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The BEST Filipino Chicken Adobo

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  • Author: lucia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Filipino
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A comforting and flavorful Filipino classic, Chicken Adobo features tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory and tangy sauce, perfect for sharing around the table.


Ingredients

  • 4 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or legs
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup cane vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sake or water
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/3 cup chopped garlic
  • Zest from 1 lime or lemon
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil.
  2. Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, in the pan. Cook for 6–7 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sake, fish sauce, sugar, chopped garlic, lime zest, bay leaves, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Flip the chicken over and tap out about half of the fat from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture into the pot and bring it to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  6. Remove the lid and use a spoon to pour the sauce over the chicken, coating it evenly. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust vinegar and sugar to taste for desired flavor balance.