Easy Savory Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
A quick and flavorful Filipino chicken adobo recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a tangy, garlicky sauce made with soy sauce and vinegar. Perfect for busy weeknights and comforting meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 6–8 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably naturally brewed)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (cane or coconut vinegar works well)
- 2–3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help get a nice sear. Crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add crushed garlic to the same pan. Stir until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Avoid burning the garlic.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, vinegar, water, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar if using. Stir gently to combine. Avoid stirring vigorously after adding vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. If the sauce is too watery, uncover for the last 5 minutes to thicken.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Browning the chicken is key to locking in juices and adding depth of flavor. Avoid stirring vigorously after adding vinegar to prevent harshness. The dish tastes better the next day as flavors deepen. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Optional brown sugar balances acidity. Can add green onions for garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Filipino chicken adobo, chicken adobo recipe, easy chicken adobo, savory chicken adobo, Filipino cuisine, comfort food, quick dinner