If you asked me my favorite Filipino dish it would be chicken adobo Filipino recipe. Why? It’s simply…home. It’s a comfort food where in that moment, everything else fades a little, and you are just enjoying the flavors of this saucy food, jammed with tangy and savory flavor and fork tender chicken, that speaks…Philippines. Explore this classic chicken adobo recipe with easy step-by-step images and instructions so you can make this for your next dinner experience. Don’t forget the rice!
Updated on August 12, 2025
Table of contents
A Filipino Home Classic
A Filipino home always has soy sauce and vinegar. If there’s not, well that’s what I call a unicorn folks! With those two gems comes the family classic…chicken adobo.
Easy with simple ingredients and flavors of bay leaves and whole peppercorn to awaken the tastebuds.
The sauce alone is so savory and tongue-hugging that it makes a filling and vibrant lunch when served over steaming jasmine rice.
It can’t be mistaken for what it is. Simple, well yes, full of culture and history, even more so.
I grew up eating chicken adobo. It’s like the meat and potatoes of the Filipino household.
So the flavor and composition has stuck in my brain for life, despite any sleep deprivation in my later years hahah!
I know this dish. I lived this dish, and with that, I have to say a lot of recipes online seem to have added many extra Western ingredients and techniques that doesn’t make it wrong, but it removes the element of this dish’s purpose, to be very simple to make and feel cozy and warm like a big lola hug.
It’s not wrong because there are so many variations that can be created…and I actually really love that for when eating at restaurants and such. I expect the elevation of the recipe, but if we want more classic, there’s a way “more classic” is made.
This is an original and more authentic chicken adobo version, the kind that brings you back to when you first remembered tasting it. The lolas would definitely be okay with this.
Interestingly addictive, the balance of salt, sweet, acid, and fat are truly elements combined here that create something every one should try if they want a taste of authentic Filipino food that gives you a seat at the table.
Best of all, it’s easy to make. Young to old enjoy it till the last, lip-smacking spoonful.
What is Filipino Chicken Adobo
Filipino adobo, often referred to simply as “adobo,” is a quintessential dish in Filipino cuisine. It consists of meat (usually pork or chicken, although other meats such as beef, goat, or seafood can also be used) marinated and braised in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
The main character here is the sauce. Thus, the name chicken a-do-bo. Adobo, derived from the Spanish word “adobar”, means to marinade.
The dish is then slow-simmered until the meat is fork-tender and infused with the rich flavors of the marinade.
Adobo holds a special place in Filipino culture and is often served during fiestas, family gatherings, and other special occasions. It’s a dish that brings people together, evoking feelings of comfort, tradition, and home-cooked goodness.
That is why making this chicken adobo recipe is so special. That is why it deserves a first-place medal. It’s iconic and preserves the essence of what some of us grew up with and what those discovering, will see is truly quintessential Filipino food that embodies the culinary innovation and heritage behind the recipe.
If you might be looking for an encompassing introduction to Filipino food and flavors, this classic Chicken Adobo recipe is where you will find it.
Why it’s good:
- quick one pot meal
- grows in flavors and makes great leftovers for several days
- simple, few ingredients
- pairs perfect with rice
- method is easy and straightforward to make fall apart chicken and delicious sauce
- stores well in the refrigerator
Some Fun Facts about Filipino Adobo
National Dish Status – While the Philippines doesn’t have an official “national dish,” chicken adobo is often considered the unofficial one because it’s beloved across all regions.
Pre-Spanish Roots – The technique of cooking meat in vinegar and salt existed in the Philippines long before Spanish colonization. This method preserved meat in the tropical climate, showing ingenuity in why the vinegar was added in the first place.
Regional Twists – Some areas use coconut milk (adobo sa gata), others add turmeric (adobong dilaw), and coastal towns sometimes use fish instead of chicken or pork.
Global Love – Filipino adobo has been featured in cookbooks, TV shows, and food festivals worldwide.
What is Chicken Adobo Taste
Adobo is sauce-driven and known for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet taste, with a depth of flavor that develops as it cooks and the fork-tender, rich bone-in chicken that is so delectable in each bite.
The vinegar not only adds a distinct tanginess, but part of the history is that is also acts as a preservative, allowing adobo to last longer, making it a popular choice for packed lunches or traveling.
I see lots of recipes with the chicken adobo sauce reduced and it becomes more of a glaze. Growing up, I had it saucy.
The sauce is what makes this chicken adobo Filipino recipe tender, moist, and flavorful with rice as the complementing backdrop. Thus, it should also taste rich and in each bite of rice with chicken, a nice layer of that lip-smacking sauce.
One of the other defining characteristics of Filipino chicken adobo is its versatility. While the basic recipe remains the same, variations abound depending on regional preferences and personal tastes.
Some variations include adding coconut milk for a richer sauce (known as “adobo sa gata“), incorporating potatoes or hard-boiled eggs into the dish, or using different types of vinegar and soy sauce for subtle flavor variations.
With all that said, there is a reason why chicken adobo Filipino recipe is one of the most popular and “unofficial national dishes” of the Philippines. It is well-received by many across the world because every element of good food comes alive in adobo…salt, acid, fat, heat, and a whole lotta love!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone in with skin is BEST choice) – Bone in ensure maximum flavor and juiciness. See below for instructions with other cuts.
- Avocado Oil – or high heat tolerant oil
- 3/4 cup Low Sodium Soy sauce
- 1/3 cup White Distilled Vinegar (cane or coconut vinegar recommended) – White Distilled Vinegar is also common and works well.
- 1/2 cup Water
- 4 cloves Fresh Garlic – minced
- 1 Small Onion – chopped
- 6 Whole Dried Bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Whole peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar – This is a balancing ingredient and it is in this recipe. I highly recommend it, although it is OPTIONAL.
- Cornstarch Slurry (optional) – 3/4 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water, mix, then add to the simmering sauce and bring to a high simmer. This is OPTIONAL is you desire a gravy like texture to the sauce.
Using Other Cuts of Chicken for Adobo Recipe
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – Follow steps and remove as soon as they are fork tender which is usually 40 minutes or internal temp of 165 F, much sooner than bone-in versions. Place them in a bowl or platter with lid on, then add them back to the sauce when about to serve.
- All White Meat Chicken Breasts – You have to velvet or tenderize chicken breasts and tenderloins first. Then sear and sauté the white meat quickly in it’s own pan, then add to the sauce when ready to serve. You cannot braise the white meat in the sauce or risk a very dry meat texture.
Equipment
- Large Braiser Pan with Lid
- Small bowl
- Platter
- Measuring cups
- Large mixing spoon
- Long Metal Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
Check out my favorite stock pot here for soups, stews, and more.
Instructions
When making braised meat dishes, the key is low and slow. Then removing the meat once it is done to avoid overcooking.
Classic chicken adobo Filipino recipe has sauce…because the sauce, goes over rice. It coats the chicken and provides all the flavor and richness. You should have enough sauciness, that you can savor leftover adobo sauce for a few days to come with deeply marinated chicken morsels to comfort and satisfy.
Follow this recipe, and you will find that the sauce is just right for every serving of chicken. Be patient and you will also see that when the adobo is resting that the sauce thickens into a velvety texture as well.
Enjoy and have fun creating chicken adobo!
Marinate the Chicken (OPTIONAL)
This is not necessary and sometimes there is no time, however, marinating imparts extra flavor into the chicken. Simply marinating for 1-2 hours will do. Add crushed garlic and the soy sauce to the chicken and refrigerate no longer than 2 hours.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat the skin of excessive marinade. Keep the soy marinade to add to the pan later.
I rarely marinate the chicken as bone in thighs have plenty of flavor and are very tender in this recipe.
- Heat a large braiser pan, then when the pan is hot, add oil.
- Lay the chicken thighs down in one motion, skin side down.
- Do not move, let them sear well. Flip when they the skin is seared.
- Add in the onions and garlic. This allows the onions and garlic to get a little sear.
- Add in the peppercorns and bay leaves.
- In a small bowl mix the soy sauce, vinegar, water, and brown sugar together. Pour that all over the chicken.
- Lower the flame to weakest setting. Close the lid tight for 30 minutes.
- Flip the chicken around for the last ten minutes. Close the lid again for 10-15 more minutes.
- The chicken should be fork-tender. Check it. Remove the chicken and place in a platter and cover.
- Reduce the sauce in the pan by setting the flame higher and simmering for 8 minutes. (If you want to add cornstarch slurry for thicker sauce, then this is when you do that.)
- Add back the chicken to the sauce, rest for two minutes, and serve immediately the velvety sauce and tender chicken with rice, or sides of choice.
Add Ins and Variations
One you master the basic chicken adobo recipe, it’s easy to get creative:
- Add coconut cream for a rich and indulgent island twist on the classic recipe.
- Incorporate additional spices and aromatics like ginger, lemongrass, or chili peppers for extra depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different proteins such as making pork adobo, beef, or make tofu adobo to create unique variations of the dish. Even try adobo air fryer wings!
How to Serve Authentic Chicken Adobo
- Plate the chicken adobo with a generous serving of sauce over steamed rice. This is the most classic preparation. Simple and delicious.
- Pairing this chicken adobo Filipino recipe with complementary sides and accompaniments such as steamed vegetables, pickled papaya (atchara), or salted eggs (itlog na maalat). Steamed rice is always served as an adobo side.
- Other sides to complete the table with chicken adobo can include more Filipino dishes, pinakbet (Filipino vegetables with squash), easy baby bok choy, Vegetarian pancit Filipino stir fried noodles, or make it even healthier with a fresh crunch salad with lots of Romaine lettuce and red cabbage.
Questions
Can I eat leftovers of this?
Heck yes! Even better the next day. Store in a glass, airtight container to eat up to 4 more days.
What can I do to prep this beforehand if necessary?
Marinate the chicken for 2 hours for flavor boosting. Marinating is optional.
Do I eat the peppercorns?
Yes you can! That’s the “fun” when eating chicken adobo…but if you don’t like that kind of heat then you can leave them aside, or use ground black pepper instead. Even my non-Filipino husband really likes biting into the peppercorns.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks?
While chicken thighs or drumsticks are traditionally used for their juiciness and flavor, chicken breast can be substituted if preferred. However, be mindful of adjusting the cooking time to prevent the meat from drying out.
You have to velvet or tenderize chicken breasts and tenderloins first. Then sear and sauté the white meat quickly in it’s own pan, then add to the sauce when ready to serve. You cannot braise the white meat in the sauce or risk a very dry meat texture. Try adobo stir fry with all white meat as a great alternative.
Can I make chicken adobo in advance?
Yes, this chicken adobo Filipino recipe is still delicious when made in advance as the flavors have time to meld together. Simply store the cooked adobo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
Is Filipino chicken adobo spicy?
Authentic Filipino chicken adobo is not typically spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the marinade if desired. Classic recipes do not include any chilies.
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Classic Filipino Chicken Adobo
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 platter
- 1 Large mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone in with skin) about 5-6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2½ tbsp Avocado Oil or high heat tolerant oil
- ¾ cup Low Sodium Soy sauce
- ⅓ cup White Distilled Vinegar cane or coconut vinegar recommended – White Distilled Vinegar is also common and works well.
- ½ cup Water
- 4-5 cloves Fresh Garlic minced
- 1 Small Onion chopped
- 6 Whole Dried Bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Whole peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar OPTIONAL, but this is a balancing ingredient and it is in this recipe. I highly recommend it.
- Cornstarch Slurry OPTIONAL – 3/4 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water, mix, then add to the simmering sauce and bring to a high simmer. This is if you desire a gravy like texture to the sauce.
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken (OPTIONAL) This is not necessary and sometimes there is no time, however, marinating imparts extra flavor into the chicken. Simply marinating for 1-2 hours will do. Add crushed garlic and the soy sauce to the chicken and refrigerate no longer than 2 hours.When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat the skin of excessive marinade. Keep the soy marinade to add to the pan later.I rarely marinate the chicken as bone in thighs have plenty of flavor and are very tender in this recipe so if you don't have time, you don't have to.1½ pounds Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone in with skin), ¾ cup Low Sodium Soy sauce, 4-5 cloves Fresh Garlic
- Heat a large braiser pan, then when the pan is hot, add oil. Then when the oil is hot, Lay the chicken thighs down in one motion, skin side down.2½ tbsp Avocado Oil
- Do not move, let them sear well. Flip when they the skin is sizzling, browned, and seared.Add in the onions. This allows the onions to get a little sear.1 Small Onion
- Add the garlic. If you marinated with garlic, then just skip this step.
- Add in the peppercorns and bay leaves.1 tablespoon Whole peppercorns, 6 Whole Dried Bay leaves
- In a small bowl mix the soy sauce, vinegar, water, and brown sugar together. Pour that all over the chicken.If you marinated, then use the soy sauce and garlic mixture.½ cup Water, 1 tablespoon Brown sugar, ⅓ cup White Distilled Vinegar
- Lower the flame to weakest setting. Close the lid tight for 30 minutes.
- Flip the chicken around for the last ten minutes. Close the lid again for 10-15 more minutes.
- The chicken should be fork-tender. Check it. Remove the chicken and place in a platter and cover.
- Reduce the sauce in the pan by setting the flame higher and simmering for 8 minutes. (If you want to add cornstarch slurry for thicker sauce, then this is when you do that.)Cornstarch Slurry
- Add back the chicken to the sauce, rest for two minutes, and serve immediately the velvety sauce and tender chicken with rice, or sides of choice.
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