Description
Chicken Adobo with Garlic and Soy Sauce is a classic Filipino dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful, tangy sauce made with fresh garlic, natural soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and aromatic dish is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
Seasonings and Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup natural soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon natural brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 ounces smoked turkey bacon, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure better browning and to lock in the juices for a tender texture once cooked.
- Sauté the Garlic and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry the minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until aromatic and slightly crisp.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan, searing them on all sides until they develop a golden crust. This step enhances flavor and color.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid: Pour in the natural soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water or broth. Add bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and sprinkle the natural brown sugar over the mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and Cook Through: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened, coating the chicken evenly.
- Final Touches: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and increase the heat to medium to reduce the sauce until you reach the desired consistency. Pour the sauce back over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes in soy sauce and vinegar mixture for enhanced flavor.
- Using bone-in chicken adds richer taste and juicier texture.
- Allow sauce to reduce slowly to develop deeper flavor and a glossy finish.
- Adding smoked turkey bacon provides a smoky depth that complements the tangy vinegar.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or coconut rice to balance the savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Chicken Adobo, Garlic Chicken, Filipino Recipe, Soy Sauce Chicken, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food
