Description
Chicken Adobo is one of the most iconic dishes in Filipino cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and aromatic blend of ingredients. It embodies the essence of Filipino cooking: a harmonious balance of savory, sour, and slightly sweet flavors that are simple yet deeply satisfying. This dish has become a staple not only in Filipino households but also in international cuisine, reflecting the Philippines’ diverse culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken (thighs and drumsticks work well)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (or cane vinegar)
- 1 cup water
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional, for balance)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for more flavor).
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Brown the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add it to the pot. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the reserved marinade, vinegar, and water. Add the peppercorns. Do not stir immediately; let the vinegar cook for about 2-3 minutes to mellow its flavor.
- Simmer: Stir the mixture, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add sugar and salt as needed. If you want a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce reduces.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, you can include a few whole hard-boiled eggs in the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to customize with vegetables like potatoes or carrots for a heartier meal.