Classic Chicken Adobo

Name: Classic Chicken Adobo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 fl oz 2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix); 9.5 bag 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2.3 half 1/4 cup white vinegar; 0.5 cm 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ml 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed; 1.8 qt 2-3 bay leaves; 9.5 cm 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2.1 half Steamed rice, for serving; 4.7 cm Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish

By Melanie Mcknight

November 18, 2025

4246 views

This Chicken Adobo recipe is a flavorful and savory Filipino dish that is both comforting and easy to prepare. Chicken pieces are simmered in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a delicious balance of salty, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect served with steamed rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. A classic Filipino dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the depth of flavors as the chicken marinates and cooks in the adobo sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal. This recipe is adaptable to different tastes, allowing you to adjust the ratios of soy sauce and vinegar to your preference. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Chicken Adobo recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Filipino cuisine.

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix) - 8.0 fl oz
1/2 cup soy sauce - 9.5 bag
1/4 cup white vinegar - 2.3 half
4-5 cloves garlic, minced - 0.5 cm
1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed - 8.0 ml
2-3 bay leaves - 1.8 qt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 9.5 cm
Steamed rice, for serving - 2.1 half
Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish - 4.7 cm

Cooking Steps

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, crushed peppercorns, and bay leaves. 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.

Step 2

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserving the marinade) and brown on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavors and adds richness to the dish.

Step 3

Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This will intensify the flavors of the adobo sauce.

Step 5

Return the chicken to the pot and toss to coat with the thickened adobo sauce. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 6

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, or a splash more soy sauce or vinegar to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Step 7

Serve the Chicken Adobo hot with steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired. Enjoy this classic Filipino dish!

# Potato # One-Bowl # Halloween # Simmered