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Delicious bowl of Chicken Adobo garnished with herbs and served with rice

Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is a savory and tangy Filipino classic that evokes warm memories of home and family gatherings, making it a perfect weeknight meal or special occasion dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce This will give the dish a rich, savory undertone.
  • 1/2 cup white Filipino cane vinegar (or distilled white vinegar) The vinegar brings the crucial tanginess that defines adobo.
  • 6-8 cloves garlic (smashed and peeled) Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns These provide a warm, spicy kick.
  • 2 pieces bay leaves These add a subtle layer of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
For the Chicken
  • 6 pieces skin-on bone-in chicken thighs The chicken becomes tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large, nonreactive sauté pan, place the soy sauce, vinegar, smashed garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Stir gently to mix everything together.
  2. Nestle the chicken thighs in the pan, skin side down. Make sure they’re well-coated in the marinade.
Cooking
  1. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
  2. After 20 minutes, turn the chicken over, cover again, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  3. Uncover the pan and increase the heat to high. Bring the sauce back to a boil, occasionally turning and basting the chicken. Continue boiling until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve the Chicken Adobo with a generous portion of steamed white rice.

Notes

For an added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and vinegar mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce. Use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even cooking and browning of the chicken.