Easy Chicken Adobo

Experience the bold and comforting flavors of the Philippines with this Easy Chicken Adobo recipe, a beloved classic made simple for weeknight cooking. Tender chicken thighs or drumsticks are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and aromatic garlic, then simmered to perfection with fragrant bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and a touch of optional sugar for balance. This one-pot wonder comes together in just under an hour, featuring a rich, glossy sauce that pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white rice. Perfect for serving a family-friendly dinner of four, this fuss-free recipe delivers authentic flavor with minimal effort—garnished with fresh green onions or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned fan, this Chicken Adobo is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 0.5 cup soy sauce
• 0.75 cup white vinegar
• 0.5 cup water
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons green onions or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 0 steamed white rice (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, water, and minced garlic. Stir well.

Step 2

Add chicken thighs or drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for better flavor.

Step 3

Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow excess liquid to drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.

Step 5

Brown the chicken pieces in the hot oil for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Do this in batches if necessary.

Step 6

Return all the chicken pieces to the pot and pour the reserved marinade over them.

Step 7

Add bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and sugar (if using). Stir gently to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chicken cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 9

Uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium-high to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 10

Taste the sauce and adjust with additional soy sauce or vinegar according to your preference.

Step 11

Transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve hot with steamed white rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1547.3 grams (1547.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2520

Total Fat 148.80g	191%
Saturated Fat 36.80g	184%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 762mg	254%
Sodium 5365mg	233%
Total Carbohydrate 68.10g	25%
Dietary Fiber 4.20g	15%
Total Sugars 5.20g
Protein 202.10g	404%

Vitamin D 64IU	318%
Calcium 246mg	19%
Iron 13mg	73%
Potassium 2849mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 11.3%