Filipino Chicken Adobo
A classic and flavorful Filipino dish featuring chicken marinated and stewed in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 2 lbs chicken
- 3 pieces dried bay leaves
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 6 tablespoons white vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorn
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken Adobo
Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Cooking pot
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs | chicken | Slice into serving pieces. Smaller cuts preferred. | |
| 3 pieces | dried bay leaves | ||
| 4 tablespoons | soy sauce | light soy sauce, coconut aminos | |
| 6 tablespoons | white vinegar | cane vinegar, apple cider vinegar | |
| 5 cloves | garlic | Crushed | |
| 1 1/2 cups | water | ||
| 3 tablespoons | cooking oil | ||
| 1 teaspoon | sugar | Optional for balance | |
| 1 teaspoon | whole peppercorn | ||
| 1/4 teaspoon | salt | Optional |
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine chicken, soy sauce, and garlic in a large bowl. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour. (Tips: Longer marination improves flavor.)
- Step 2: Heat a cooking pot. Pour in cooking oil, and pan-fry the marinated chicken for 2 minutes per side. (Tips: Ensure oil is hot before adding chicken.)
- Step 3: Add the remaining marinade, including garlic, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil. (Tips: Ensure all chicken pieces are submerged.)
- Step 4: Add dried bay leaves and whole peppercorn. Simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender. (Tips: Simmer on low heat for best results.)
- Step 5: Mix in vinegar, and cook for an additional 10 minutes. (Tips: Avoid stirring immediately after adding vinegar to prevent bitter taste.)
- Step 6: Add sugar and salt. Stir, then turn off the heat. Serve hot. (Tips: Taste before adding salt as soy sauce may provide sufficient saltiness.)
Additional Information
Notes: Chicken can be cooked overnight in a slow cooker for a more tender outcome. Marinating longer enhances flavor absorption. Adjust seasoning to taste before final serving.