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Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe

4.5 from 150 reviews

Filipino Chicken Adobo is a classic and beloved dish featuring succulent chicken marinated in a savory, tangy mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, then fried and simmered to perfection. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors with a slightly sweet finish, making it a comforting and flavorful meal served best with steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 3 lbs chicken with skin and bones (chicken legs recommended)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3/4 cup vinegar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Garnish (Optional)

  • Green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine garlic, soy sauce, water, vinegar, whole peppercorns, ground black pepper, dark brown sugar, and bay leaves. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld deeply.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade mixture. Fry the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown on all sides, adding more oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
  3. Simmer with Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan with the fried chicken. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes on one side to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to reduce slightly.
  4. Flip and Continue Simmering: Turn the chicken pieces over to the other side and continue simmering for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve the chicken adobo hot over steamed rice and enjoy the rich, tangy flavors.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor, so plan ahead for best results.
  • Adjust the amount of vinegar and soy sauce to taste, some prefer it more tangy or salty.
  • Using dark brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity and saltiness of the marinade.
  • Chicken thighs or legs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or remove chicken and reduce sauce further before serving.
  • Garnishing with green onions is optional but adds a fresh color and mild sharpness.

Keywords: Filipino chicken adobo, chicken adobo recipe, Filipino cuisine, marinated chicken, adobo sauce, traditional Filipino dish