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Chicken Adobo

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Chicken Adobo is a classic, popular Filipino dish. I was introduced to it by my mother-in-law and I have loved it ever since! The marinade is seriously addictive, made with garlic, vinegar and pepper. There are so many variations of this recipe and, after trying many, this is my favourite. It is quick and easy, the chicken can be marinated in advance, and leftovers taste even better the next day. This is the perfect recipe for making ahead, ready for when you need it! The marinade is so packed with flavour that you can serve this dish with the simplest of sides. I often serve it with some plain diced cucumber and/or sliced tomato. When time permits, I love serving this with cucumbers in a simple ginger marinade with sliced chilli and coriander (cilantro) — not traditional, but absolutely delicious! 

Can you make Chicken Adobo ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. You can also freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight prior to cooking.

Watch how to make Chicken Adobo

Is Chicken Adobo suitable for leftovers?

Chicken Adobo can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.

Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo

Author: Nicole
5 from 8 votes
“This was the first meal I ever made from your website and it got me hooked!”
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In this super quick and easy recipe, chicken is cooked in an addictively delicious sauce flavoured with soy, brown sugar, garlic and vinegar. Refreshing cucumber, combined with sesame oil and fresh ginger, is served on the side as the perfect accompaniment. Served over steamed rice, this Chicken Adobo recipe makes a beautiful weeknight treat.
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 600 g (1.3 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces or left whole
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  • 80 ml (⅓ cup) all-purpose soy sauce
  • 80 ml (⅓ cup) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups cooked rice, to serve
  • coriander (cilantro), to garnish (optional)
  • 1 sliced chilli to garnish (optional)
SESAME GINGER CUCUMBERS
  • 2 Lebanese (short) cucumbers, cut into thick slices
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp freshly minced ginger
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes

Instructions

  • Place the chicken, garlic, soy sauce, white vinegar, bay leaves, brown sugar and pepper in a bowl. If time permits, allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Marinating is NOT essential but does tenderise the chicken and creates more depth of flavour. I regularly make this recipe and cook it immediately and it’s equally delicious!
  • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat and add the chicken, reserving the marinade. Cook the chicken for 2–4 minutes until it starts to brown, turning once halfway through. 
  • Add the remaining marinade and 1 cup (250 ml) of water. Cook for 8–12 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened and caramelised. If the sauce hasn’t thickened, it means the pan wasn’t hot enough, so continue cooking over high heat until the sauce reduces.
  • To make the sesame ginger cucumbers, combine the ingredients in a small bowl. 
  • Serve the chicken adobo with steamed rice and the cucumbers. Top with coriander and fresh chilli, if desired. 

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Chicken Adobo
Amount per Serving
Calories
776
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
31
g
48
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
18
g
Cholesterol
 
143
mg
48
%
Sodium
 
1530
mg
67
%
Potassium
 
753
mg
22
%
Carbohydrates
 
85
g
28
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Protein
 
38
g
76
%
Vitamin A
 
305
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
 
21
mg
25
%
Calcium
 
57
mg
6
%
Iron
 
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

MAKE AHEAD

Marinate the chicken and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight prior to cooking.

LEFTOVERS

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course chicken, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Asian-inspired

  1. 5 stars
    Wasn’t sure about this recipe as I have a Fillo friend and he cooks this often…pleasantly surprised everyone loved it!!!! Thanks Nicole

    • Phew, so glad this one passed the test and it was a winner! 🙌🏻 Thanks for the rating. Nic x

  2. 5 stars
    One of our family favourite recipes of yours 🙂

    • Hi Viv, awww that’s so lovely to hear!! Thanks for letting me know and also for the rating, Nic x

  3. I just made this for the family, and everyone loved it. I can’t wait to eat the one chicken thigh that was left for lunch tomorrow.

    • So happy to hear this, Krissi! Nic x

  4. 5 stars
    This one is on my heavy rotation

  5. Another fantastic dinner recipe! So simple yet divine 🤤 thank you!

  6. 5 stars
    Being Filipino, I was so excited to see an adobo recipe! This was so delicious, can’t wait to make it again!

  7. 5 stars
    So simple but packed full of flavour
    Will be making again for sure!

  8. 5 stars
    The in-laws and, most importantly, my kid loved it! So quick and simple. Adobo is usually better the next day, but it was pretty tasty right after cooking. Thanks!

  9. 5 stars
    This is so simple and EASY to make! Thank you, my husband and I couldn’t stop ourselves from eating it so sadly no left overs for lunch tomorrow. Super tasty and quick to get on the table. I am HOOKED.

  10. 5 stars
    This was the first meal I ever made from your website and it got me hooked! This is so yum I don’t think my husband believed I actually made it. So fresh and so clean clean tasting, the best! 💜

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.