Classic Chicken Adobo

About this recipe

Chicken adobo is the dish almost every Filipino family cooks. Chicken thighs are gently braised in soy sauce and vinegar with plenty of garlic, black pepper and bay leaves until tender, then the sauce is reduced to a glossy glaze. It uses pantry staples, tastes even better the next day and is very forgiving for beginners.

Method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Place the chicken, garlic, soy sauce and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and marinate for at least 10 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).

   10 min

2. 2

   Step 2

   Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Lift the chicken out of the marinade and brown it on both sides, about 5 minutes. Keep the marinade.

   5 min

3. 3

   Step 3

   Pour in the marinade, vinegar, 250 ml water and bay leaves. Bring to the boil, then simmer without stirring for 5 minutes.

   5 min

   Tip: Not stirring lets the vinegar's sharp smell cook off.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Cover and simmer gently for 25 minutes, turning the chicken halfway, until tender.

   25 min

5. 5

   Step 5

   Uncover, stir in the sugar and simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve with steamed rice.

   5 min