Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your meal prep game? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken Adobo recipe, a beloved Filipino dish that combines the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and deeply satisfying flavors. Whether you're a busy professional, a meal prep enthusiast, or simply someone who craves restaurant-quality meals at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming excess fat from chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, water, minced garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid. Carefully place chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet to brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Pour reserved marinade over the browned chicken, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, occasionally turning pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Remove bay leaves and transfer chicken to a cutting board. If desired, reduce sauce by simmering for additional 3-5 minutes.
- Serve hot chicken over steamed rice, spooning extra sauce on top.
- For meal prep, let chicken cool completely before dividing into portion-sized containers with rice and sauce.
- Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating thoroughly before consuming.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Browning Matters: Take time to properly brown the chicken skin. This step creates a beautiful caramelization that adds depth and richness to the final dish.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the chicken on low heat to ensure it becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious marinade flavors.
- Sauce Reduction: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce for a few extra minutes after cooking the chicken.
- Meal Prep Hack: This dish actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and develop in the refrigerator.
- Storage Tip: When meal prepping, keep the rice separate from the chicken to prevent it from getting soggy. Store in airtight containers and consume within 4 days.
- Reheating Wisdom: Always reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.Pro tip: Pair this Chicken Adobo with a side of quick-pickled vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to cut through the rich, savory flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
