Traditional Filipino Chicken Adobo
Ingredients
- whole chicken
cut into 8 pieces, or about 2 lbs chicken leg pieces, bone in and skin on, around 1 kg
- a few pork ribs
entirely optional
- or 2 tablespoons neutral oil like peanut or sunflower oil
- soy sauce
- white wine vinegar
- water
- head garlic
peeled and chopped, about 1/4 cup
- a generous helping of freshly ground black pepper
i ground about 40 times
- bay leaves
Directions
- 1
1. Cut the chicken into pieces (legs, wings, thighs, and breasts). No need to season. If using pork, cut into individual ribs.
2. Heat up a large pot with about a tablespoon or two of oil, enough to coat the bottom of the pan, until quite hot. Add chicken skin side down (and ribs, if using -- I did not) and brown about 5 minutes.
3. Flip chicken so the skin side is up, checking for browning, and let brown for another minute or two.
4. Add the soy sauce, vinegar of choice, and water to cover the chicken.
5. While the braise is heating up, peel and roughly chop and entire head of garlic. You should end up with about a quarter cup of garlic. It may look like a lot, but trust me - it's just enough.
6. Add the bay leaves and freshly ground peppercorn. Add as much as you like (in my opinion, add as much as you think is just about too much -- then add about 10 grinds more).
7. Cook for 30 minutes, lightly covered, at a simmer. After 30 minutes, remove the cover and let braise and reduce for about another further 15 minutes.
8. Serve with white rice and other sides of choice (broccoli or other greens go well) with a fork and spoon to sop up all that gravy goodness!.
Traditional Filipino Chicken Adobo
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 18 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the rich, savory, and tangy flavors of authentic Filipino cuisine right in your own kitchen? This Traditional Filipino Chicken Adobo recipe brings that beloved comfort food straight to your table. It's a remarkably easy-to-make main dish that’s also incredibly kind to your budget, proving that unforgettable flavor doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Traditional Filipino Chicken Adobo truly special is its classic adobo sauce, a perfect balance of savory soy sauce, bright white wine vinegar, and water. This iconic base is generously infused with loads of chopped garlic and freshly cracked peppercorn, creating a deeply aromatic and robust flavor profile. It's a straightforward recipe that captures the essence of a traditional Filipino kitchen, delivering a hearty meal with minimal fuss.
What to Expect
Prepare for an explosion of umami, tang, and peppery warmth that defines this beloved Filipino main dish. The chicken, whether whole pieces or bone-in leg cuts, will be incredibly tender, soaking up all the irresistible flavors of the adobo sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory goodness with a pleasant kick from the abundant fresh garlic and a generous helping of freshly ground black pepper. This dish delivers a comforting, flavorful experience that feels both familiar and exotic, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Customization & Variations
This versatile chicken adobo is easily adaptable. To make it naturally gluten-free and soy-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For an even richer, heartier dish, you can incorporate a few pork ribs alongside the chicken, as the recipe suggests. Feel free to adjust the amount of freshly ground black pepper to your preferred spice level.
Serving & Context
This Traditional Filipino Chicken Adobo is best served piping hot alongside a generous helping of steamed white rice, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious adobo sauce. It's an ideal main course for a weeknight family dinner or when you’re craving a deeply flavorful and comforting meal.