Chicken Adobo Recipe
Chicken Adobo is a quintessential Filipino dish with a history as rich as its flavor. The term "adobo" comes from the Spanish word "adobar," meaning "to marinate," but the dish predates Spanish colonization.
Equipment
- Large bowl (for marinating)
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Sauté the Aromatics:Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken:Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add it to the skillet. Brown the chicken on all sides until it has a nice golden color, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer:Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, along with the water, black peppercorns, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Until Tender:Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Adjust Seasoning and Thicken Sauce:Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or vinegar to suit your taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce.
- Serve:Serve the Chicken Adobo hot, with a generous portion of steamed rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite a perfect blend of flavors.