Filipino Chicken Adobo

Filipino Chicken Adobo is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Golden Balance on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $11.50 total, $2.88 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in)
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (regular or light soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup White Vinegar (plain distilled)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (peeled and minced)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 4 slices Bacon (cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves
  • 1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns (lightly crushed)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce, white vinegar, minced garlic, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Marinate the Chicken

    Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

    Time: PT30M

  3. Sear the Chicken

    Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and brown all sides, about 5 minutes total.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium-high

  4. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Sauté Onion and Bacon

    In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they start to crisp, another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Combine Chicken, Marinade, and Stock

    Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the remaining marinade, add chicken stock, bay leaves, and crushed peppercorns. Stir to combine and bring to a vigorous boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high

  7. Simmer Covered

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: low

  8. Reduce the Sauce

    Uncover the pan and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Serve

    Plate the chicken adobo over steamed white rice, spoon generous amounts of sauce over the top, and enjoy.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains pork, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian, High protein

Allergens: Soy, Pork, Gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Filipino Chicken Adobo

Recipe by The Golden Balance

A classic Filipino chicken adobo made with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, bacon, and aromatic spices. The chicken is marinated, browned, then simmered until tender and served over rice with a rich, savory sauce.

MediumFilipinoServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
37m
Prep
57m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.50
Total cost
$2.88
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes
  • Browning the chicken to develop color
  • Simmering covered for 30 minutes to tenderize
  • Uncovering and reducing the sauce to the right consistency

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Raw chicken must be handled with clean hands and utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Boiling liquid can cause burns; keep face away from the pan when reducing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Adobo in Filipino cuisine?

A

Chicken Adobo is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. It originated from the Spanish word "adobar" meaning "to marinate" and reflects the country's blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Chinese influences, using soy sauce and vinegar as preservation agents.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Adobo in the Philippines?

A

In the Visayas, adobo often includes coconut milk, while in the Ilocos region it may be spicier with added chilies. Some regions use palm vinegar instead of white vinegar, and others add potatoes or boiled eggs for extra texture.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Chicken Adobo traditionally served in the Philippines?

A

Authentic Chicken Adobo is typically served hot over a mound of steamed white rice, with the sauce spooned generously over both the chicken and the rice. It may be accompanied by pickled vegetables (atchara) or a simple salad.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Chicken Adobo traditionally associated in Filipino culture?

A

Chicken Adobo is a staple for everyday meals but is also served at family gatherings, birthdays, and fiestas because it can be made in large batches and stays flavorful when reheated.

cultural
Q

What other Filipino dishes pair well with Chicken Adobo?

A

Chicken Adobo pairs beautifully with sinigang (tamarind soup), lumpia (spring rolls), and a side of sautéed greens such as kangkong (water spinach) or bok choy.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Adobo special or unique in Filipino cuisine?

A

Its balance of salty, sour, sweet, and umami flavors, plus the tender texture from slow simmering, makes Chicken Adobo a uniquely comforting and versatile dish that showcases the Filipino love for bold, layered tastes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Adobo at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the chicken during the sear, using too much vinegar which can make the dish overly sour, and not allowing the sauce to reduce enough, resulting in a watery finish.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Adobo recipe use both soy sauce and white vinegar instead of just one seasoning?

A

Soy sauce provides salty umami depth while white vinegar adds the characteristic tang that preserves the meat and balances the richness of the bacon and sugar, creating the signature adobo flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Adobo ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and fully cook the adobo a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating gently on the stove and adding a splash of water if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chicken Adobo is done cooking?

A

The chicken should be fork‑tender and the sauce glossy, slightly thickened, coating the meat. The color should be a deep mahogany from the soy sauce and caramelized sugar.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel The Golden Balance focuses on balanced, wholesome home‑cooking recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern, health‑conscious techniques, often highlighting Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

The Golden Balance emphasizes precise timing, nutritional balance, and clear step‑by‑step visuals, offering variations that reduce excess sodium while preserving authentic taste, unlike many channels that simply replicate traditional recipes without adjustments.

channel

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