Get ready to savor the bold and irresistible flavors of Chicken Adobo! This Filipino dish is a true gem that captures the essence of comfort food with its tangy, savory, and slightly sweet taste. Imagine tender chicken pieces marinated in a delightful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, simmered to perfection. The result is a dish that boasts a rich, complex flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar (preferably cane or rice vinegar)
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, water, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or for best results, refrigerate overnight.
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet, skin side down, and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the reserved marinade. Add the brown sugar, if desired, and stir well.
- Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the marinade for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, you can brown the chicken pieces before adding the marinade. This step adds a lovely caramelization and enhances the taste. If you prefer a sweeter adobo, add the optional brown sugar. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. Chicken Adobo is traditionally served with steamed rice, which helps balance the bold flavors of the dish. The fluffy rice absorbs the delicious sauce, creating a perfect harmony. For a vibrant and fresh accompaniment, serve your Chicken Adobo with a side of pickled vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers or carrots. Leftover Chicken Adobo makes for amazing sandwiches or filling for tacos. Shred the chicken and pile it onto bread or tortillas, and you’ll have a delightful meal on the go. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1260mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
