Chicken Adobo is a quintessential Filipino dish known for its tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It is made by braising chicken pieces in a marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, balanced sauce that is deeply flavorful and aromatic.

The cooking process begins by marinating the chicken to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. It is then browned in oil to add depth and caramelization before being simmered in the marinade. The slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender while infusing it with the savory-sour taste of the sauce. Some variations include adding sugar for a touch of sweetness or coconut milk (adobo sa gata) for a creamy twist. Others may include boiled eggs or potatoes as additional ingredients.

Adobo is a versatile dish that can be customized to regional and personal preferences, and it is often served with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Its simplicity, bold flavors, and long shelf life have made it a beloved staple in Filipino households and a symbol of Filipino cuisine worldwide.

Ingredients:

1 kg (2 lbs) chicken(thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup white vinegar (orcane vinegar for authentic flavor)

1 cup water

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped(optional)

3-4 pieces dried bayleaves

1 tsp black peppercorns(whole or cracked)

1 tbsp cooking oil

1 tbsp sugar (optional,for balancing flavor)

Instructions:

Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, and half of the minced garlic. Let itmarinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Sauté the aromatics
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Sauté theremaining garlic (and onion, if using) until fragrant.

Brown the chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces (reserve the marinade) to the pan and searthem until lightly browned on both sides.

Add the marinade
Pour the reserved marinade into the pan along with vinegar, water, bay leaves,and peppercorns. Stir gently to combine.

Simmer the adobo
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmerfor 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Stir occasionally to preventsticking.

Adjust seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust with sugar, more vinegar, or soy sauce as needed tobalance the flavors.

Serve and enjoy
Serve hot over steamed white rice and enjoy this savory, tangy Filipinoclassic.