What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This chicken adobo recipe is a classic Filipino favorite, packed with savory flavors and simple ingredients you probably already have. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with tender chicken soaking up the tangy, garlicky sauce.
- Flavorful and comforting – The mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic creates a rich, tangy taste that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to customize – Add more garlic, a splash of coconut milk, or even potatoes to make it your own.
- Perfect for leftovers – The flavors get even better the next day, making it a great meal-prep option.
Recipe

Chicken Adobo is a classic Filipino dish known for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg chicken (preferably thighs and drumsticks)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Heat cooking oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear until lightly browned on both sides.
- Pour the reserved marinade and water into the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced slightly.
- Add sugar if desired, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes:
– For a richer flavor, you can add coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Equipment:
- Large pot or skillet
- Mixing bowl
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cuisine:
Filipino
Serving:
4-6 people
Nutrition
Chicken Adobo is a flavorful and protein-rich dish. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
What To Serve With It
When I serve chicken adobo, I always pair it with steamed white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce, but garlic fried rice adds a delicious twist. Both options complement the dish perfectly, and I love how they balance the tangy, savory flavors. It’s fun to experiment and see which one you prefer!
Steamed White Rice
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of fluffy white rice to complete your homemade chicken adobo—it’s the perfect blank canvas that soaks up all those savory, tangy flavors. I love how the rice balances the boldness of the dish, letting each bite feel just right. It’s simple to make, too: rinse the rice, add water, and let it steam until tender. The mildness of the rice lets the adobo shine, while its texture adds comfort. Whether you prefer it sticky or slightly firm, it’s a must-have side. Trust me, once you try them together, you’ll never want adobo without it.
Garlic Fried Rice
Though it might seem basic, garlic fried rice is one of those dishes that brings so much flavor with just a few ingredients. I love how the garlic turns golden and fragrant, infusing every grain of rice with its rich, savory taste. It’s perfect alongside chicken adobo, soaking up that delicious sauce while adding its own crispy, garlicky bite. All you need is leftover rice, minced garlic, a bit of oil, and maybe some scallions for freshness. Cook it just until the rice gets slightly crispy—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute. Simple, satisfying, and the ideal companion to adobo.








