Print

Classic Filipino Chicken Adobo

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Classic Filipino Chicken Adobo is a savory, tangy, and comforting dish made by simmering chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper. Tender and flavorful, it’s the ultimate Filipino comfort food best served with steamed rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks (bone-in preferred)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup white or cane vinegar
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
  • Chopped green onions or fried garlic, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve marinade) and sear until golden brown on all sides.
  3. Pour in the reserved marinade and add water or broth. Add brown sugar if desired.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is tender and sauce has slightly thickened.
  5. For a richer flavor, remove chicken once cooked and continue simmering the sauce until thick and glossy. Return chicken to coat.
  6. Garnish with green onions or fried garlic and serve hot with steamed white rice.

Notes

  • Use cane vinegar for the most authentic Filipino flavor.
  • Adobo develops deeper flavor when rested overnight.
  • Adjust sweetness by increasing or omitting the brown sugar.
  • Add coconut milk for a creamy twist known as Adobo sa Gata.
  • Simmer uncovered at the end for a thicker, glaze-like sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/classic-filipino-chicken-adobo/