Introducing a beloved Filipino classic: Homemade Chicken Adobo, a dish that brings families together around the dinner table. With its rich blend of savory soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and aromatic spices, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Marinated to perfection, tender chicken pieces are lovingly simmered in a flavorful sauce until they reach peak deliciousness. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this comforting dish never fails to satisfy. Join me on a culinary journey to discover the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine with this timeless Chicken Adobo recipe, guaranteed to become a staple in your home kitchen.
Chicken Adobo
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Adobo:
- 1.5 kg about 3 lbs chicken pieces, preferably bone-in for extra flavor (thighs and drumsticks work well)
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup vinegar white vinegar or cane vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 onion sliced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil vegetable or canola oil
- Salt to taste (optional)
- Sugar to taste (optional, to balance the acidity)
For Serving:
- Steamed rice
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish optional
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sliced onion, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.
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Sauté the Chicken: After marinating, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Sauté the chicken in batches until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Make the Adobo Sauce: In the same skillet or pot, add the reserved marinade along with 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar if needed, to balance the flavors.
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Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the bay leaves. Serve the Chicken Adobo hot over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
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Enjoy: Enjoy this delicious Homemade Chicken Adobo with your family! It pairs perfectly with steamed rice and perhaps some sautéed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
