Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is a classic Filipino dish known for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s relatively easy to prepare and is a beloved comfort food in the Philippines. Here’s a basic recipe for making Chicken Adobo:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a whole chicken, cut into serving pieces)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar)
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 1-2 dried bay leaves
• 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken (optional but recommended):
   • In a large bowl or container, combine the chicken pieces, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
   • Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Marinating helps enhance the flavor, but you can proceed without marinating if you’re short on time.
2. Cook the Chicken Adobo:
   • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cooking oil.
   • When the oil is hot, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade (if marinated) and brown them in the hot oil on all sides. This adds extra flavor to the dish.
   • Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the Marinade and Simmer:
   • Pour in the marinade (including the vinegar and soy sauce) into the pot with the chicken.
   • Add the dried bay leaves.
   • Pour in 1 cup of water to the pot.
   • Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer:
   • Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
   • Allow the chicken to simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally.
5. Adjust the Seasoning:
   • Taste the Chicken Adobo and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be savory with a balanced sweet-sour flavor.
6. Serve:
   • Serve your Chicken Adobo hot with steamed rice. The sauce is perfect for drizzling over the rice.

Chicken Adobo is often garnished with chopped green onions, and some people like to serve it with hard-boiled eggs or a side of pickled vegetables. Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of this classic Filipino dish!