Chicken Adobo with its rich, tangy, and savory flavor, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a slow-simmered stew, resulting in tender, juicy chicken in a deliciously dark sauce.
What is Chicken Adobo?
Chicken Adobo, known as Adobong Manok in the Philippines, is a traditional Filipino dish that involves marinating and simmering chicken in a blend of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. The term “adobo” comes from the Spanish word for “marinade” or “seasoning.” Though the term is Spanish, the dish itself is uniquely Filipino, reflecting centuries of cultural fusion and local adaptation.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Adobo
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly sweet Adobo, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the sauce while it simmers.
- Avoid Overcooking the Vinegar: For the best flavor, don’t stir the Adobo right after adding the vinegar. Let it come to a boil first to mellow out the sharpness of the vinegar.
- Add a Twist: For a creamier version, you can add coconut milk toward the end of cooking, making it Adobong Manok sa Gata.
- Customize the Tanginess: Use different types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a milder tang or a more nuanced flavor.
Delicious Variations of Chicken Adobo
- Adobong Manok sa Gata (Coconut Milk): Add a cup of coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a rich and creamy twist.
- Adobo with Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks to the dish for a sweet and tropical contrast to the savory sauce.
- Spicy Chicken Adobo: Add chopped chili peppers or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Soy-Free Adobo: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free or soy-free version.
How to Serve Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo is best enjoyed with a hot plate of steamed jasmine rice or garlic rice. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite absolutely mouthwatering. You can also serve it with:
- Sautéed Vegetables: A side of greens like bok choy, kangkong, or green beans complements the rich sauce.
- Eggplant Adobo: Add a few slices of eggplant to the pot while simmering for a delicious vegetable addition.
- Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickled papaya (atchara) or radish balances the rich flavors of the Adobo.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo stores exceptionally well, and many say it even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Chicken Adobo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Adobo?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. However, using bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks enhances the flavor of the dish.
Why is my Adobo too salty?
If the sauce is too salty, try adding a bit more water or a pinch of sugar to balance it out. Using low-sodium soy sauce can also help manage the saltiness.
Can I use other meats for Adobo?
Absolutely! Pork Adobo, or Adobong Baboy, is a popular variation. You can also use beef, tofu, or a combination of meats for a different spin.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating enhances the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. The dish will still be flavorful, but the chicken might not absorb as much of the marinade.
Can I make Chicken Adobo in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply sear the chicken first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo with its rich, tangy, and savory flavor, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a slow-simmered stew, resulting in tender, juicy chicken in a deliciously dark sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 750g / 1.5 lb chicken thigh fillets, boneless & skinless (5-6 pieces)
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (use light or all-purpose, not dark)
- 4 bay leaves (fresh or 3 dried)
For Cooking:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 small brown onion, diced
- 2 tbsp oil, divided (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp whole black pepper (or 2 tsp coarse cracked)
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mix chicken and marinade ingredients in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear in the hot pan until both sides are browned, about 1 minute per side. Set chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté the garlic and onion for about 1.5 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the reserved marinade, water, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken back in the skillet, smooth side down. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken after about 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a rich, sticky glaze.
- If the sauce needs more thickening, remove the chicken temporarily and simmer the sauce until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
- Coat the chicken in the thickened glaze and serve over steamed rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- For a lighter option, try serving with cauliflower rice and a side of Ginger Smashed Cucumbers.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 218mgSodium: 1460mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 42g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Chicken Adobo is more than just a dish—it’s a comforting, soul-warming experience that brings the heart of Filipino cooking into your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, Chicken Adobo is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the journey of making this iconic dish, and share it with family and friends for a true taste of the Philippines.
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