What is Chicken Adobo?
Adobo is a popular Filipino dish made with meat braised in vinegar, soy sauce, bay leaves, peppercorns and garlic.
It is a staple in many Filipino households and can be made with a variety of proteins, usually chicken or pork.
The word adobo came from the Spanish word "adobar," which means "to marinate." The dish is probably indigenous the area but was later named Adobo by the colonizers due to the similarities in the way this dish was prepared.
Ingredients
- 1kg of in-bone chicken pieces
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (28 grams)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic (20 grams)
- 118 ml (or 1/2 cup) of cane vinegar
- 118 ml (or 1/2 cup) of soy sauce
- 118 ml (or 1/2 cup) of water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (14 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns
Embarking on the Adobo Adventure
- Begin by heating your heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and sear the chicken pieces until golden bits begin to appear. This process imparts a nice color to your chicken and enriches the final flavor.
- Once the chicken is well-seared, introduce the chopped garlic to the pan. Let it sauté for a bit, ensuring it doesn’t brown. The garlic adds a depth of flavor that is characteristic of Filipino Chicken Adobo.
- It's now time to add the cane vinegar, soy sauce, water, bay leaf, and black peppercorns to the pan. Give it a good stir and let the mixture come to a boil. This is where the magic happens, as the vinegar and soy sauce work together to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a tangy, savory flavor.
- Upon reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow it to simmer for around 40-50 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally until the sauce has reduced to a thicker consistency. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the chicken, resulting in a dish that's bursting with taste!
Nutrition Information
Given a serving size of around 150 grams, each serving will have:
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrate Content: 10g
- Cholesterol Content: 70mg
- Fat Content: 15g
- Protein Content: 20g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4g
- Sodium Content: 900mg
- Sugar Content: 3g
- Trans Fat Content: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat Content: 10g
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.
Pro Tips for Perfect Adobo Every Time
- Use bone-in chicken rather than chicken breast for more flavor. The bones release their natural juices during the cooking process, enriching the sauce with a fuller flavor.
- Give your chicken a good sear. This enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful golden color.
- Don't rush the simmering process. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the chicken.
What Are The Other Proteins That Can Be Used To Make Adobo?
Adobo is usually made with chicken or pork. There are versions of this dish that are actually made with both, and it's called Chicken Pork Adobo.
Beef or seafood is not usually used for this dish.
What Do You Serve With Chicken Adobo?
Chicken adobo is best eaten with plain white rice. That's it!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?
Yes, you can, but using bone-in chicken imparts more flavor to the dish. You also have to watch out for the cooking time especially for chicken breast as these will get tough if overcooked.
What other types of vinegar can I use if I don't have cane vinegar?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are both good substitutes for cane vinegar.
Can I use another type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with pork, beef, or even fish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What should I serve with Filipino Chicken Adobo?
Steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice pairs perfectly with this dish. For a touch of green, consider a crisp, fresh salad or stir-fried vegetables.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Of course! Feel free to add some chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.