Filipino Chicken Adobo (Keto)

This Chicken Adobo Recipe is made with chicken drumsticks, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves and simmered into perfection.

Chicken Adobo is a flavorful combination of tanginess from the vinegar, richness from the soy sauce, and a hint of garlic. The sauce is reduced to create a thick and glossy coating that clings to the chicken. It is often served with steamed rice and garnished with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro.

Chicken Adobo can vary in taste and texture depending on personal preferences and regional variations within the Philippines. Some people prefer a more acidic and tangy adobo, while others may opt for a slightly sweeter version. It is a versatile dish that can be customized by adjusting the proportions of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices to suit individual tastes.

This is a sweet and sour dish that has become a staple in my house. Adobo Chicken is a national dish of the Philippines and will most likely become a staple in your home as well. This is an effortless recipe because you can just cover at a low heat, set a timer, and go about your day. This is a one pot recipe which makes cleanup that much easier.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Fish Sauce Wings or my Gochujang Wings.

Jump to:

• What is Chicken Adobo?
• Why you will love this Chicken Adobo Recipe
• Chicken Adobo Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Chicken Adobo
• What to serve with Chicken Adobo
• Substitutions
• Chicken Adobo Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Chicken Adobo
• Chicken Adobo Recipe Top tips
• Chicken Adobo Recipe
• Food safety

What is Chicken Adobo?

Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish known for its tangy and savory flavors. It is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. Adobo refers to a cooking method in which meat, seafood, or vegetables are marinated and simmered in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.

In the case of Chicken Adobo, chicken pieces (usually bone-in and skin-on) are marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. The marinated chicken is then braised in the marinade until tender and cooked through. The dish is typically simmered slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse into the chicken.

Why you will love this Chicken Adobo Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: Chicken Adobo offers a perfect balance of flavors. The tanginess from the vinegar, the richness from the soy sauce, the aroma from the garlic, and the subtle earthiness from the bay leaves and peppercorns all come together to create a harmonious taste experience.
• Versatility: Chicken Adobo is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit individual preferences. The recipe allows for adjustments in the amounts of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, enabling you to customize the dish to your taste.
• Simplicity: Chicken Adobo is relatively easy to prepare with a straightforward cooking process. It requires simple ingredients that are often readily available in the pantry, making it accessible to a wide range of cooks.
• Leftover Magic: Chicken Adobo often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. It makes for fantastic leftovers, allowing you to enjoy the dish for multiple meals and even experiment with different serving ideas such as adobo flakes or adobo fried rice.

Chicken Adobo Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Chicken Drumsticks
• Soy Sauce
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Garlic
• Bay Leaves
• Olive oil
• Peppercorn

See recipe card for Chicken Adobo Recipe quantities.

How to make Chicken Adobo

What to serve with Chicken Adobo

• Steamed Rice: Rice is a staple accompaniment to Chicken Adobo. The fluffy and plain steamed rice serves as a neutral base that allows you to savor the flavors of the adobo sauce.
• Garlic Fried Rice: If you want to elevate your rice dish, consider making garlic fried rice. Sauté minced garlic in oil or butter, then add cooked rice and stir-fry until heated through. It adds a flavorful twist to the meal.
• Fresh Vegetables: A side of steamed or blanched vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Chicken Adobo. Try serving a simple vegetable medley like steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy.
• Salted Egg and Tomato Salad: This simple salad consists of sliced tomatoes and salted eggs. The creamy and salty eggs combined with the juicy tomatoes create a delightful contrast to the flavors of Chicken Adobo.
• Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as pickled cucumbers or pickled green papaya, add a tangy and crunchy element to the meal. They provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of Chicken Adobo.

Substitutions

• Chicken Drumsticks: The bone-in drumsticks are a great part of the chicken to use, although I have seen other use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe. 
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is an essential ingredient in Chicken Adobo, and its flavor is quite distinctive. However, if you don't have soy sauce or want to try a substitute, you can use tamari sauce, which is similar to soy sauce but often gluten-free. Alternatively, you can use coconut aminos as a soy sauce replacement. It has a milder flavor but still adds a savory element.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is commonly used in Chicken Adobo and provides a tangy flavor. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or rice vinegar. The acidity level might vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the amount to your taste.
• Garlic: Garlic is a crucial component of the adobo marinade. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor might not be as robust, so you might need to use slightly more garlic powder than fresh garlic.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle earthy flavor to Chicken Adobo. If you don't have bay leaves, you can use dried oregano or thyme as a substitute. These herbs will impart a different flavor profile but can still complement the dish.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is often used for sautéing the chicken before adding the marinade in Chicken Adobo. If you don't have olive oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point.
• Peppercorns: Peppercorns provide a peppery kick and aroma to the dish. If you don't have whole peppercorns, you can use ground black pepper as a substitute. Use it according to your taste preference.

Chicken Adobo Recipe Variations

• Adobong Manok sa Gata (Chicken Adobo with Coconut Milk): In this variation, coconut milk is added to the traditional adobo sauce, giving it a creamy and rich flavor. The chicken is cooked in the coconut milk along with the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.
• Adobong Puti (White Chicken Adobo): Adobong Puti is a variation of Chicken Adobo that omits the soy sauce, resulting in a lighter-colored dish. It highlights the flavors of vinegar, garlic, and spices. This version tends to have a tangier taste.
• Spicy Chicken Adobo: For those who enjoy a little heat, you can add chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the adobo sauce. This adds a spicy kick to the dish without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust the amount of chili according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Adobong Baboy (Pork Adobo): While Chicken Adobo is the most common variation, the same cooking method can be applied to pork. Pork Adobo is made with pork belly, pork shoulder, or a combination of both. The rest of the ingredients and cooking process remain similar.

Check out my Kung Pao Chicken Recipe.

Equipment

• Cooking Pot or dutch oven: You'll need a pot or dutch oven to cook the Chicken Adobo. Choose a size that can accommodate the chicken pieces and allow space for the sauce to simmer. A non-stick or stainless steel pot or skillet is commonly used.
• Kitchen Knife: A sharp kitchen knife is essential for cutting the chicken into pieces, mincing garlic, and preparing other ingredients as needed.
• Cutting Board: Use a cutting board to safely chop and prepare ingredients such as chicken and garlic.
• Mixing Bowl or Ziploc Bag: You'll need a mixing bowl or a large ziplock bag to marinate the chicken with the adobo sauce and allow it to infuse the flavors.
• Tongs or Kitchen Utensils: Tongs or kitchen utensils are useful for flipping and handling the chicken pieces while cooking.
• Serving Dish and Utensils: Once the Chicken Adobo is cooked, you'll need a serving dish to present it. Also, have utensils such as a ladle or tongs for serving the chicken and sauce onto plates.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: If you prefer to follow precise measurements, you can use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients.

How to store Chicken Adobo

• Allow the Chicken Adobo to cool: Let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and moisture buildup in the container.
• Choose an airtight container: Transfer the Chicken Adobo into an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the adobo.
• Pour in the sauce: Ensure that the adobo sauce covers the chicken pieces in the container. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist and flavorsome.
• Refrigerate promptly: Place the airtight container with the Chicken Adobo in the refrigerator. It should be stored at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth.
• Label and date the container: Use labels or write directly on the container to indicate the contents and the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the adobo has been stored.
• Consume within a few days: Chicken Adobo can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. It's recommended to consume it within this timeframe to ensure freshness and taste. Discard any leftovers that have been stored for longer than that.
• Reheat properly: When reheating the Chicken Adobo, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any potential bacteria. Reheat it in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.

Chicken Adobo Recipe Top tips

• Marinate for Longer: For more flavorful results, marinate the chicken in the adobo sauce for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
• Brown the Chicken: Before simmering in the adobo sauce, consider browning the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a little oil. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
• Adjust the Vinegar-to-Soy Sauce Ratio: The balance of vinegar and soy sauce can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a tangier adobo, increase the amount of vinegar. If you prefer a richer flavor, add more soy sauce. Experiment and find the ratio that suits your palate.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Since Chicken Adobo relies on a few key ingredients, use good-quality ones to enhance the overall flavor. Fresh garlic, high-quality vinegar, and soy sauce can make a noticeable difference.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, garnish your Chicken Adobo with fresh herbs like chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley. This adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
• Serve with Steamed Rice: Chicken Adobo pairs beautifully with steamed white rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and balances the tanginess. Consider using jasmine or basmati rice for added fragrance.
• Make Extra Sauce: If you prefer a saucier Chicken Adobo, consider making extra adobo sauce. The sauce is delicious drizzled over rice or used as a dipping sauce for the chicken.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.