Introduction:
Chicken Adobo is a beloved Filipino dish known for its bold and savory flavors. This classic comfort food is made by simmering chicken in a rich marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper, resulting in tender chicken that’s full of flavor. Adobo is considered the national dish of the Philippines and is highly versatile, as each region and household has its own take on the recipe. Whether served with rice or as a standalone dish, Chicken Adobo is guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
4 pieces of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or any cut of chicken you prefer)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar (or cane vinegar for a more authentic flavor)
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon cooking oil
Salt to taste
1 cup water (or chicken broth for more flavor)
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor.
Sear the chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (but keep the marinade for later) and sear the chicken pieces for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are browned.
Add the marinade and water: Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken, then add the water (or chicken broth) to the pot. Add the onion (if using) and bring to a simmer.
Simmer: Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally, and if the sauce is reducing too much, add a bit more water or broth.
Finish and adjust seasoning: Once the chicken is cooked, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. If you like a thicker sauce, increase the heat at the end to reduce the liquid.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Adobo hot with steamed rice and enjoy!
Description:
Chicken Adobo is a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet dish, rich with the umami flavor of soy sauce and the bright acidity of vinegar. The slow simmering process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the marinade. The final dish is typically served with steamed rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite a harmonious experience. Whether you enjoy it with a simple side or add extra veggies, Chicken Adobo is a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Tips:
Longer marination: Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight deepens the flavor and makes the dish even tastier.
Adjust the vinegar: Depending on how tangy you like your Adobo, you can adjust the amount of vinegar to suit your taste.
Add potatoes: For a heartier meal, you can add sliced potatoes to the dish, allowing them to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Crispy skin: For crispy skin, you can briefly fry the chicken pieces after they are cooked in the adobo sauce, giving them a crunchy texture on the outside.
Variations:
Chicken Adobo with Coconut Milk: Add a cup of coconut milk in the last 10-15 minutes of simmering for a richer, creamier version of Adobo.
Spicy Adobo: If you prefer heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes during cooking.
Adobo sa Gata: This variation includes the addition of coconut cream, giving the dish a unique, slightly sweet twist.
Adobo with Potatoes or Hard-Boiled Eggs: Add peeled, hard-boiled eggs or sliced potatoes towards the end of cooking to create a more filling dish.
Corrections:
If your sauce is too salty, add a small amount of water or broth to dilute the flavor. You can also balance it out with a bit of sugar.
If the chicken is not fully cooked after the recommended time, cover the pot and simmer for a little longer until the chicken is tender.
Enjoy:
Once your Chicken Adobo is ready, serve it with a bowl of warm rice and enjoy the savory, tangy goodness of this Filipino classic! The rich, flavorful sauce combined with the tender chicken makes it an unforgettable meal.