(Chicken) Adobo Recipe

A beloved Filipino classic, Adobo is a savory and tangy dish made by simmering meat, usually chicken or pork, in a marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper. This slow-cooked stew absorbs rich flavors, creating a tender and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of salty, sour, and umami notes. Often served with steamed rice, adobo is a comforting meal with a unique, bold taste that has earned it a place in Filipino culinary tradition.

Serves: 6 to 8 people

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs of Chicken (bone in and skin on)
• 1 cup of soy sauce
• ½ cup of vinegar
• 6 to 10 garlic gloves (minced)
• 1 yellow onion (sliced)
• 3 to 4 potatoes (chopped and the amount may depend on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoon of neutral oil (whatever you and your family prefers)
• 1 to 2 cups of water (depends on your preference of taste)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken

   In a large bowl, put the chicken pieces with soy sauce, vinegar, and half of the minced garlic. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day in the refrigerator, turning occasionally to ensure even flavor.

2. Prepare the pan

   In a pan or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Add the remaining garlic and sliced onions, sautéing until fragrant and the onions become translucent.

3. Brown the chicken

   Add the marinated chicken pieces to pot, reserving the marinade. Brown the chicken on each side for about 2-3 minutes until they develop a nice golden color.

4. Simmer with Marinade and Spices

   Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. Add the whole black peppercorns, bay leaves, and 1 to 2 cups of water, depending on your desired flavor intensity and sauce consistency. Stir to combine.

5. Add the potatoes

   Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, making sure they're submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the potatoes are soft.

6. Adjust Seasoning

   Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a bit more soy sauce or vinegar to achieve your preferred balance of salty and tangy flavors.

7. Serve

   Serve the chicken adobo with steamed rice, and garnish with extra sauce from the pot. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this Filipino classic!