Description
Filipino Style Chicken Adobo is a classic and flavorful dish made by marinating chicken in a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, then simmering it until tender in a savory sauce. This recipe captures the authentic taste of traditional Filipino comfort food, delivering a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. Ideal for a hearty main course served with steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup cane vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, water, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and brown sugar if using. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare the Skillet: When ready to cook, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and set the marinade aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces skin-side down in the heated oil. Brown them on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, to develop color and flavor.
- Simmer with Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 30–35 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Reduce the Sauce: After simmering, remove the lid and continue to cook uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes. This step reduces and thickens the sauce, intensifying the taste.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet, plate it, and spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Serve hot with steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a deeper, more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can adjust the vinegar-to-soy sauce ratio according to your personal taste preference.
- Optional additions include sliced onions or a splash of coconut milk for a regional variation of the dish.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
