Savory Garlic Chicken Adobo with a Tangy Twist
Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this Savory Garlic Chicken Adobo, enhanced with a hint of sweetness and the vibrant tang of vinegar. This delightful stew features tender chicken thighs marinated in a harmonious blend of soy sauce, crushed peppercorns, and aromatic garlic, slow-cooked to perfection. With its rich sauce and fragrant spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Serve it over fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
3 lbs (cut into serving pieces)
white vinegar
4 fluid ounces
low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup
crushed peppercorn
1/4 cup
brown sugar
1 teaspoon
garlic cloves
5 (crushed)
bay leaves
3
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, white vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, crushed peppercorns, brown sugar, crushed garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
2
Toss the ingredients together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
3
In a large pan or skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken and all the marinade mixture. Bring to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
After the initial cooking time, uncover the pan and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.
6
Serve hot over a bed of white rice, spooning the remaining sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Garlic Chicken Adobo?
Savory Garlic Chicken Adobo is a classic Filipino-style stew featuring chicken thighs marinated and slow-cooked in a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The key ingredients include 3 lbs of chicken thighs, white vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, crushed peppercorns, brown sugar, garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld.
What type of chicken is best for this adobo?
This recipe specifically calls for chicken thighs cut into serving pieces, as they remain tender and juicy during the simmering process.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?
Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but you may want to adjust the amount of added salt to avoid the dish becoming too salty.
Is this Chicken Adobo recipe spicy?
The dish features a significant amount of crushed peppercorns (1/4 cup), which provides a bold, peppery kick rather than a chili-based heat.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What is the purpose of brown sugar in this recipe?
A teaspoon of brown sugar is added to provide a hint of sweetness and to balance the tangy acidity of the white vinegar.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 5 cloves of garlic, which should be crushed to release their aromatic oils.
What should I serve with Chicken Adobo?
It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
How long does the chicken need to simmer?
The chicken simmers covered for 30 minutes, followed by an additional 15 minutes uncovered to thicken the sauce.
Do I need to brown the chicken before simmering?
No, the recipe calls for simmering the chicken directly in the marinade. The chicken will brown slightly during the final 15 minutes of uncovered cooking.
Why are bay leaves used in this dish?
Bay leaves add a subtle herbal depth and aroma that complements the garlic and soy sauce base.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While you can use breasts, thighs are recommended because they are more resistant to drying out during the 45-minute simmering period.
What is the total cooking time?
The active cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, plus the 1 to 3 hours required for marination.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a concentrated glaze on the chicken.
Can I substitute white vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or cane vinegar as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the traditional tangy flavor profile.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it primarily involves marinating and one-pot simmering.
Do I need to add oil to the pan?
The recipe does not specify adding oil, as the fat rendered from the chicken thighs is usually sufficient for the browning stage.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, bay leaves are used for flavoring during cooking and should be discarded before eating as they are tough and not meant to be consumed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Adobo is known for tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop in the refrigerator.
Is there a lot of sodium in this dish?
The dish uses 1/2 cup of soy sauce; using the low sodium version helps reduce the overall salt content.
Can I add vegetables to this stew?
While traditional adobo is meat-focused, you can add potatoes or carrots during the simmering stage if desired.
What tags describe this recipe?
This dish is categorized under chicken, adobo, stew, Filipino cuisine, savory, garlic, easy recipe, comfort food, and dinner.
Is the peppercorn amount correct?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of crushed peppercorns, which creates a very bold pepper flavor characteristic of some regional adobo styles.
What is the preparation for the chicken?
The 3 lbs of chicken thighs should be cut into serving pieces before being added to the marinade.
Does the recipe require salt?
Salt is listed as 'to taste,' but be cautious as the soy sauce already provides significant saltiness.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chicken Adobo?
Yes, this dish freezes very well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine the chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns, sugar, garlic, and bay leaves in a large mixing bowl.