filling meal for the whole family.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin removed for tenderness and flavor. Can substitute with bone-in chicken drumsticks if preferred.
- Seasonal vegetables: Use fresh carrots, potatoes, and ripe tomatoes. Adjust quantities if vegetables are smaller or larger.
- Tomato sauce and paste: Provide the base umami flavor; choose a good-quality tomato sauce for best taste.
- Fish sauce: Adds authentic Filipino umami depth—can substitute with soy sauce if needed.
- Pressure cooker: Essential for this recipe to tenderize chicken quickly and efficiently.
Serving & storage
Serve hot over steamed jasmine or long-grain white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until steaming hot. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Chef tips
- Remove chicken skin before cooking to reduce excess fat and keep the sauce clear.
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Be careful during pressure release to avoid burns; follow your pressure cooker’s safety guidelines.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, remove the lid after cooking and simmer for a few minutes until almost reduced.
Ingredients
- 800 g (1.75 lbs)bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 mediumonion, finely chopped
- 4 clovesgarlic, minced
- 2 mediumripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 200 ml (3/4 cup)tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml)water or chicken broth
- 2 mediumcarrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 mediumpotatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tbspfish sauce (patis)
- 1 tspsugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepperto taste
- Steamed riceto serve
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Equipment
- pressure cooker
- wooden spoon
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
- measuring cup
Nutrition per serving
- Calories410
- Protein35 g
- Carbs25 g
- Fat15 g
Step-by-step
Step 1
Heat vegetable oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.Step 2
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.Step 3
Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.Step 4
Add chicken thighs to the pressure cooker. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.Step 5
Pour in tomato sauce and water or chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.Step 6
Add fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.Step 7
Close the pressure cooker lid securely. Bring to high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.Step 8
Carefully release pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions. Open lid once pressure is fully released.Step 9
Add carrots and potatoes to the cooker. Stir gently, then close the lid again and cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.Step 10
Perform quick pressure release once cooking time is complete. Open lid carefully.Step 11
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or fish sauce if needed.Step 12
Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Afritada.
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