How to Make the Perfect Filipino Chicken Adobo
Filipino · Easy · 50 min · 4 servings
Filipino Chicken Adobo is a kid friendly recipe that features tender chicken simmered in a savory soy and vinegar sauce. This beloved Filipino dish is simple enough for weeknight dinners and packed with flavors that children absolutely love.
Why this recipe works
This Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.5 cup white vinegar
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine soy sauce vinegar garlic and bay leaves in a bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan over medium high heat and sear the chicken pieces skin side down for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown then flip.
Step 3: Simmer in Sauce
Pour the marinade over the chicken bring to a boil then reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Reduce and Glaze
Remove the lid and simmer for another 5 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens into a beautiful glaze then serve over steamed white rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- white vinegar → apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter milder tang
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten free and lower sodium option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much vinegar which makes the sauce overly sour and unpleasant for kids
- Lifting the lid too early during simmering which prevents the chicken from becoming tender
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 28g protein, 6g carbs, 18g fat, 1g fiber.
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