If you are looking for easy healthy comfort food, this Chicken Afritada Tomato Stew recipe is just that. It’s deliciously savory and will leave you wanting more. It’s quick and easy to make with a pressure cooker, freezer-friendly, and simple to meal prep for busy weeks ahead. Naturally nutrient-dense and full of body-healing protein, this highly nourishing dish will be one you’ll want to make again and again. Paleo and Whole 30 approved.

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Chicken Afritada is a stewed chicken tomato dish that is an absolute staple in Filipino households. It’s a warm and comforting dish, usually served hot on a bed of white rice. This version uses a base of mouth-watering tomato sauce, vegetables, and features Thai chili peppers for a deliciously spicy kick!

There are some pre-made flavoring mixes available, like this one by Mama Sita’s, but it’s pretty simple to make it from scratch. Easier still when it’s made with a pressure cooker! Just set it and forget it. 

What’s in Chicken Afritada Tomato Stew?

• Chicken Thighs
• Garlic
• Yellow Onion
• Diced Tomatoes
• Tomato Paste
• Fish Sauce (Patis), use gluten free
• Soy Sauce, Tamari, or Coconut Aminos
• White Potatoes
• Carrots
• Green Peas
• Red & Green Bell Pepper
• Thai Chili Peppers

Paleo & Whole 30 Chicken Afritada Stew Modifications:

Paleo: omit green peas, substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce. Use gluten-free fish sauce.

Whole 30: substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce. Use gluten-free fish sauce.

Gluten-Free: substitute tamari sauce or coconut aminos for soy sauce. Use gluten-free fish sauce.

You’ll Want to Make this a Dinner Staple!

• It’s warm, comforting, and filling
• Savory and delicious
• Whole family approved, kids love it
• Easy to make ahead and meal prep
• Freezer friendly
• Healing, nourishing, and nutrient-dense
• Clean eating, Paleo, and Whole 30 approved
• Gluten free, dairy free, grain free (with a soy sauce substitute)
• Quickly made in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot

How to Make the Best Chicken Afritada Tomato Stew?

Pressure Cooker Directions:

• Chicken: lightly salt and pepper both sides.
• Pressure Cooker: set to sear and heat oil.
• Braise: add 1-2 tsp fish sauce into the pressure cooker and sear chicken. 
• Remove: chicken and transfer to a plate.
• Saute: garlic and onions. Add tomatoes, water, and sauces. Mix well.
• Add: vegetables and thai chili peppers. Leave out some thai chili peppers for garnish.
• Add: chicken back in and mix. 
• Cook: on high for 20 minutes. Allow to slow release once finished.
• Optional: open lid once pressure is released. Set to sear and let simmer for 5-10 minutes for a thicker stew.

Stovetop Directions:

• Chicken: lightly salt and pepper both sides.
• Stock Pot: heat oil on medium heat.
• Braise: add 1-2 tsp fish sauce and sear chicken for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove: chicken and transfer to a plate.
• Saute: garlic and onions. Add tomatoes, sauces, and 1 cup water. Mix well. 
• Add: chicken back in and mix. Bring to a boil and simmer on medium-low heat for 25 minutes, with lid. Stir occasionally.
• Add: potatoes and carrots. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes until softened. Stirring occasionally.
• Add: peas, bell peppers, and thai chili peppers and let simmer without lid for 5-10 minutes, until softened, stirring occasionally. Leave out some thai chili peppers for garnish.
• Serve: hot with rice or vegetables.

What Makes this Chicken Tomato Stew Nourishing and Healing?

Chicken is Full of Healthy Protein

Chicken is one of the best protein sources. It’s less acid-forming than red meat, making it more alkaline and less inflammatory. One medium-sized chicken thigh with skin provides approximately 191 kcal of energy, 22.6g of protein, 10.5 g of fat. It’s also a good source of vitamin Bs, zinc, selenium, and amino acids.

White Potatoes Provides Fiber and Natural Lithium

White potatoes are considered a complex carb but the body breaks them down faster, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels. Although white potatoes are higher on the glycemic index, they also provide fiber, making you feel full and satiated for longer. White potatoes are a source of natural lithium, an essential nutrient that has been prescribed for mood stabilization and psychiatric disorders. Evidence suggests that lithium calms ruminating thoughts which may help with better sleep.

Tomatoes Contain Beneficial Lycopene

Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their vibrant red color. It’s an antioxidant that works to protect cells from damage and has even been shown to slow the progression of cancerous cells. Cooking tomatoes also increases the bioavailability of lycopene to the body.

Carrots and Bell Peppers for Wound Healing

Both bell peppers and carrots provide vitamin A and C. They contain a great amount of beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A. They also contain vitamin C. These two nutrients together help the body and skin with wound healing, collagen formation, and cellular regeneration.

How to Store/Freeze Chicken Stew:

Cooked Chicken Afritada can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

If meal prepping to save time, this dish can be portioned out and frozen for up to 2 months.

More Nourishing Healing Dinner Recipes:

• Miso-Rubbed Baked Chicken
• The Best Way to Cook Fermented Soybean Marinated Beef