Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe (Adobong Manok) cooked to perfection, served on a plate - Yumaroma Save Pin

Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe (Adobong Manok)

The national dish of the Philippines: bone-in chicken thighs braised in cane vinegar, soy sauce, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and black peppercorns until tender.

Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 30 min
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy
Calories 420
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Humble pantry staples can create an extraordinary Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe (Adobong Manok) when treated with proper heat and technique. This recipe celebrates bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, filipino cane vinegar or distilled white vinegar and low-sodium soy sauce in under 40 min, providing a reliable, flavor-packed dish you will want to make again and again.

Ingredients

6 servings
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. **Marinate for 20 minutes**.

2

Simmer Chicken in Vinegar

Transfer chicken and marinade to a Dutch oven. Add vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat; **simmer uncovered for 5 minutes** without stirring.

3

Braise to Fall-Apart Tender

Cover with lid; reduce heat to low. **Simmer for 20 minutes** until chicken internal temp reaches 165Β°F.

4

Sear Chicken & Reduce Glaze

Remove chicken. Sear chicken thighs in a hot oiled skillet for **3 minutes** until skin is crispy. Reduce pan sauce for **5 minutes** until glossy; spoon over chicken.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

  • Do not stir the vinegar for the first 5 minutes of boiling to allow raw acid to evaporate.
  • Tastes even better the next day as the chicken absorbs the garlic soy vinegar sauce.

1. Verify Safe Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read digital thermometer in the thickest section of poultry to reach exactly 165Β°F (74Β°C). Pulling it the moment it hits temperature keeps lean meat juicy and prevents drying out. 2. Protect Minced Garlic from Burning: Garlic cooks and turns fragrant in just 30 to 45 seconds. Add it toward the end of sautΓ©ing onions or aromatics so it perfumes the dish without acquiring a bitter edge. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Do not stir the vinegar for the first 5 minutes of boiling to allow raw acid to evaporate.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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  • What if the Sauce for Authentic Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe (Adobong Manok) Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
  • How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350Β°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.

Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Step 1 of 4

Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. **Marinate for 20 minutes**.

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