The unofficial national dish of the Philippines, chicken adobo, is popular worldwide, and for good reason. This savory dish is high in protein, savory, tangy, full of umami, and with a touch of sweetness. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or any special celebration, chicken adobo is not only impressive but very easy to make. International Fresh Market, your local Asian food store, will break down how to make chicken adobo and highlight why its perfect for any occasion.
What is Chicken Adobo?
Chicken adobo is essentially braised chicken simmered in a simple mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. The chicken develops rich layers of flavor thanks to the variety of flavorful ingredients. Chicken adobo can have variations based on the region and even the family tradition of those preparing it, including adding coconut milk, sugar, or different proteins, such as pork.
Chicken adobo is often even better the day after it is made. It can be served over rice, pasta, or potatoes, or even shredded and stuffed into burritos. There’s no wrong way to eat chicken adobo.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Adobo
There’s just a few basic ingredients you’ll need to have on hand for chicken adobo. These core items include:
- Bone-in chicken, preferably thighs or drumsticks
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar, either white or cane vinegar
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Whole black peppercorns
In addition to these basic ingredients, there are ways to enhance or personalize the dish with ingredients like onion, brown sugar, hard-boiled eggs, or coconut milk. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and all are readily available at International Fresh Market. Get creative and add the ingredients or spices that you feel would elevate the dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here’s a step-by-step method for preparing succulent chicken adobo:
Step 1: Marinate the cuts of chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Sear the chicken in a pan to develop flavor and texture
Step 3: Add marinade, vinegar, peppercorns, and a splash of water, then simmer over low heat
Step 4: Cover the pan and cook until tender, about thirty to forty minutes, then reduce the heat and cook until the sauce has thickened
You can also add a spoonful of brown sugar or a splash of coconut milk into the sauce for additional sweetness and creaminess. Once the sauce has thickened, the chicken adobo is ready to serve. You can serve individual portions over steamed jasmine rice with a side of greens or pickled vegetables for a perfectly well-rounded meal.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
You’ll love making chicken adobo even if you aren’t an experienced cook. It can be made in one pot and takes very little effort to prepare. Additionally, you need very few ingredients to produce an incredible meal with bold, complex flavor. Chicken adobo is even ideal for meal prep, since it tends to taste better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to sit. Finally, chicken adobo is easily adaptable to various dietary needs. You can sub leaner meats for chicken thighs or use tofu if you are vegetarian, and even make the dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce.
Visit International Fresh Market for Filipino Ingredients
At International Fresh Market, we have everything you need to make chicken adobo. We have a wide selection of Filipino and other Asian pantry staples, including vinegars and soy sauces, along with the best cuts of meat and fresh vegetables. Our friendly associates are always happy to help and assist in finding any ingredients you are looking for. Explore more global dishes and discover our current selection of products when you visit us at International Fresh Market, a top local Asian grocery store!
