I made this recipe for a recent family gathering, and it was an instant hit! The tender chicken, simmered in a rich blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, brought everyone together around the table. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones, filled with bold flavors and a touch of home.
Chicken Adobo is a classic Filipino dish known for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s made by marinating and simmering chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper. Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken Adobo:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken (bone-in thighs or drumsticks work well)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 onion, sliced (optional)
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (or freshly ground black pepper)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 cup water (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Green onions or fried garlic for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight in the fridge.
- Brown the chicken (optional): Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, saving the liquid. Fry the chicken pieces until lightly browned on both sides. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you prefer.
- Simmer: In the same pan, pour in the reserved marinade, water (or broth), and sugar (if using). Add the browned chicken back into the pan. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the chicken simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
- Reduce the sauce: Uncover the pan and let the sauce reduce to your desired consistency. It should be rich and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and pour the sauce over it. Garnish with green onions or fried garlic, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Chicken Adobo is a comforting and versatile dish, great for family meals or gatherings!
