Chicken is everyone’s favorite, but if you’re looking for a delicious dinner that’s bold, tangy, and savory, a comfort food classic, then this “Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe” is perfect for you. It’s easy to make at home and will be a favorite.
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Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe : Bold, Tangy, and Savory Comfort Food
When it comes to a delicious and easy dinner that delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients, the Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe is just what you need.
Recognized as the Filipino national dish, chicken adobo offers the perfect balance of salty, tangy, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors. This recipe explains step-by-step how to make authentic Filipino chicken adobo at home using pantry essentials, with step-by-step instructions in the US.
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or meal-prep, this recipe is easy, inexpensive, and incredibly satisfying. Be sure to try it.
What is Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo?
Filipino chicken adobo is a traditional braised chicken dish made with:
- Vinegar
- Soy
- Sauce
- Citrus Pepper
- Bay Leaf
- Garlic
- Chicken is slowly cooked in a bold marinade until tender and flavorful. Unlike Mexican adobo, Filipino chicken adobo is not inherently spicy. Instead, it focuses on a balance of salty and spicy.
- The word adobo comes from Spanish influence during colonial times, but the Filipino version retains its own distinct identity.
All the ingredients for this authentic Filipino chicken adobo recipe:
Main ingredients:
- 8 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 pounds bone-in, screened chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped, optional
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, for a slight sweetness, optional
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
How to Make Filipino Chicken Adobo: Complete Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken
- First, use a large bowl.
- Add soy sauce,
- crushed garlic,
- brown sugar (optional) and mix well.
- Pour all ingredients over the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and marinate for 30 to 35 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
- Tip: Marinating overnight greatly enhances the flavor.
2. Browning the Chicken
- Use a Dutch oven or deep pan.
- Add oil and heat over medium heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it skin-side down.
- Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown.
- Flip and continue cooking on the other side for about 3 minutes.
- This step adds flavor and consistency.
3. Add the sauce ingredients:
- Remaining marinade:
- Black pepper,
- Vinegar,
- Bay leaf, and
- Water
- Tip: Don’t stir immediately after adding the vinegar. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes before stirring. This will keep the vinegar flavor mild.
4. Simmer
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and continue cooking for 35 to 40 minutes, until your chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Remember, the internal temperature is 165°F.
- Stir once every few minutes.
5. Reduce the heat of the sauce.
- Remove the lid and let the sauce thicken.
- Continue cooking uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes.
- The sauce should remain slightly glossy and thick.
Optional: For crispier skin, remove the chicken and broil for another 4 to 5 minutes.
6. Serving and Enjoying
- Serve this hot over steamed jasmine or long-grain white rice, and drizzle with extra sauce.
- Garnish with:
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Sliced green onions
- A hard-boiled egg – optional, for a traditional version.
Tips for the Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe:
- Be sure to balance the soy sauce and vinegar—the classic ratio is 1:1, and you can adjust it to your liking.
- Use bone-in chicken—bone-in thighs provide excellent flavor and moisture.
- Letting it rest – The adobo tastes much better and more amazing the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Be sure to leave out the peppercorns, as they provide the authentic flavor.
Some variations for the authentic Filipino chicken adobo recipe:
- For spicy chicken adobo: Add chopped Thai chilies or red chili flakes.
- For coconut milk adobo, or adobo sa gata, add 1/2 cup coconut milk for richness.
- For the slow cooker version: Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- For the Instant Pot chicken adobo: Pressure cook on high for 10 to 11 minutes and natural release for about 10 minutes.
What to serve with this Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe:
- Simple cucumber salad
- Garlic fried rice
- Steamed white rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Pickled papaya, pickles
- Rice is essential, as it soaks up the tasty sauce well.
Storage and Meal-Prep Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Refrigerate for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Heat on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 60-second increments.
Chicken Adobo Nutrition Facts:
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: Moderate to High
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 28g
- If you prefer less sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Some export cooking tips for American kitchens:
- If you want better brownies, use a cast iron skillet.
- For a restaurant-style presentation, serve with California jasmine rice.
- For a modern twist, top with crispy fried garlic chips.
- If the sauce is too heavy, add a little chicken broth.
Why is Filipino chicken adobo popular in America?
- Filipino chicken adobo is becoming increasingly popular in American cities like:
- New York City
- San Francisco
- Los Angeles
- It’s bold yet comforting flavor profile appeals to those who prefer soy-based dishes like teriyaki or Korean-style chicken.
FAQ
Answers questions about the authentic Filipino chicken adobo recipe and mistakes you might make while making it so you can enjoy adobo at home.
Q. Does Filipino chicken adobo stay spicy?
Absolutely not! A chicken adobo recipe isn’t spicy unless you use chili.
Q. Which vinegar is best?
White vinegar is always traditional, but apple cider vinegar is a great alternative.
Q. Why is Filipino chicken adobo sour?
The sour taste comes from the vinegar, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce.
It should remain tangy, not too sour.
Q. Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely! But reduce the cooking time to prevent the meat from drying out.
Q. Does Filipino chicken adobo taste better the next day?
Yes! Soaking it overnight deepens the flavor, making it incredibly delicious.
Q. What makes authentic chicken adobo?
Vinegar, soy sauce, bay leaves, garlic, and pepper are a classic combination that represents authentic Filipino cuisine.
Q. Can chicken adobo be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.
Q. Why not add the vinegar immediately?
Boil the vinegar beforehand to remove the raw, pungent taste.
Final Thoughts
The authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe remains one of the most delicious and delicious chicken recipes you can make at home. It pairs perfectly with the perfect blend of delicious soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and aromatic garlic.
Not surprising, as this dish is considered the heart of Filipino cuisine.
If you’re new to Filipino cooking or looking for a reliable comfort food recipe, this article, with all the step-by-step instructions, will surely yield a perfect result.
Try this recipe tonight or whenever you’re free. Enjoy a taste of the Philippines in your USA kitchen and enjoy it with your family.