Difficulty: Moderate | Yields: 4 servings
A national treasure of the Philippines, Chicken Adobo is a deeply flavorful stew of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves—slow-simmered until tender and rich. Served with garlicky fried rice and sweet-sour pickled papaya (atchara), it’s a full experience of balance and heritage. Perfect for weekend cooking, cultural food nights, or discovering why Adobo is always worth craving.
📜 Why This Works Filipino Chicken Adobo
“Because Filipino food is all about harmony—acid, salt, sweet, and soul.”
The vinegar gives the stew its unmistakable tang, while soy sauce deepens the umami. Garlic adds bite, and bay leaves round it out. Paired with crispy garlic rice and refreshing pickles, it’s a layered, comforting plate.
Ingredients for Filipino Chicken Adobo
☑️ 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
☑️ ½ cup cane vinegar or white vinegar
☑️ ⅓ cup soy sauce
☑️ 1 head garlic, smashed
☑️ 2 bay leaves
☑️ 1 tsp black peppercorns
☑️ 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
☑️ 1 tbsp oil (for searing)
🍚 Garlic Rice
☑️ 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
☑️ 2 tbsp oil
☑️ 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
☑️ Salt to taste
🥗 Optional: Atchara (Pickled Papaya)
Store-bought or homemade (green papaya, vinegar, sugar, carrots, and ginger)
👩🍳 How to Make It Filipino Chicken Adobo
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Adobo
1️⃣ Sear chicken in oil until golden.
2️⃣ Add vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, pepper, and sugar.
3️⃣ Simmer covered for 30–40 minutes until tender and flavorful.
🍳 Step 2: Make Garlic Rice
1️⃣ Sauté garlic in oil until golden.
2️⃣ Add rice and fry until heated through and lightly crisped. Season with salt.
🍽️ Step 3: Serve It Up
1️⃣ Plate garlic rice, spoon over adobo, and add pickled papaya on the side.
2️⃣ Spoon some adobo sauce on top for extra richness.
💖 Why You’ll Love It
☑️ Deep, bold flavor with just a few ingredients
☑️ Naturally dairy-free and customizable
☑️ Perfect blend of salty, sour, sweet, and garlicky
☑️ A true comfort classic of Filipino cuisine
“Tried and true. Tangy and tender. Authentically Adobo.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
