Filipino Chicken Adobo
Filipino Chicken Adobo is a savory and tangy stew of chicken simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, delivering a rich and comforting flavor that’s a staple of Filipino cuisine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 head garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side.
- Add the crushed garlic and sliced onion; sauté until fragrant and onions are softened.
- Pour in soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Add bay leaves and peppercorns. Do not stir immediately after adding vinegar to allow the sourness to mellow.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If desired, add brown sugar to balance the sourness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed white rice.
Notes
For extra depth, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns for at least 1 hour or overnight before cooking.