Authentic Filipino Adobo Chicken Recipe: Tangy & Tender Delight

Sizzling aromas waft through kitchens across the Philippines, where adobo chicken recipe holds a special place in culinary traditions.

Generations have perfected this tangy, savory dish that blends vinegar, soy sauce, and tender meat into a mouthwatering sensation.

Marinated in a rich blend of classic ingredients, the chicken absorbs deep, complex flavors that dance on your palate.

The recipe tells a story of cultural heritage and home-cooked comfort that transcends simple meal preparation.

Each bite connects you to the vibrant culinary landscape of the Philippines, where bold seasonings create unforgettable dining experiences.

Tender, succulent chicken emerges from a harmonious marinade that promises to transport your taste buds to tropical shores.

Get ready to master a classic that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4 hours

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 5 hours

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Filipino Adobo Chicken Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut that ensures tender meat with rich, succulent texture for authentic Filipino adobo experience.

• Soy Sauce, White Vinegar: Dynamic duo that creates signature tangy and umami-packed profile, tenderizing chicken while adding deep, complex taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses dish with robust, pungent essence and traditional Filipino cooking foundation.

• Black Peppercorns: Whole spice that delivers sharp, warming heat and creates depth of flavor with its bold, slightly woody undertones.
• Bay Leaves: Subtle herb that adds delicate earthy notes and traditional complexity to the classic adobo preparation.

Tools That Help You Simmer Filipino Adobo Chicken

• Large Bowl: For mixing and marinating chicken with spices and sauce.
• Dutch Oven or Oven-Safe Pot: Essential for baking and cooking chicken with marinade.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Lid: Covers pot during initial baking stage.
• Basting Brush: Optional for spreading sauce over chicken.

How to Cook Authentic Filipino Adobo Chicken

Filipino Adobo Chicken

• Flavor Preparation

Gather ingredients for a classic Filipino chicken dish. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices in a large bowl to create a rich marinade that will infuse the chicken with deep, tangy flavors.

• Marinating Magic

Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for several hours or overnight.

• Oven Transformation

Transfer marinated chicken to a Dutch oven, positioning pieces skin-side down. Pour remaining marinade over the chicken, creating a flavorful bath that will keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Cooking Process

Bake the chicken covered initially, then uncover to allow the skin to crisp and the sauce to reduce. The slow cooking process helps develop a rich, caramelized exterior while keeping the meat incredibly succulent.

• Delicious Presentation

Plate the golden-brown chicken over steamed rice, generously spooning the thick, glossy sauce on top. The result is a mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of traditional Filipino cuisine.

Ways to Enhance the Flavor of Filipino Adobo

• Culinary Magic Tricks: Adobo Chicken Secrets
• Meat Selection Magic: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. Thighs stay juicier than breast meat and absorb marinades more effectively.
• Marinade Mastery: Let chicken soak overnight to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles. The longer it marinates, the more intense the soy and vinegar flavors become.
• Sauce Transformation Technique: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove chicken and reduce liquid on stovetop for 5-10 minutes. This concentrates flavors and creates a glossy, rich coating.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with adding whole peppercorns, extra garlic cloves, or a splash of coconut milk for regional Filipino flavor variations. Dried chili flakes can introduce a subtle heat kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Storage Wisdom: Leftover adobo chicken tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat to maintain moisture and preserve its delicious character.

Serve Filipino Adobo Chicken for Any Occasion

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve the adobo chicken directly from the Dutch oven, creating a warm, communal dining experience that celebrates Filipino culinary tradition.
• Tropical Rice Companion: Pair the chicken with coconut rice or garlic-infused jasmine rice to enhance the rich, tangy flavors of the adobo, adding a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the meal.
• Vibrant Side Salad Boost: Complement the hearty chicken with a fresh green salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the bold, savory notes of the adobo and provide a crisp contrast.
• Pickled Veggie Accent: Serve with quick pickled vegetables like red onions or green chilies on the side, offering a zesty, acidic element that cuts through the richness of the chicken and adds a bright, exciting flavor profile.

Tips for Keeping Filipino Adobo Chicken Juicy

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a large batch of Filipino Adobo Chicken and portion it into meal-prep containers for easy weekday lunches and dinners. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain its tender texture and rich flavor profile.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep cooked adobo chicken in sealed containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when serving to extend the dish's freshness and prevent contamination.
• Sauce Separation Tip: If the sauce separates during storage, simply stir or gently reheat to restore its original consistency. The marinade's vinegar and soy sauce help maintain the chicken's moisture and deep, tangy taste when reheated carefully.

Savory Filipino Adobo Chicken Recipe

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• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Filipino adobo chicken delivers a tangy, savory experience with deep cultural roots in Philippine cuisine. Marinated chicken simmers in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a rich, complex flavor profile you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) white vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) black peppercorns
• 4 bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk vinegar, soy sauce, crushed garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves in a large mixing bowl, creating a robust flavor base for the chicken.
2. Marinating Process: Completely submerge chicken thighs in the prepared marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F, creating an optimal roasting environment for the marinated chicken.
4. Cooking Setup: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in a deep, heavy-bottomed cooking vessel. Pour entire marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Initial Roasting: Cover and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to braise and absorb the rich, aromatic liquid.
6. Final Roasting: Uncover, rotate chicken thighs skin-side up, and baste with sauce. Continue roasting until skin turns golden-brown and crispy, and sauce reduces to a glossy, intense consistency.
7. Serving: Transfer the perfectly roasted Filipino adobo chicken to a serving platter, arranging over steamed rice. Drizzle remaining sauce generously to enhance the dish’s complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate Thoroughly: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop deep, rich flavor profiles that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
• Skin-Side Positioning: Start cooking chicken skin-side down to render fat and create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and adds incredible texture.
• Sauce Reduction Technique: Keep pot uncovered during final cooking stage to allow sauce to thicken and caramelize, intensifying the complex flavor of the Filipino adobo.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 375°F oven temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out the chicken while developing a glossy, rich sauce.

• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg