Easy Authentic Chicken Adobo At Home
Published on Mar 15, 2025
Discover the authentic flavor of Filipino chicken adobo with Joshua Weissman's easy recipe. This dish is tender, rich, and packed with flavor while being incredibly simple to make!
If you're looking to spice up your weeknight dinners with something truly delightful, look no further than Joshua Weissman's recipe for Easy Authentic Chicken Adobo! Known for its perfect balance of flavors, this Filipino classic is tender, rich, and infused with the essence of garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar.
In his video, Joshua emphasizes how adobo can be one of the greatest chicken dishes of all time. He showcases how straightforward it is to prepare while delivering an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone at the table wanting more. With just a handful of ingredients—including 20 cloves of garlic, chicken pieces, soy sauce, and a few other essentials—this dish comes together beautifully.
Cooking Instructions
The process is simple: marinate chicken drumsticks and thighs in a mixture filled with robust flavors, sear the chicken to perfection, then let it simmer until it's meltingly tender. The sauce thickens into a luxurious glaze that complements the dish splendidly. Serve it over a mound of white rice, and your taste buds will thank you!
One of the highlights of this recipe is Joshua’s take on leftovers. He creatively transforms remaining adobo into crispy potstickers—an innovative way to enjoy this dish twice!
So why wait? Watch the full recipe on Joshua Weissman's YouTube channel for a step-by-step guide to this delicious meal! Watch the video here.
Save this recipe into recipe app ClipDish and bring a taste of the Philippines right to your kitchen!
Easy Authentic Chicken Adobo
An easy and flavorful recipe for traditional Chicken Adobo, a classic Filipino dish that is tender, rich, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 20 cloves garlic, heavily crushed
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 3 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 1/4 cups unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 4 bay leaves
- Oil for searing
Directions
- In a large bowl, add chicken drumsticks and thighs. Add crushed garlic, black peppercorns, palm sugar, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, filtered water, and bay leaves.
- Toss everything to combine, cover with plastic wrap, and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Heat oil in a large brazer or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Pour the marinating liquid and aromatics into the pot. Increase heat to medium-high.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 35 minutes.
- Uncover, turn chicken pieces, cover again, and cook for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Plate up the chicken with rice, and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Mise en Place
Cooking Process
Serving
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ What is Chicken Adobo?
Chicken Adobo is a traditional Filipino dish where chicken is marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, then simmered until tender. It has a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor.
🍗 Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! While bone-in, skin-on chicken provides more flavor, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker cooking time.
🕒 How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours—ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor.
🍶 What type of vinegar should I use for adobo?
Traditionally, unseasoned rice vinegar or cane vinegar is used. If unavailable, white vinegar works as a substitute.
🍛 What can I serve with Chicken Adobo?
Chicken Adobo pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, garlic fried rice, or sautéed vegetables.
🔥 How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).
🥡 How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover Chicken Adobo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
🥟 Can I use leftover adobo for other dishes?
Absolutely! Leftover Chicken Adobo can be used in fried rice, tacos, or even potstickers for a creative twist.
🥢 What type of soy sauce should I use for Chicken Adobo?
Traditional Filipino adobo uses a combination of regular soy sauce and dark soy sauce. Regular soy sauce provides saltiness, while dark soy sauce adds color and a richer umami flavor.
🛒 Can I use low-sodium soy sauce instead?
Yes! If you prefer a less salty dish, you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce without affecting the overall taste too much.
🏪 What’s the difference between dark soy sauce and regular soy sauce?
- Regular soy sauce is lighter in color and saltier.
- Dark soy sauce is thicker, slightly sweeter, and gives the dish a deep brown color.
🍶 What’s a good substitute for soy sauce in adobo?
If you're out of soy sauce, try:
- Coconut aminos (for a gluten-free, lower-sodium option)
- Tamari (for a gluten-free alternative with a similar taste)
- Fish sauce (for a different but authentic umami kick)
- Worcestershire sauce + a bit of salt (in a pinch)
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