StudentMealSaver

Budget Friendly Meals and tips for Students

Chicken Adobo (Filipino)

Make those tastebuds dance!

If you’re a fan of bold and tangy flavours, then Chicken Adobo is a must-try! This Filipino classic is known for its delicious combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic spices that create a savoury and tangy marinade for tender chicken. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavour. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive into this tantalizing Filipino dish and get ready for a flavour explosion in every bite!

Tips:

  • For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed for the plant-based protein to absorb the flavours and become tender.
  • Chicken Adobo is traditionally made with bone-in chicken for maximum flavor, but you can also use boneless chicken if preferred.
  • The longer you simmer the chicken in the sauce, the more flavorful it will become. You can adjust the cooking time to your preference, but be careful not to overcook the chicken as it may become dry.
  • Chicken Adobo is even more delicious when allowed to sit and marinate in the sauce overnight before cooking. If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for even more depth of flavor.
  • Leftover Chicken Adobo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and the flavors will continue to develop over time.
  • Enjoy Chicken Adobo with steamed rice, vegetables, and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete Filipino meal experience.

Serving: 4

Cooking time: 40-50 minutes

Cost: $10-15

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides.
  4. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, water, brown sugar, bay leaf, and black peppercorns to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Remove the bay leaf from the pot before serving.
  8. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a combination)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)