Chicken Adobo Recipe

Chicken adobo is one of the most recognized Filipino dishes because it is simple, deeply flavorful, and built on pantry ingredients found in many Filipino homes. The combination of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves creates a sauce that is savory, tangy, and comforting. Every household has its own version, which is part of what makes adobo feel so personal. It is a perfect dish to open a Filipino Food Month series because it represents everyday home cooking and the balance of bold flavors that many people associate with Filipino food.

This chicken adobo recipe is written for a Filipino Food Month series that runs through April, with one dish featured each day. It is meant to be approachable for home cooks while still honoring the familiar flavors that make Filipino food so loved.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces


• 1/2 cup soy sauce


• 1/2 cup cane vinegar or white vinegar


• 1 head garlic, minced


• 2 to 3 bay leaves


• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns


• 1 tbsp brown sugar, optional


• 1 cup water


• 2 tbsp cooking oil


• Salt to taste


• Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine chicken, and soy sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned.
4. Pour in the remaining marinade, vinegar, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Do not stir right away. Let it boil for 2 minutes.
5. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
6. Add brown sugar if you want a slightly rounded flavor. Season with salt only if needed.
7. Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then serve with hot rice.

Cooking Tips


• Letting the vinegar boil before stirring helps mellow the sharpness.


• You can reduce the sauce further if you prefer a richer adobo.

Serving Suggestion
Serve chicken adobo with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.