Description
Chicken Adobo is a beloved Filipino dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a bold, savory sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and aromatic spices. This authentic Chicken Adobo recipe delivers the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in one comforting, one-pot meal. Simple pantry ingredients transform into a rich, deeply flavorful dish that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
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2–3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
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½ cup soy sauce
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½ cup white vinegar
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6 garlic cloves, crushed
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2 bay leaves
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1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
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½ cup water
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and water. Add chicken and marinate at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown on both sides.
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Add sliced onion and cook until softened.
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Pour reserved marinade over the chicken and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Stir in brown sugar if desired to balance acidity.
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For a thicker sauce, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes until reduced.
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Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot
Notes
Boneless chicken thighs may be used for quicker cooking.Add coconut milk for a creamy variation.Include diced potatoes for a heartier version.Add sliced chili peppers for heat.A mix of chicken creates a traditional twist.The flavor deepens after resting overnight.
