In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and sugar (if using). Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Heat oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserving the marinade) and brown on all sides. This step helps to develop a rich flavor in the final dish.
Pour the reserved marinade into the pan with the chicken. Add water to the pan, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, vinegar for tanginess, or sugar for sweetness, according to your preference.
Serve the chicken adobo hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
I wasn't a huge fan. The adobo was too salty for my liking, and I found the vinegar a bit overpowering. I might try adjusting the ratios next time.
A great weeknight meal. Simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but simple. A delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family enjoyed.
This recipe is a winner! The adobo sauce is to die for. The chicken was tender and flavorful. Easy to follow instructions. Will make this again and again!
Simply delicious! This chicken adobo is now a family favorite. The sauce is perfectly balanced, and the chicken is so tender. Thank you for this recipe!
Simple and satisfying! I was surprised how easy this was to make. The adobo was flavorful and a definite crowd-pleaser. I'll be making this again soon.
