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Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo is one of the Philippines' most iconic dishes, made with tender chicken simmered in a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Slow-cooked until the meat is juicy and infused with rich, tangy flavors, this classic dish offers the perfect balance of salty, sour, and aromatic notes. Simple yet incredibly satisfying, Chicken Adobo is a staple in Filipino households and is best served hot with steamed rice.
Prep time15 min
Cook time45 min
Total time1 hr
Serves4 persons
Ingredients
1kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vinegar
1 cup water
6 cloves garlic, crushed
3 bay leaves
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
2 spring onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, and garlic. Marinate for 30 minutes for better flavor.
- Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and brown it on all sides.
- Pour in the reserved marinade, water, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns. Bring to a boil.
- Add the vinegar without stirring. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Stir gently, then add the brown sugar if desired to balance the flavors. Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes until the sauce is slightly reduced.
- Transfer the Chicken Adobo to a serving dish, garnish with chopped spring onions if desired, and serve hot with steamed rice.
