Chicken Adobo

My family's favorite Chicken Adobo recipe! This Filipino classic is savory, tangy, and so easy to make. Get my tips for the best, most flavorful adobo recipe!

May 22, 2025
By Jordan Kim.

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Table of Contents

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Okay, here's that blog post section you wanted, all about introducing a delicious adobo recipe ! i've tried to make it sound like we're just chatting over coffee, sharing secrets about the best filipino food.

Let's dive in!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that comforting, savory dish that just feels like home? This adobo recipe is IT! Honestly, it's my go-to for satisfying that deep, savory, garlicky craving.

Brief Overview

Chicken adobo is seriously the soul of pinoy foods . it's like, the national dish of the philippines. this recipe is super easy.

Prep takes about 15, cooking about 45. you will yield enough to feed like, 4 to 6 people.

Main Benefits

The awesome thing about chicken adobo? it's relatively healthy! hello protein! the savory dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

This specific chicken adobo recipe filipino version is special because it uses my lola's (grandma) secret ingredient: a tiny bit of brown sugar to balance out the tang.

Craving some seriously delicious, tangy, garlicky goodness? Let's talk ingredients.

What You Need: The Ingredients for the Best Chicken Adobo Filipino

Time to gather our stuff for the best ever chicken adobo recipe . This is gonna be good.

Here’s what you'll need for this filipino dish . get ready! first up: 2 lbs (900g) of chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on or off – your call! personally, i prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

It gets way more flavor, you know? it’s just better. plus, it’s pretty cheap!

Next, you'll need 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce . if you can find that filipino stuff, go for it . otherwise, kikkoman works great.

Then grab 1/2 cup (120ml) of white vinegar . apple cider vinegar also rocks in a pinch. don't forget a whole head of garlic.

That's like, 10-12 cloves, peeled and minced . don't be shy, garlic is key!

Now for the spices. we need 1 tbsp of whole black peppercorns (trust me, freshly cracked makes a huge difference), and 2 bay leaves .

And here’s my lola’s secret: 1 tbsp of brown sugar (optional, but highly recommended!).

A lil’ bit of cooking oil ( 2 tbsp - veggie, canola, coconut… whatever you have!) and 1 cup (240ml) water will finish this stuff, plus some salt to taste.

Then, that’s it!

Got all your ingredients ready? Awesome. Let’s get cookin’!

Ready To Learn How To Make The Best Adobo Recipe?

Oh my gosh, you guys are going to love this. i swear, this adobo recipe is legit. it's the same recipe passed down from my lola.

It's easy, and absolutely the best thing.

Okay, let's dive into what you need to make some seriously good chicken adobo . honestly, this filipino dish is one of my all-time comfort foods.

It's savory, tangy, and just plain delicious. it's definitely one of my favorite pinoy foods .

Ingredients & Equipment

Want to unlock the magic of adobo recipe ? I'll break down exactly what you need for this Chicken Adobo Filipino adventure.

Main Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs or drumsticks. Bone-in is my personal fave 'cause it adds flavor, but skinless works too.
1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce. Kikkoman's fine, but Filipino-style is chef's kiss .
1/2 cup (120ml) white vinegar. Don't sweat it if you only have apple cider.
1 head of garlic , minced. Yeah, the whole head. Trust me on this.
1 tbsp whole black peppercorns. Freshly cracked is the way to go if you can.
2 bay leaves.
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional). Adds a hint of sweetness to the Adobo Recipe .
2 tbsp cooking oil. Vegetable, canola, or coconut – whatever floats your boat.
1 cup (240ml) water.
Salt to taste. Remember, soy sauce is already salty, so go easy.

About that Pork Adobo Recipe . You can totally sub Pork Hock , pork belly, or shoulder. It's just going to need longer to cook till tender.

For the chicken, look for thighs that are plump and have good color. If you are making Chicken Adobo Filipino With Potatoes , use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes.

Seasoning Notes

Garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves are the holy trinity of adobo recipe ! don't skimp. for that extra oomph , a tiny splash of fish sauce is my secret weapon.

The best chicken adobo filipino is just perfectly seasoned.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid.
Measuring cups and spoons. Duh.
Cutting board. Safety first, folks!
Chef's knife.

Don't have a dutch oven? no problem! a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid will do the trick. i even make this in a chicken adobo filipino crockpot sometimes! it's super easy.

Seriously, recipes using pork or chicken are simplified in a crockpot.

Honestly, adobo recipe is all about simple ingredients and patience. it's one of those filipino food recipes that feels like a warm hug.

Plus, leftovers are amazing! it will be a dish that you really enjoy from foxy folksy .

Okay, here we go! Time to whip up some adobo magic!

Chicken Adobo: The Filipino Classic You Need to Know

Chicken adobo is like, the ultimate comfort food from the philippines. honestly, it's the bomb. savory, tangy, a little sweet – it's got everything! we're talking chicken thighs braised in soy sauce and vinegar.

And don't forget the garlic! it is a filipino dish. it is super versatile and everyone loves it! i honestly think it's the best filipino food recipe ever.

Did you know adobo recipe is one of the oldest pinoy foods ?

Prep time is about 15 mins and it takes 45 to cook, so an hour total. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organized! It's all about that mise en place , baby.

Grab 2 lbs (900g) of chicken thighs (or drumsticks, whatever you like!). Pat them dry.
Measure out 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce , 1/2 cup (120ml) white vinegar , and 1 cup (240ml) water .
Mince a whole HEAD of garlic. Seriously, like 10-12 cloves. No skimping!
Find your 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns and 2 bay leaves .
1 tbsp brown sugar ready.

Safety first : Watch those fingers when chopping garlic!

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps and you'll be golden.

Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet. Brown the chicken on all sides. Don't overcrowd!
Sauté the Garlic: Add your minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. About 30 seconds. Don't burn it!
Add the Good Stuff: Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, water, peppercorns, bay leaves, and brown sugar (if using).
Simmer Time: Bring to a simmer. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30- 40 minutes .
Reduce the Sauce: Remove the lid and simmer for another 10- 15 minutes . The sauce should thicken. Taste and add salt, if needed.
Serve It Up: Serve hot over rice!

The chicken is ready when the internal temp is 165° F . You know?

Pro Tips for Adobo Awesomeness

Want to take your adobo to the next level? Here are a few secrets.

Don't use cheap soy sauce! Good soy sauce = good adobo.
Let it rest. Seriously, let the adobado chicken sit for at least 15 mins before serving. Flavors need to meld!.
Make it ahead! Adobo is even better the next day. The flavors get deeper.

I tried this chicken adobo recipe filipino last week for a potluck, and omg. i think there was also chicken adobo filipino with potatoes recipe, and chicken adobo filipino crockpot version.

It was gone in like, five minutes. everyone wanted the best chicken adobo filipino recipe! speaking of chicken adobo crockpot .

Chicken adobo recipe filipino . i used chicken thigh adobo filipino , chicken adobo filipino authentic recipe. pork adobo. my friend from foxy folksy suggested it!.

I also added pork hock . i was really inspired by recipes using pork .

Honestly, the best part about filipino dishes recipe like this pork adobo recipe is how easy it is. even if you're a total newbie in the kitchen, you can nail this.

So go on, give it a try! you won't regret it.

Alright, let's dive into those all-important recipe notes! This Chicken Adobo Recipe Filipino is super flexible. Honestly, it’s kinda hard to mess up. You know?

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Adobo Game

These Pork Adobo Recipe tips are all about making this Filipino Dish even better! I'm sharing all my secrets, just like with my bestie. No gatekeeping here!

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Rice

Listen, adobo is great over rice. That is a fact. But let’s get fancy. Try plating it with a sprinkle of green onions. You could add toasted garlic chips too!

Think about some sides. stir-fried bok choy works so well. a simple cucumber salad adds freshness. and if you are feeling extra , make some garlic fried rice.

People call it "sinangag". it is amazing.

Storage Tips: Adobo's Secret Weapon

Leftover adobo is a gift. seriously. store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. i promise the flavors will be even better the next day.

This is a very famous filipino food recipes .

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just use a freezer-safe container. It'll last for about 2 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You will love it!

Variations: Adobo Your Way

Okay, let's talk changes! want a healthier chicken thigh adobo filipino ? use chicken breast instead. less fat, still yummy.

People ask me all the time "can i make chicken adobo filipino crockpot ?", and the answer is yes.

Swap out white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if that's all you have. Honestly, you won’t even notice the difference.

Speaking of changes, sometimes i just grab anything from Recipes Using Pork and convert it into a Pork Adobo masterpiece. It has worked really well for me.

Nutrition Basics: Good Food, Good Mood

Each serving of this chicken adobo filipino authentic has around 450 calories. it’s also packed with protein. that helps you feel full and satisfied.

This is one of the best pinoy foods in the world.

Remember, this is just an estimate. It depends on the ingredients you use. So, don't sweat it too much. Just enjoy your meal! I know you will.

So there you have it! now you have all the tools you need to make a fantastic adobo. don't be afraid to experiment.

Most importantly: have fun! you've totally got this. this adobo recipe is calling your name.

Filipino Adobo Recipe: A Delicious Cultural Bite

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is adobo and why is this chicken adobo recipe so popular?

Adobo is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines! It's a braising technique using soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns, creating a savory and tangy flavor. This chicken adobo recipe is popular because it’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and delivers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Think of it as the Filipino equivalent of a really good Sunday roast – but quicker to make!

I've seen different adobo recipes. Is there a "right" way to make this chicken adobo recipe?

That's the beauty of adobo – there's no single "right" way! The core ingredients are soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns, but ratios and additions vary by region and family tradition. Some like it sweeter, some prefer it tangier, and others add potatoes or chili. Experiment and find the adobo that speaks to your taste buds; it’s all about finding your perfect cuppa, or in this case, your perfect adobo!

Can I substitute ingredients in this adobo recipe? I'm all about a good kitchen hack!

Absolutely! If you don't have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar work well. For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a different touch of sweetness. Just remember, ingredient swaps can slightly alter the final flavor, so adjust to your liking. Think of it like remixing a classic Beatles tune – you can put your own spin on it!

How do I store leftover adobo and how long will it last? Will it still taste good as leftovers?

Leftover adobo is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it a delicious treat. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s like a good bottle of wine – it just gets better with time!

Is this chicken adobo recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Chicken adobo can be part of a balanced diet, but it's important to be mindful of the sodium content due to the soy sauce. Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling portion sizes can help. It's a good source of protein, but keep in mind the fat content depending on the cut of chicken you use. Serve with brown rice and plenty of vegetables for a more nutritious and well-rounded meal. It's all about balance, like a good seesaw!

Can I make this adobo recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the chicken first, then add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This is a great way to "set it and forget it," a real win in the kitchen, innit?