Chicken Adobo (Braised)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Filipino

Chicken Adobo is a classic Filipino dish featuring tender chicken braised in a tangy and savory sauce with garlic, vinegar, and spices. Its rich flavors and comforting aroma make it perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a delightful balance of acidity and depth.

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Ingredients

  • 3 chicken quarters
  • 1/4 cup salad oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1/2 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/3 cup sliced onions
  • salt

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken at joints, wash, then pat dry with paper towel.
  2. Heat salad oil in a deep skillet and brown chicken slightly over medium heat.
  3. Add crushed garlic, water, cider vinegar, bay leaf, sugar, sliced onions, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
  4. Bring to a boil uncovered without stirring.
  5. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
  6. Transfer chicken and sauce to an ovenproof casserole or baking pan.
  7. Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in vinegar, garlic, and salt for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have cider vinegar, white vinegar can be a suitable substitute. For a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking. This chicken adobo pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken adobo over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also garnish with green onions or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. This dish is great alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covered, to maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Adobo (Braised) contains roughly 367 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

367 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 17.2g 22% DV
Carbs 52.8g 19% DV
Fiber 8.1g 29% DV
Sugar 5.2g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 876.7mg 38% DV
Potassium 276.1mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 61.9mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 16.4mg 18% DV
Calcium 214.8mg 17% DV
Iron 10mg 56% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

What can I serve with Chicken Adobo?

Chicken adobo is typically served with steamed rice, but you can also pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the dish.

Is Chicken Adobo spicy?

Chicken adobo is generally not spicy, but you can add chili peppers or hot sauce if you prefer a kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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