Chicken Adobo Recipe: Authentic & Easy to Make

Chicken Adobo is a staple in Filipino kitchens and considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines.

Made by braising chicken in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns, it’s a deliciously tangy and savory meal that’s both comforting and deeply flavorful. It’s easy to prepare, uses common ingredients, and gets better the longer it sits.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or pot with lid

Mixing bowl

Knife and chopping board

Measuring cups/spoons

Ingredients

1 kg chicken (bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks preferred)

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup vinegar

1 cup water

6 cloves garlic, crushed

2–3 bay leaves

1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

2–3 bay1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)leaves

1 tablespoon cooking oil

Salt to taste

Green onions or fried garlic (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cooking: 50 minutes, Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, and chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) and brown the chicken pieces on all sides.

Simmer with the sauce: Pour in the reserved marinade, vinegar, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil without stirring. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Stir gently, cover, and continue simmering for another 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce is slightly reduced.

Optional finishing touches: Add brown sugar if you prefer a hint of sweetness. Adjust salt to taste and simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.

How to Serve

Serve hot with freshly steamed white rice. You can top it with green onions or fried garlic for added flavor and aroma. Adobo tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Substitute chicken with pork or use both for a pork-chicken adobo. Add boiled eggs or potatoes for a heartier version.

For a drier adobo, reduce the sauce further until it coats the chicken. Some regions add coconut milk or chili for a creamier or spicier twist.

Final Word

Chicken Adobo is loved for its simplicity, rich flavor, and flexibility. It’s a no-fuss meal that delivers a satisfying balance of salty, tangy, and savory in every bite.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a great introduction to the soul of Filipino cooking.