Savory Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe Easy Tangy Soy Vinegar Glaze
A comforting and tangy Filipino chicken adobo with a savory soy-vinegar glaze that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably naturally brewed)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 6–8 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté crushed garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in soy sauce and white vinegar carefully. Add bay leaves, whole peppercorns, and water. Stir gently to combine.
- Return chicken to the pan skin side up. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Remove lid, add brown sugar, and increase heat to medium-high. Let sauce reduce and thicken for 5-7 minutes, spooning glaze over chicken occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Brown the chicken first for best flavor and texture. Keep heat moderate when sautéing garlic to avoid burning. Adjust vinegar and soy sauce to taste at the end. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water. Leftovers taste better the next day. Can freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: Filipino chicken adobo, chicken adobo recipe, soy vinegar glaze, easy chicken dinner, tangy chicken adobo