Name: Filipino Adobo Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred); 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar); 6 cloves garlic, crushed; 2-3 bay leaves; 1 tsp whole black peppercorns; 1/2 cup water; 2 tbsp oil (for browning); Optional: 1 small onion, sliced; Optional: 1 tsp brown sugar; Optional: 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Adobo Chicken is packed with deep umami flavor, thanks to the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and garlicky notes. It’s incredibly easy to prepare with pantry staples and requires minimal effort. The result is a tender, flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. It’s a comfort food classic that gets better with time and is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
Soy sauce
Vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
Garlic (crushed)
Bay leaves
Whole black peppercorns
Water
Oil (for browning)
Optional: onion, sugar, hard-boiled eggs

Directions

In a large bowl or zip-top bag, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, crushed garlic, and bay leaves for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and sear until browned on both sides. Set aside.
Add the marinade to the pot, along with vinegar, water, black peppercorns, and any remaining ingredients.
Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, until chicken is tender and infused with flavor. Uncover and simmer further if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Serve hot over steamed white rice, with sauce spooned on top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 1 hour total (30 minutes prep including marinating, 30 minutes cook time).

Variations

Sweet Touch: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the salt and vinegar.
Dry Adobo: Simmer until the sauce reduces completely and the chicken caramelizes in its own fat.
With Coconut Milk: Add coconut milk toward the end of cooking for a creamy version known as Adobo sa Gata.
Add Eggs: Simmer peeled hard-boiled eggs in the sauce to absorb the flavor.
With Pork: Use pork shoulder or belly for a meatier alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Filipino Adobo tastes even better the next day. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated as needed.

FAQs

What makes Adobo the national dish of the Philippines?

Its widespread popularity, simple ingredients, and rich flavor make it a national favorite. It also preserves well due to the vinegar and soy sauce.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor and keeps the meat moist during simmering.

What type of vinegar is best?

White vinegar, cane vinegar, or coconut vinegar all work. Avoid balsamic or flavored vinegars.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances the flavor but can be skipped if short on time. The chicken will still absorb the flavors while simmering.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, but adjust the amount of salt or use additional seasoning as needed.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release and reduce the sauce on sauté mode if needed.

Is Adobo spicy?

Traditional Adobo is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or sliced chili peppers if desired.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, pork, tofu, or even hard-boiled eggs work well in this sauce.

What should I serve with Adobo Chicken?

Steamed white rice is traditional, but it also pairs well with garlic rice, sautéed greens, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Why does Adobo taste better the next day?

The flavors deepen and meld as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious.

Conclusion

Filipino Adobo Chicken is a timeless, comforting dish that showcases the bold, balanced flavors of Filipino cuisine. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and full of tradition. Whether it’s your first time making Adobo or it’s a family staple, this recipe is sure to be a favorite on your table.