Filipino Adobo Chicken fills the kitchen with a rich, tangy aroma that feels like home. This dish simmers gently, letting vinegar and soy sauce soften the chicken while garlic and bay leaves deepen the flavor. I learned early that simple ingredients, treated with patience, bring the most comfort. This version stays true to tradition and fits busy home cooks.
Table of Contents
Filipino Adobo Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Classic Filipino Adobo Chicken with vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
Ingredients
Chicken pieces
Soy sauce
Vinegar
Garlic
Bay leaves
Black peppercorns
Neutral oil
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken
2. Brown chicken
3. Add marinade
4. Simmer until tender
5. Reduce sauce
Notes
Flavor improves after resting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Why You’ll Love This Filipino Adobo Chicken Recipe
- Uses pantry staples
- Simmered in one pot
- Tastes even better the next day
- Works for weeknights or meal prep
- Pairs well with plain rice
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 40 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
Ingredients For Filipino Adobo
- 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup cane vinegar or white vinegar
- 6 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- Optional swaps: chicken breast, apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a bowl.
- Marinate for 30 minutes if time allows.
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Brown chicken on both sides.
- Pour in the marinade and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer until chicken turns tender and sauce reduces
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed white rice so the sauce soaks in. Add sliced cucumber or sautéed greens on the side. A squeeze of calamansi or lemon brightens the plate.
Quick Tips or Variations
- Simmer uncovered to thicken sauce.
- Add a splash of water if sauce reduces too fast.
- Crisp chicken briefly before serving for texture.
FAQs About Filipino Adobo
What is Filipino adobo chicken made of?
Chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
What makes Filipino chicken adobo different from other adobo dishes?
It relies on vinegar and soy sauce rather than dried spices.
Is Filipino adobo chicken spicy or salty?
It tastes savory and tangy, not spicy.
Can Filipino adobo chicken be made ahead of time?
Yes. Flavor improves after resting overnight.
Conclusion
Filipino Adobo Chicken shows how simple cooking brings deep comfort. Let it simmer, serve with rice, and enjoy a dish that carries tradition and ease.
If you enjoy comforting chicken dishes with rich sauce, you might also like homemade butter chicken, which offers a creamy, gently spiced option for cozy dinners. For something lighter that still pairs well with rice, chicken and rice soup makes a soothing choice. You may also enjoy bold, crowd-friendly recipes like brown sugar garlic chicken or the popular marry me chicken, both known for deep flavor and simple preparation.
