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–+ servings

Filipino Chicken Adobo

A flavorful and tangy traditional Filipino dish featuring chicken marinated in soy sauce and vinegar, simmered to perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • 750 g 750g chicken thigh fillets (boneless and skinless) (5 – 6 pieces)
  • 3 cloves 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/3 cup 1/3 cup soy sauce (ordinary all-purpose or light, not dark soy sauce)
  • 1/3 cup 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp whole black pepper (substitute with 2 tsp coarse cracked pepper)
  • 4 leaves 4 bay leaves (fresh or dried)

Cooking ingredients

  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp oil (separated, vegetable, canola or peanut)
  • 1 small 1 small brown onion (diced)
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups water (375 ml)
  • 2 green onions 2 green onions/scallions (sliced for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Combine the chicken and marinade ingredients in a bowl. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight.

Cooking

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it in the pan. Sear both sides until browned, about 1 minute on each side. Do not cook the chicken all the way through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for about 1.5 minutes.
  • Add the reserved marinade, water, brown sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to medium-high. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken to the simmering sauce, smooth side down. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken at around 15 minutes, until the sauce reduces to a thick jam-like syrup.
  • If the sauce isn’t thick enough, remove the chicken onto a plate and let the sauce simmer on its own to thicken faster. Once thickened, return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the glaze.
  • Serve the chicken over rice.

Notes

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or sliced chili. You can try making a version of Adobo with different proteins such as pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 1800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6g
Keyword Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Filipino Chicken Adobo, Savory Chicken, Traditional Filipino Dish
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