Easy Chicken Adobo Recipe (Filipino Comfort Food)
This easy chicken adobo recipe is a Filipino comfort classic made with tender chicken simmered in a savory, tangy, garlicky sauce. A simple one‑pot weeknight dinner packed with bold global flavor and perfect for rice lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb 900g bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cane vinegar or white vinegar
- 6 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp oil
- Cooked rice for serving
- Green onions or cilantro optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, and water or broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve the chicken adobo over steamed rice and spoon extra sauce on top. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Let the vinegar boil for 1 minute before stirring to mellow the sharpness.
- Bone-in chicken thighs give the best flavor and tenderness.
- Add 1/2 cup coconut milk for a creamy coconut adobo variation.
- For a spicy version, add sliced chilies or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.