Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo is a flavorful Filipino classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a tangy mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. This savory dish offers a perfect balance of acidity and richness, making it a comforting choice for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in vinegar, soy sauce, crushed peppercorns, and half of the crushed garlic.
- Add water and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken is tender.
- Strain the sauce; separate the sauce from the meat.
- Allow the sauce to cool.
- To reduce the sauce, cook in an open saucepan and simmer until it thickens with the bay leaf.
- Heat cooking oil; brown the meat and the remaining garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you're out of vinegar, lemon juice can be a great substitute. To add depth, consider including a touch of coconut milk during the simmering process. If you like your sauce spicy, add some sliced chili peppers while cooking. This Chicken Adobo pairs beautifully with rice to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Adobo over steamed white rice for a classic pairing. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal. For a twist, consider serving it with pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast. This dish also goes well with recipes from our chicken recipes collection.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. It can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, for about 2 minutes on medium power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Adobo contains roughly 868 calories, with 20g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the simmering time accordingly to avoid drying them out. Chicken breasts are leaner, so you might want to add a bit more oil when browning to keep them moist.
Is it necessary to strain the sauce?
Straining the sauce is optional but recommended for a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step. Straining helps to remove the peppercorns and garlic pieces that might not appeal to everyone.
Can I freeze Chicken Adobo?
Yes, Chicken Adobo freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently on the stovetop.
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).