Description
Chicken Adobo with Garlic and Soy Sauce is a classic Filipino dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich blend of garlic, natural soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This savory and tangy recipe is easy to prepare, comforting, and perfect for any meal. It pairs wonderfully with rice and develops even deeper flavors as leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 slices smoked turkey bacon (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1/2 cup natural soy sauce
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
Liquids and Other Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups plant-based broth or water
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and smash the garlic cloves to release their aroma. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry. Gather the bay leaves, black peppercorns, natural soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked turkey bacon if using, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat with a little oil. Sear the chicken pieces until golden on all sides. If using smoked turkey bacon, chop and cook it lightly to release fat and add richness.
- Add Garlic and Liquid Ingredients: Add the smashed garlic to the pot and sauté briefly until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the natural soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to create the braising sauce.
- Simmer with Bay Leaves and Peppercorns: Add the bay leaves and black peppercorns. Pour in enough plant-based broth or water to cover about two-thirds of the chicken pieces. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce and Finish: As the chicken cooks, the sauce will reduce and intensify. Stir in a small pinch of natural gelling agent toward the end to slightly thicken the sauce with a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or apple cider vinegar if needed.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in natural soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Use skin-on chicken pieces to lock in moisture and add richness.
- Simmer gently over low heat for tender, juicy meat.
- Allow sauce to reduce naturally for maximum flavor and texture.
- Use only a small amount of natural gelling agent to avoid overly thick sauce.
- Let the dish rest briefly before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Adobo, Filipino Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Soy Sauce Chicken, Savory Chicken Dish, Easy Chicken Recipe
