Filipino Chicken Adobo
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An iconic Filipino dish, chicken adobo features succulent chicken simmered in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, black pepper, and creamy coconut milk.
Adobo is a beloved dish in the Philippines that involves simmering meat in a tangy sauce made with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black pepper. There are many ways to make adobo, but my personal favorite is a regional variation made with chicken and coconut milk, inspired by Filipino Chef Romy Dorotan from Purple Yam in Brooklyn. The addition of coconut milk helps to balance the tanginess of the vinegar while adding a creamy texture to the sauce. The dish remains tangy, but the flavors are all in harmony, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
To enjoy chicken adobo at its best, serve it over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce, and add a vegetable, such as roasted carrots or roasted asparagus, to complete the dish. Whether you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine or just looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, chicken adobo is sure to impress!
Table of Contents
“This dish was absolutely amazing. Such wonderful flavor and the recipe was so easy to follow.”
What You’ll Need To Make Chicken Adobo
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are preferred for their ability to stay juicy and flavorful, especially when cooked using the slow simmering method.
- Soy sauce: Acts as the salty base of the adobo marinade, contributing depth and umami to the dish.
- Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness, balancing the savory and acidic components of the marinade.
- Rice or cider vinegar: Introduces acidity to the dish, tenderizing the chicken and adding a bright contrast to the richness of the coconut milk and soy sauce.
- Garlic: A generous amount of garlic cloves infuse the dish with a pungent aroma and flavor, a key component in the depth of adobo’s taste profile.
- Bay leaves: Add a distinctive fragrance and herbal note.
- Scallions: Also known as green onions or spring onions, scallions provide a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that enhances the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by trimming the chicken thighs: cut off any excess fat or flaps of skin with kitchen shears (it’s much easier than using a knife). Marinate the chicken in the soy sauce for about an hour.
Next, sear the chicken, skin side down, in a skillet for about ten minutes.
The skin will become crisp and turn a rich brown color. Set the chicken aside.
Whisk the coconut milk, vinegar, sugar and pepper into the soy sauce.
Discard the fat and wipe the pan clean. Then add the sauce to the pan.
Add the garlic and bay leaves.
Place the chicken in the sauce, skin side up, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 35 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a platter and reduce the sauce until thickened. Then place the chicken back into the sauce (or pour the sauce over the chicken on a platter) and scatter with scallions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Drumsticks, similar to thighs, are rich in flavor and stay tender during cooking, making them a great alternative. While you can use chicken breasts, it’s best to opt for bone-in, skin-on breasts to maintain moisture and flavor. I don’t recommend boneless skinless chicken breasts, as they will become dry and tough with this cooking method.
Yes, this dish is wonderful when prepared ahead of time. The flavors have more time to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. For the best results after reheating, transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet, skin side up, and quickly crisp the skin under the broiler. This step ensures that the chicken retains its delightful texture and flavor, making it just as satisfying as when it’s freshly made.
Yes, chicken adobo freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, following the crisping method under the broiler (explained above) if desired.
Video Tutorial
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Filipino Chicken Adobo
An iconic Filipino dish, chicken adobo features succulent chicken simmered in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, black pepper, and creamy coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 3½ pounds bone-in chicken thighs (6-8), trimmed (see substitutions note below)
- ½ cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
- ½ cup rice or cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
- White rice, for serving
Instructions
- Toss the chicken with the soy sauce in a large, shallow bowl. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the soy sauce, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Transfer the chicken, skin side down, to a cold 12-inch nonstick skillet. Set the soy sauce aside.
- Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook until the skin is crisp and dark golden, 8-10 minutes. While the chicken is browning, whisk the coconut milk, vinegar, sugar and pepper into the soy sauce.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and discard the fat in the skillet. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. Pour the soy sauce-coconut milk mixture into the pan; add the garlic and bay leaves. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken registers 175 degrees. Transfer the chicken to a platter and keep warm by tenting loosely with aluminum foil.
- Fish out the bay leaves and skim any noticeable fat off the surface of the sauce. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (if it is too assertive, add a few tablespoons of water and/or a bit more sugar). Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the scallions. Serve with rice. (Note: if you'd like the skin to be extra crispy, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before serving.)
- Note: Drumsticks, similar to chicken thighs in terms of flavor and juiciness, are a great alternative. If you'd like to use white meat, use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. If you'd like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, skip the first cooking step of searing the skin, and reduce the simmering time to about 20 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: This dish is wonderful prepared ahead of time. After reheating, transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet, skin side up, and quickly crisp the skin under the broiler.
Pair with
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (6 servings)
- Calories: 752 g
- Fat: 58 g
- Saturated fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Sodium: 1392 mg
- Cholesterol: 259 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
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Comments
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Wow! This was really good. Who would have thought that such basic ingredients could make such a tasty dish! I used boneless skinless chicken thighs and only 1/4 cup seasoned wine vinegar and 1/16 t pepper as I’m not a fan of pepper. Before adding the sauce to the frying pan, I fried the thighs ten minutes over med heat, turning the thighs often.
Hi Jenn, Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar and get a similar result? This recipe looks so delicious, but I would love to sub out the sugar. Thank you for your wonderful recipes!
Sure, Rebecca – I think either would work well.
Hi Jenn,
I can’t have coconut. Is there a satisfactory substitute for the coconut milk? This looks delicious.
Hi Gary, I think you could use heavy cream instead. Hope that helps!
You note at the end of the recipe that “if it is too assertive, add a bit of sugar or water” I assume that the assertiveness comes from the vinegar. Would it be recommended to cut back on the amt of vinegar from the start? A 1/2 cup seems like a little too much.
Thanks!!!
Hi Lillian, I put that in there as a “just in case” but I think the flavors are nicely balanced as is. If you’re really sensitive to vinegar, though, you can cut back it back a bit just to be safe. Hope you enjoy!
Can I keep warm in a crockpot then crisp the chicken later or would this over cook and maybe dry the chicken?
That’s fine, Se. Since you’re using dark meat, I don’t think it will dry out. Hope you enjoy!
Is it normal for the sauce to be watery while it’s cooking ?
Hi Se, It shouldn’t be watery since it’s made with coconut milk but it will thicken as it cooks and even more at the very end.
Absolutely delicious! Thank you!!!
I made this exactly as written, following the make-ahead instructions. It turned out absolutely perfect. All my dinner guests raved and went back for seconds. The instructions are so good and so helpful. I honestly never thought I could pull off a dish like this for company–Jenn–you and your great instructions, patience and advice over the years along with that of your reader’s have helped me learn so much and you have truly helped me face my fears and just go for it–all to wonderful results. I’m always so impressed and so deeply thankful!!!
❤️
I’ve made this so many times now. It really is one of my favorite chicken recipes!
We have made this recipe twice with no modifications and loved it! My question is, would this work in a crockpot too? What changes would I need to make? Thanks!
Fae
So glad you like this, Fae! I don’t have a slow cooker, so I can’t say for sure how this would turn out in one; that said, one reader commented that she prepared it in a slow cooker and was happy with the results. I would still brown the chicken on the stovetop before putting it in the slow cooker. Here are some conversion tips that may help as well. I’d love to hear how it turns out this way!
Made recipe as is – really fantastic! Just two notes: first, I cooked the Adobo one day ahead to deepen the flavor, then refrigerated it, and next day easily lifted the hardened chicken fat from the top. I saved the fat and used it later to sauté onions and also to flavor some garlic fried rice. Yum! Secondly, I didn’t have any green onions so when serving the Adobo, I put a dollop of store-bought Tabouli on the side. Lovely combo of two culinary traditions!
Made as is and wouldn’t change a thing. Delish. Can’t wait to get your new book. Congratulations. You rock!
This is the second time I’ve made this recipe and both times I forgot to add the scallions, but it’s easy and delicious–even my 8 year old niece liked it. I did add a small amount of sugar (about 1/2 t. ) to the sauce at the end.
Some Questions: Should I put any oil in the cold pan before I add the chicken skin side down or is that not necessary here? Also, do you recommend a nonstick skillet like you used in picture rather than a regular–All Clad type of thing? Sorry–new to cooking and am nervous I will screw this up. If I make ahead for guests–definitely crisp skin under broiler–any idea how long? And does it splatter everywhere? I think they may only like white meat and wonder if I leave the skin on/bone in if it will still be pretty dry compared to thighs? Overall it sounds FANTASTIC. Thrilled to think about trying this. Thanks, Jenn.
Hi Diane, No oil is needed if you use a nonstick skillet. It’s fine to use stainless steel but you’ll likely need a tablespoon or so of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. As for crisping the skin, every broiler is different but it should take longer than a few minutes. I don’t recommend using this recipe for white meat as I think it would dry out. You might check out this chicken recipe – it’s great for company and you can do most of it ahead. Hope that helps!
Thanks a million for this tip–so great to know. Can’t wait to try it out on people who like thighs. I’ve made it with boneless skinless breasts simmered in the sauce before and everyone raved. Look forward to trying the recipe as written for people who will appreciate it. Fantastic combination of flavors. Another huge hit, Jenn.
Can i marinate the chicken with soysauce overnight, and wake up early in the morning to cook them for lunch gathering, or will it make the chicken too salty?
And i have reduced sodium soy sauce, will it work or i should add a bit of salt?
Thank you and i love your recipes,
Julia!
Hi Julia, I wouldn’t recommend it; even with reduced sodium soy sauce, I think it may make the chicken too salty. Sorry!
Can I use heavy cream instead of coconut milk? If so do i need to add anything to it?
Sure, that should work. Hope you enjoy!
This dish is so tasty, and most amazing, all of us loved it. It can be hard, with kids and adults, to fin something everyone likes. This one is it! The first time, I followed the directions exactly and it was wonderful. The second time, I tried to make it faster on a weeknight by using boneless, skinless breasts and just cooking them in the sauce. Not so great, the chicken was a little dry. So now I do it as directed and it’s perfect every time.
Hi there,
I have tried at least 10 of your recipes and will give all of them 5 stars. The flavors are just on-point! Excited for your cookbook – will be pre-ordering it 🙂
Made this 4 times! It’s now in our permanent weekly rotation in our home. The recipe is genius because it’s all done in one pan = less clean up. The chicken is tender and so flavorful, we are all practically licking the pan clean! The very best part is that it’s not greasy at all. It’s a winner with pasta or rice, YUM!!
I have tried many chicken adobo recipes over the years, and this one is my favorite. I did not mke any changes to the recipe, and it turned out perfectly. Timing to make the dish was also accurate as well. This is now a staple in my household.
This is one of my absolute favorite recipes! So easy to make, yet surprisingly full of flavor. I have lost over 100 lbs on a low carb diet and with a minor tweak, I am able to enjoy your recipe anytime I want! Thank you for making my journey delicious!
I want to substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts but not lose the moist texture. Can you advise and upgrade my cooking technique? I’m still trying to break my hubby of his bias against thighs! You’re a terrific Chef and first on my go to list.
Mahalo, Susan
Thanks for the nice words, Susan — so glad you enjoy the recipes :). This recipe really is best as written with the thighs. Would your husband be open to bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts? (Because they would work much better than boneless breasts.)
Outstanding recipe! After watching me make many recipes from this site, my nephew decided he would cook us dinner tonight. A Monday night. He made this recipe tonight, and it absolutely rocked! He found the recipe straight forward and well described. Everything came together perfectly. The taste? Absolutely awesome.
Well balanced, not to sweet, not too salty. Very flavorful!! Thank you for all the hard work to make your recipes so easy for so many!
Such a delicious and EASY weeknight dinner! The whole family loved it. I will definitely be making this Chicken adobo again and again!
Dear Jen,
2 Questions: (1) Would it be possible to marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the sauce mixture overnight and then cover and bake it all in the oven (350 degrees until done). Or will this not allow some of the pungency of the ingredients to properly cook off? (2) Alternatively, could I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts–skip the searing of the meat–go right to preparing and putting the sauce in the saucepan, heating it through, add chicken breasts and cook all as further directed…then refrigerate overnight, reheating before guests arrive? I realize this will skip the entire “skin” experience, but was wondering your thoughts on these two ideas and if one or the other would be possible and which might yield the most moist chicken. Thanks so much for any thoughts!
Hi Diane, this recipe truly is best as written as the dark meat and skin add so much taste and moisture. That said, if you want to go about it differently, I definitely would go with the second option. I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Thanks, Jen. This is so helpful! I’d like to do this second option for a group (using apx. 6 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breasts). Can I double the sauce and do the whole thing as discussed but in a dutch oven (or similarly large pot) on the stove, remove chicken when done and reduce the sauce from there or will the sauce not reduce properly unless in a more shallow, skillet type of pan? Sorry to be a pain but I’m new to cooking and want to make sure I reduce the sauce in the an appropriate manner so it tastes good. Realize again, this is not how recipe was intended, etc. Thanks for your patience any thoughts you may have. Very appreciated!
No problem Diane! Yes, I think what you plan to do will work– reducing it just may take a little longer.
Dear Jenn–Reporting back: I did this method (day ahead: doubled sauce, simmered lots of boneless skinless breasts which were cut into more manageable and even pieces, low fat coconut milk) for a dinner party last weekend. Reheated before eating. Upon tasting it literally everyone at the table said: “This is so good!” Everyone went back for seconds. Served with your Warm Couscous with Apricot Vinaigrette and again, huge hit–people loved it and thought it went really well with the chicken. Thanks so much!!!
So glad you were happy with the results- thanks for reporting back!
So good and so simple. Searing the chicken seemed like an extra step but makes all the difference. Loved the scallions!
This was delicious, but maybe a little too strong. As written it’s probably a 5-star recipe, but I needed to put it in a slow-cooker, and that may have concentrated the flavors since they cooked together longer. After marinating boneless/skinless thighs in Soy Sauce for 1 hr, I threw them on the gas grill for 3 minutes per side, then cooled that overnight. In the morning I put all the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker, added the chicken and cooked on low for 4 1/2 hrs. The chicken was fall-apart tender, and delicious, but a little too strong.
But Jen, I have so much confidence in your recipe’s that I am willing to make anything on your site for guests even without trying it out first. All my guests (11) enjoyed it and many were happy to take leftovers along for lunch the next day.
I just had this and it was amazing! So easy to make also. We used boneless skinless thighs. I’ll be making this one again soon!
Wonderful! I made it last night for my in- laws and everyone raved about it! I used boneless skinless thighs and added Thai chilis because we like our food hot. I will definitely try more of your recipes!
This was off the hook excellent. My 14 yo son who is becoming a real foodie said it was one of the best dinners I’d ever made! And husband agreed.
Absolutely scrumptious like everything else I’ve tried from your site!
I used boneless, skinless thighs which saved time and was delicious. It was too acidic for my taste though, so added honey to sweeten–tasting after each addition until I was happy with the balance. Made it for company and a foodie at the table pronounced it the best chicken adobo she had ever tasted! Served it with roasted broccoli and walnut pieces and brown rice.
Hi Jenn! Your recipes are just awesome! Plan on making this tonight and wanted to know : should the garlic cloves be fished out with the bay leaves since they are put in whole and not crushed or will they cook and mash on their own? Thanks!
Hi Sarah, They almost dissolve into the sauce so no need to fish them out. Hope you enjoy it!
Hi I don’t currently have any nonstick pans, only stainless steel & cast iron. Do I need to adjust how I sear the chicken at all? Thanks!
Hi Melissa, you could go with either one; just add some oil to the pan before searing. Enjoy!
Best chicken EVER. Jen, I have made many recipes from your site and everything has been delicious. This, however, was the best of all. With every bite, we were all oohing and mmming. It was easy to make, and for me didn’t need any adjustments. I used organic chicken which I think makes a difference–less fat and the skin is thinner so it crisped perfectly. This is my new favorite dinner.
This is such a great recipe. I’ve made it 3 times in my slow cooker. I do brown the chicken first. I have the Cuisinart 3 in 1 slow cooker, so I brown it right in the pot, remove the chicken, drain the excess fat and then add the chicken and liquids and garlic back in. 4.5 hours on low was perfect.
I ordered white vinegar and soy sauce from the Philippines last week. A batch using those is simmering away. Can’t wait until dinner tonight. I have to admit that this time, I added ginger, carrot and a few mushrooms because it was time to use them. Certainly not traditional, but I think it will be delicious.
I just made this tonight and it was wonderful! It was very easy to make, tasted great and made the house smell amazing. Thank you for a new recipe that will be making repeat appearances.
This recipe is exactly what every asian recipe should be, BALANCED and delicious. It was easy to make, easy to clean and I sat happy and rested once I finished and enjoyed every bite. My family was content. I have made several recipes from your amazing site Jenn and none has ever dissapointed. You are extremely gifted.
For this recipe can I use “seasoned” rice vinegar or does it have to be unseasoned? Thanks!
Hi Samantha, I prefer unseasoned, but it won’t make a huge difference. The seasoned will just be a bit sweeter.
Made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious, love trying new things. I will be making this again as we both enjoyed it. Thanks for another great recipe.
Need to make these immediately! My mouth is watering!
Halved this recipe, made it for two. Used light coconut milk and added some red chili pepper flakes for heat.
We really enjoyed this. The coconut was subtle and delicious. Thanks again for another great recipe!
Absolutely delicious!
Loved it but thought the soy sauce was a bit too much. My first taste was skeptic and curious but somehow I kept tasting until I finished a whole plate!!!Then couldn’t wait to eat the leftovers the next day!
Glad you enjoyed it, Alicia. It’s fine to reduce the soy sauce by a few tablespoons or use low-sodium next time.
I made this recipe yesterday, and the chicken was absolutely delicious. Another keeper from Chef Jenn!
My whole family loved it! Thanks!
Another amazing recipe! This is my go-to recipe site! Interestingly you would never believe there was coconut milk in this recipe. Such an interesting and unique flavor and an easy recipe! Thanks for another one Jenn!
I just made this and it’s delicious! This dish has a ton of flavor and super easy to make! Thanks Jenn!
This recipe looks great! I’m planning on making it for dinner tomorrow night. Do you have any suggestions for what wine to pair with it?
Thanks!
If you’d like a white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc would be nice; if you’d prefer red, this would pair nicely with a pinot noir. Hope you enjoy!
Seriously? Another amazing recipe, Jenn! My favorite thing to do is cook for my family and every single recipe you have shared is 10/10! I have made more then 25 of your recipes! I share you with whoever I can and tell them you have changed my life! Keep it up, can’t wait to bring more delicious food to my family. xx
Recipe sounds great . What is the nutrition info?
Hi RoseMarie, You can find the nutritional info immediately under the recipe. Hope you enjoy it!
This was excellent! I used legs, bone-in thighs and party wings. Those little wings browned up so nicely, really got crisp. Lovely dish and I did a bit of fusion here and served this with your Mexican Rice and Thai, onion and cucumbers! We loved it all.