Filipino chicken adobo is a delicious and flavorful dish made with chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and various spices. It's a popular and classic Filipino dish enjoyed by many. Here's a simple recipe to make Chicken Adobo:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar (cane or white vinegar)
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 cup water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon brown sugar for a slightly sweeter version
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. If you prefer a slightly sweeter adobo, you can add a teaspoon of brown sugar at this stage. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or even overnight) for the flavors to penetrate the meat.
After marinating, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and set the marinade aside.
In a large skillet or pot, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil and sear them on both sides until they become lightly browned. This step helps enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Pour the marinade over the seared chicken, and add 1 cup of water to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally during the cooking process.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more soy sauce or vinegar if desired.
For the finishing touch, you can turn up the heat and let the liquid reduce for a few minutes, creating a slightly thicker sauce.
Serve the Filipino chicken adobo over steamed rice and enjoy!
Filipino chicken adobo is known for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will become. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences and enjoy this classic Filipino dish!