Filipino Chicken Adobo: A Delicious and Authentic Recipe
Welcome to “Love With Recipes,” where we bring you delightful culinary experiences from around the world. Today, we’re diving into the savory and slightly spicy world of Filipino cuisine with a classic Chicken Adobo recipe. This traditional dish is known for its bold flavors and tender chicken, making it a favorite among many. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For this Chicken Adobo recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 cup water: To soak the chicken and add moisture.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup water: For the cooking mixture.
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar: Adds tanginess and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup soy sauce: For a savory and umami taste.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuses a subtle herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and flavor.
- 8 cloves garlic, sliced: Provides a rich, aromatic base.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering Chicken Adobo:
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Prep the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed chicken thighs with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Let the chicken soak for several minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This step helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
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Drain the Chicken: After soaking, drain the chicken pieces on paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy skin when cooking.
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Prepare the Cooking Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup cider vinegar, 1/4 to 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper. Heat this mixture on a medium-low setting, covered, for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a flavorful sauce.
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Cook the Garlic: In a 12-inch skillet or chicken fryer, heat a generous amount of oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes golden brown and fragrant. This step adds a rich garlic flavor to the dish.
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Brown the Chicken: Drain the chicken pieces and add them, skin side down, to the skillet with the garlic oil. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
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Simmer the Chicken: Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to a simmer and pour the vinegar-soy mixture over the chicken. If you’re finishing the adobo in the skillet, partially cover the pan and continue cooking, turning the chicken occasionally for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced by half and the chicken is tender.
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Alternate Slow Cooking Method: If you prefer to use a slow cooker, after browning the chicken, place it in a 3 or 4-quart slow cooker. Pour the vinegar-soy mixture over the chicken and cook on the low setting for 2 hours, covered. Then, remove the cover, increase the setting to high, and cook for an additional hour to finish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Discard the bay leaves before serving. Serve the Chicken Adobo with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy this delicious Filipino dish with your family and friends!
Variations
Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste:
- Pork or Beef Adobo: Substitute 1 1/2 pounds of cubed pork or beef for the chicken. Brown the cubes on all sides for about 5 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Use 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in place of the bone-in thighs.
- Coconut Adobo: Replace one cup of water in the vinegar-soy mixture with an equal amount of coconut milk for a richer flavor.
Chicken Adobo is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some variations, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table.
Thank you for joining us at “Love With Recipes.” We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Chicken Adobo. For more recipes and culinary inspiration, stay tuned to our site. Happy cooking! 🍗🥘✨
