If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, Filipino Chicken Adobo is your answer. This classic Filipino dish has earned its place as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, and for good reason. The combination of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic creates an irresistible sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 8 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for balanced flavor)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, crushed garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes (though 2-3 hours will give you better results).
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place skin-side down in the pan.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, pour in the reserved marinade and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the sauce and crisp up the chicken skin.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Recipe Notes
- While chicken thighs are traditional and provide the best flavor, you can use chicken breasts if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
- Don’t skip the searing step – it adds crucial flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
- The sauce should be a perfect balance of salty and tangy. If it’s too strong, add a bit of water. If it needs more flavor, let it reduce further.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight!
- Serve over steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad.
- If you’re sensitive to salt, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust seasoning to taste.
Filipino Chicken Adobo
If you're looking for a dish that perfectly balances savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, Filipino Chicken Adobo is your answer. This classic Filipino dish has earned its place as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, and for good reason. The combination of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic creates an irresistible sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 8 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, crushed garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes (though 2-3 hours will give you better results).
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place skin-side down in the pan.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, pour in the reserved marinade and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the sauce and crisp up the chicken skin.
