Name: Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken drumsticks; 1 cup soy sauce; 1 cup cane vinegar; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 bay leaves; ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns; 1 tablespoon avocado oil (neutral oil); White rice, for serving; Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 75 reviews

If you have yet to discover the magic of the Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe, you are in for an absolute treat. This classic Filipino dish perfectly balances tangy vinegar, savory soy sauce, and the warm aroma of garlic and bay leaves to create a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re craving a comforting family dinner or want to impress friends with a crowd-pleaser, this adobo is an easy-to-make, soul-satisfying recipe that embodies the heart of Filipino cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear plastic sealed bag lies flat on a white marbled surface, filled with a dark brown liquid marinade that has small chopped onions scattered throughout. Inside the marinade, a pale piece of meat is visible, topped with two whole green bay leaves. The layers include the transparent plastic bag as the outer layer, the dark marinade with floating onions as the middle layer, and the light-colored meat with bay leaves as the inner layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each component adds a layer of depth: the soy sauce provides savory saltiness, vinegar brings that signature tang, and garlic and bay leaves contribute aromatic warmth. Together, they transform humble chicken drumsticks into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

2 pounds chicken drumsticks: Choose skin-on for juicier, more flavorful meat that also crisps nicely when browned.
1 cup soy sauce: Adds a rich, salty umami that’s the backbone of adobo’s flavor.
1 cup cane vinegar: The tangy surprise that balances the soy’s saltiness with a slight fruity acidity.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Sweetness to round out the tang and richness perfectly.
3 bay leaves: Impart subtle herbal notes that elevate the overall flavor.
¼ teaspoon black peppercorns: Just enough spice and earthiness to keep things interesting.
1 tablespoon avocado oil: For browning the chicken beautifully without overpowering flavors.
White rice, for serving: The classic side that soaks up all that delicious adobo sauce.
Green onions, sliced, for garnish: Adds a fresh, crisp finish and pops of vibrant color.

How to Make Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the chicken drumsticks with soy sauce, cane vinegar, minced garlic, thinly sliced onion, brown sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large resealable bag. Seal it up and let the chicken soak in this flavorful bath for anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. This step is key to letting those rich, bold flavors penetrate the meat from the inside out.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat a medium to large pot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of avocado oil. Once the oil is shimmering, remove the chicken from the marinade—reserve the marinade for later—and place the drumsticks skin-side down. Brown the chicken for about 2 minutes per side. This browning develops a gorgeous golden crust and adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Step 3: Simmer in the Marinade

Pour the reserved marinade into the pot with the browned chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the chicken cook for 30 minutes. This slow simmer softens the meat until tender and allows the flavors of soy, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves to meld beautifully, creating that signature adobo sauce.

How to Serve Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe

A black cast iron pan holds five cooked chicken drumsticks arranged in a circular pattern, each with a shiny, golden-brown skin showing slight caramelized spots. The drumsticks vary slightly in size but all have a glistening texture with small bits of caramelized garlic or seasoning visible in the pan's center. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, and the metal handles of the pan have the word

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can make a huge difference. Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and a lovely splash of color that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce. It’s a classic touch that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up every drop of savory sauce. For a more vibrant meal, try serving it alongside sautéed sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad. These sides provide a refreshing balance to the rich adobo flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve the adobo in banana leaves to give a beautiful rustic presentation that nods to traditional Filipino dining. Alternatively, arrange the chicken on a platter amidst steamed vegetables or boiled eggs, a popular addition in Filipino households. These touches elevate the dish visually and make your meal feel even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to store leftovers. Transfer cooled adobo to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making your second serving just as delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe without sacrificing flavor. Place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat adobo gently on the stovetop over low heat to ensure the chicken remains tender and the sauce doesn’t reduce too much. Adding a splash of water or broth can loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While drumsticks are popular for their flavor and ease of cooking, chicken thighs or even bone-in breast pieces work wonderfully in this Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe as well.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

Overnight marination enhances flavor, but even an hour is enough to infuse the chicken with the essential taste of adobo. Choose based on your schedule.

Can I make this recipe less tangy?

If you prefer less tang, reduce the vinegar slightly or add a bit more brown sugar. Keep in mind that the tanginess is a hallmark of adobo, so balancing it is key.

What type of vinegar should I use?

Cane vinegar is ideal because of its mild, slightly sweet flavor. However, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substitutes if cane vinegar isn’t available.

Is Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe spicy?

The traditional recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a few whole chilies during cooking if you like a little heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing a Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s comfort food packed with bold, tangy, savory flavors that bring family and friends together around the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every fragrant, tender bite—you might just find yourself cooking it again and again.

Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need