Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe!

There’s a familiar, cozy scent that fills the air whenever I make this easy adobo Filipino recipe. It’s the smell of home, of childhood, of my grandmother’s kitchen where the rhythmic clatter of her wooden spoon against the pot meant something delicious was on its way.

I remember the first time I tried making this dish on my own. I had just moved into my first apartment, armed with a tiny pot, a single wooden spoon, and my grandmother’s handwritten recipe card—complete with smudged soy sauce stains. I had called her up, nervous and excited, and she chuckled before telling me, “Adobo is forgiving, anak. It’s all about love and patience.”

Of course, I didn’t have much patience then. I turned up the heat too high, rushed the simmering process, and ended up with something that tasted… well, not bad, but certainly not like hers. But I kept trying, tweaking, adjusting, until one day, as I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and thought, “There it is.” That deep, rich, slightly tangy, and umami-packed flavor that defines authentic Filipino recipes. Since then, it’s been my go-to comfort food, and I’m thrilled to share this easy adobo chicken recipe with you today.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. Simple and Quick – This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights. A low-effort dish with a high reward—what’s not to love?
   
2. Packed with Flavor – The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves creates a bold and savory taste that makes each bite an explosion of flavor.
   
3. Tender and Juicy Chicken – The slow simmering process ensures the chicken soaks up all the delicious flavors while remaining moist and tender.
   
4. Budget-Friendly – With just a handful of pantry staples, this dish proves that delicious meals don’t have to be expensive.
   
5. Low Sodium Filipino Recipe Option – You can adjust the saltiness by using a low-sodium soy sauce without compromising on taste.
   
6. Versatile and Customizable – Prefer it spicier? Add chili flakes. Want it sweeter? A dash of brown sugar does the trick. You can make it just the way you like it.
   
7. Great for Meal Prep – Adobo tastes even better the next day! It’s a dish that develops deeper flavors over time, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.
   

Ingredients Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe!

Chicken Adobo Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option)
• 3 tbsp cane vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Cooking Equipment:

• A deep skillet or wide pan with a lid
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Tongs for flipping the chicken
• Measuring spoons and cups

How to Make This Easy Adobo Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and half of the minced garlic. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Sear the Chicken – Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics – In the same pan, sauté the remaining garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent.

4. Deglaze and Simmer – Pour in the vinegar, letting it simmer without stirring for a minute to mellow out the sharpness. Add the bay leaf, black peppercorns, water, and the seared chicken back into the pan.

5. Simmer to Perfection – Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and continue cooking uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Serve and Enjoy – Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve with steaming white rice and enjoy your homemade authentic Filipino recipe!

Notes and Tips for the Best Chicken Adobo

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor – If time allows, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight to deepen the flavors.
   
2. Use Cane Vinegar for Authenticity – While white vinegar works, cane vinegar provides a milder tang that complements the dish beautifully.
   
3. Don’t Stir the Vinegar Immediately – Let it boil for a minute before stirring to avoid a strong acidic taste in the final dish.
   
4. Customize to Your Taste – Some people love their adobo on the sweeter side—add brown sugar. Prefer it spicier? Throw in some red chili flakes or whole chilies.
   
5. Make It Even Healthier – You can swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts, though thighs provide a richer taste. Also, using low-sodium soy sauce makes it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
   
6. Leftovers Taste Even Better – Adobo develops a deeper, richer flavor overnight. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy an even tastier meal the next day!
   

Macronutrients for the Recipe

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fats: 18g
• Sodium: 800mg (adjust based on soy sauce selection)
• Fiber: 1g

Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor – If time allows, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight to deepen the flavors.
2. Use Cane Vinegar for Authenticity – While white vinegar works, cane vinegar provides a milder tang that complements the dish beautifully.
3. Don’t Stir the Vinegar Immediately – Let it boil for a minute before stirring to avoid a strong acidic taste in the final dish.
4. Customize to Your Taste – Some people love their adobo on the sweeter side—add brown sugar. Prefer it spicier? Throw in some red chili flakes or whole chilies.
5. Make It Even Healthier – You can swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts, though thighs provide a richer taste. Also, using low-sodium soy sauce makes it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
6. Leftovers Taste Even Better – Adobo develops a deeper, richer flavor overnight. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy an even tastier meal the next day!

Adobo Answers: Your Questions, Answered!

1. What can I serve with Chicken Adobo?
   • Steamed white rice is the classic pairing, but garlic rice, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh cucumber salad work well too.
2. Can I use other meats for this recipe?
   • Absolutely! Pork is a popular alternative, and even tofu can be used for a vegetarian version.
3. How do I thicken the sauce?
   • Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
   • Yes! Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
5. What’s the secret to making it taste just like in the Philippines?
   • The key is patience—letting the chicken slowly absorb the flavors—and using authentic ingredients like cane vinegar and whole peppercorns.
6. How can I make this dish even faster?
   • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which cook faster, and skip the marination step if you’re in a rush.