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Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is a traditional Filipino dish known for its savory, tangy flavor and simplicity. This dish features chicken marinated in vinegar and soy sauce, simmered with garlic and spices, and served with rice. It's a comforting meal that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 4 People
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 skillet or Dutch oven
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cups
  • 1 measuring spoons
  • 1 cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 pieces bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • to taste salt
  • cooked white rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, white vinegar, water, crushed garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for better flavor).
  • After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade. Reserve the marinade for cooking.
  • In a skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down and sear until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken to brown all sides.
  • Once the chicken is golden brown, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. If desired, add sugar for a hint of sweetness. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  • Once cooked, serve the Chicken Adobo hot over cooked white rice, spooning some of the sauce over the top.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding a few slices of chili pepper to the marinade.
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken drumsticks or breasts, but cooking times may vary.
Leftover Chicken Adobo tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.