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Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo

Tender chicken in a rich blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic creating a savory-tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece gets coated in this fragrant mixture.
  2. Let the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (save the liquid) and sear each piece until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Remove chicken temporarily and sauté sliced onions in the same pot until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to the pot and pour in the reserved marinade plus water and brown sugar. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  6. Let it simmer gently for 30-35 minutes until the chicken practically falls off the bone and the sauce reduces to a glossy, rich coating.
  7. Remove the lid during the last 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Marinates beautifully overnight for effortless weeknight dinners. Don't skip the searing step for crucial depth of flavor. Avoid lifting the lid too often during simmering. Never add salt without tasting first since soy sauce provides plenty of sodium. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water to restore sauce consistency.