A bold, savory-sour Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe that’s easy, authentic, and full of rich, comforting flavor. This classic chicken adobo dish is simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns—capturing the very heart of Filipino home cooking.
Every Filipino household has their own version of chicken adobo.
This chicken adobo Filipino authentic version, stays true to tradition while remaining flexible enough for modern kitchens, whether you cook it in a skillet, Instant Pot chicken adobo, or even chicken adobo crockpot.
It’s a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and umami—made even better with a side of warm rice.
Loved across generations, this adobo chicken recipe is known not only as a national dish of the Philippines but also as one of the best chicken adobo recipes around.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or slow-simmered weekend comfort, this chicken adobo recipe delivers every time.
Simple, hearty, and deeply flavorful—this chicken adobo recipe easy is more than just a meal; it’s a warm memory served on a plate.
Equipment Needed for Preparing Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
- large skillet or Dutch oven : This is your main cooking vessel. A wide, heavy-bottomed pan helps evenly sear the chicken and later allows the sauce to simmer and reduce without burning.
- Tongs : You’ll need these for flipping the chicken during searing and transferring it from the pan to your serving plate without piercing the meat and losing juices.
- Mixing bowl or zip-top bag : Use a bowl for marinating the chicken, or a zip-top bag if you prefer an easy cleanup and want to ensure every piece is well coated.
- Measuring cups & spoons: Precision matters, especially with strong ingredients like vinegar and soy sauce. These help keep your flavors balanced.
- Ladle or serving spoon: Perfect for scooping up that rich, glossy adobo sauce and drizzling it over rice before serving.
Health Benefits of this Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
Chicken Adobo isn’t just delicious, it also packs a surprising number of health benefits, especially when prepared the traditional Filipino way. With minimal ingredients and a focus on natural flavors, it’s a smart addition to a balanced diet.
- High in protein, supporting muscle repair, metabolism, and keeping you full longer, making it ideal for both active lifestyles and weight management.
- Low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diets when served without rice.
- Gluten-free and dairy-free, as the recipe contains no flour or milk products, which makes it safe for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or lactose intolerance.
- Contains heart-healthy fats, especially when using chicken thighs with skin and a small amount of healthy oil like olive or coconut oil.
- Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly from garlic and onions, which are known for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation.
- Low in sugar, with little to no added sweeteners, helping to regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders.
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, all of which contribute to better energy levels, immune function, and bone health.
- Supports digestive health, thanks to the vinegar content, which may help increase stomach acid and improve nutrient absorption.
- Budget-friendly and well-balanced, offering a good ratio of protein, healthy fat, and acidity with minimal ingredients, ideal for wholesome home cooking.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers, as it stores well in the fridge and the flavor improves over time, making it both convenient and flavorful for busy weeks.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Filipino cuisine or new to the adobo world, this dish brings something magical to the table. The best chicken adobo recipe isn’t about complexity—it’s about balance, heart, and heritage.
Let this chicken adobo Filipino authentic recipe become part of your story, just as it’s been part of millions of Filipino homes for generations.
This chicken adobo recipe easy enough for a beginner, yet soulful enough for a celebration. So the next time you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, serve yourself some chicken adobo Filipino recipe style—and savor every bite.
Enjoy Cooking
✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.
Easy Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
Description
This Filipino chicken adobo recipe is a savory, tangy, and deeply aromatic dish made by simmering chicken in a marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. It’s a low-effort, high-flavor meal that’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free (with tamari), and perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend comfort food. Whether you’re making the chicken adobo Filipino authentic way, in a crockpot, or using the Instant Pot, this is the best chicken adobo recipe to keep in your rotation.
Ingredients
Optional Garnishes
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
-
Sear the Chicken
- Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the liquid) and sear skin-side down until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
-
Add the Marinade & Simmer
- Pour in the reserved marinade and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
-
Reduce the Sauce
- Uncover and let the sauce reduce for another 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Flip chicken occasionally for even coating.
-
Serve
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice with a drizzle of sauce.
- Top with scallions and fried garlic if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1-2 chicken pieces + 1/2 to 1 cup rice
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 140mg47%
- Sodium 980mg41%
- Potassium 410mg12%
- Protein 38g76%
- Vitamin A 120 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 26 mg
- Iron 2.8 mg
- Vitamin D 8 IU
- Vitamin E 1.2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth.
Marinate overnight for the best flavor.
Balance the vinegar and soy taste as you go.
Simmer uncovered toward the end to thicken the sauce.
Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor.
