This Spicy Chicken Afritada is a slow cooker sensation! Tender chicken simmers in a fiery tomato sauce with chili, potatoes, and carrots. A healthy, zesty breakfast twist on a Filipino favorite—perfect with toast or rice, it’s bold, flavorful, and ready to spice up your morning!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Spice Control: Start with less chili—add more at the end to taste.
- Low Heat: Cook on low overnight for juicy chicken and melded flavors.
- Veggie Size: Chop small for even cooking—keeps it quick and hearty.
- Cool It Down: Stir in a splash of broth if it’s too spicy mid-cook.
- Fresh Kick: Add chili flakes or fresh peppers right before serving for extra heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this Spicy Chicken Afritada—it’s a slow cooker breakfast adventure with a kick! You’ll love how the crockpot turns tender chicken into a fiery delight, simmering overnight in a zesty tomato sauce spiked with chili, alongside wholesome potatoes and carrots that soak up all that bold flavor. It’s a healthy twist on the Filipino classic, crafted to wake up your taste buds with a spicy punch while keeping things light and nourishing for the morning.
The slow cooker makes it effortless—toss it in before bed, and wake up to a warm, vibrant meal that’s ready to fuel your day with a little heat and a lot of heart. Serve it with a slice of toast or a scoop of rice, and you’ve got a breakfast that’s packed with protein, veggies, and just the right amount of spice to shake up your routine. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy days when you crave something exciting yet good for you—this recipe’s a spicy, satisfying win you’ll keep coming back to!
Spicy Chicken Afritada with a Kick of Chili

Spicy chicken in chili-tomato sauce with veggies, slow-cooked—healthy breakfast zing!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 cup small red potatoes, cubed
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 fresh jalapeños or serranos, chopped (seeds optional for heat)
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low-sodium, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra kick)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked rice, toast, or a fried egg for serving
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s whip up a Spicy Chicken Afritada that’ll make your slow cooker the breakfast spice master! If you’ve got a skillet and a few minutes, heat that olive oil over medium-high and sear the chicken pieces—1-2 minutes per side until they’re golden and ready to soak up flavor. It’s optional, but that sizzle adds a fiery edge! Once done, toss the chicken into your crockpot.
- Now, pile in the chopped onion, minced garlic, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and those chopped fresh chilies—jalapeños or serranos, your call on the seeds for heat level. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then add a splash of soy sauce if you’re using it, plus salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you want an extra kick—give it a big, zesty stir to mix all that spicy goodness. Pop the lid on, set it to low for 6 hours (perfect for overnight cooking), or high for 3 if you’re starting early, and let it simmer away—your kitchen’s going to smell like a spicy morning fiesta!
- When it’s ready—maybe as you’re blinking awake—the chicken should be tender and the sauce bold. Give it a taste and tweak the salt, pepper, or chili flakes if you want more fire—spice it to your heart’s content! Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or green onions on top for that vibrant finish, and serve it up—maybe with a fried egg, toast, or a scoop of rice to cool the heat a bit. Grab a spoon and dive in—this is slow-cooked spice with a healthy breakfast twist that’ll wake you right up!
Notes
- Adjust chilies to taste—start mild and build heat as you go.
- Cook low and slow—keeps chicken juicy and flavors deep.
- Great for meal prep—spice mellows a bit in leftovers!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 334Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 128mgSodium 342mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 40g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, ideal for a light breakfast—thighs add richer flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Low-sodium canned keeps it simple—fresh tomatoes work with extra prep.
- Chili Peppers: Fresh jalapeños or serranos bring the heat—adjust for your spice level.
- Potatoes: Small red or Yukon Gold hold their shape—perfect for hearty bites.
- Carrots: Thin slices add sweetness to balance the spice—fresh is best.
- Garlic and Onion: Fresh minced garlic and chopped onion build a savory base—powdered subs save time.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium keeps it healthy—adds depth without heaviness.
- Olive Oil: Optional for searing—adds a light, healthy touch.
Variations and Substitutions
This Spicy Afritada loves a remix! Swap chicken breast for thighs, turkey, or shrimp (add shrimp late)—each handles the heat beautifully. No fresh chilies? Use chili flakes, hot sauce, or canned green chilies for that kick. Trade tomato sauce for diced tomatoes or salsa for a quick twist. Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or zucchini to lighten it up, or trade carrots for peas or bell peppers. Want more fire? Double the chilies or add cayenne—cool it down with extra broth or a dollop of yogurt. Gluten-free? It’s naturally there—just check your broth. Vegetarian? Skip chicken for tofu or chickpeas—they’ll soak up the spice. Serve over quinoa, a fried egg, or toast for a breakfast spin—this dish bends to your heat tolerance and morning mood!
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days—spice deepens!
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or microwave in short bursts.
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