Filipino Chicken Adobo

The Philippines'' national dish — chicken braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 head garlic, cloves crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp oil
• Rice for serving

Method

1. Combine chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns in a pot. Marinate 30 min (or skip and cook directly).

2. Bring to a simmer. Cover, cook 30 min until chicken is tender.

3. Remove chicken. Sear skin-side down in oil until crispy.

4. Reduce the braising liquid by half until syrupy. Return chicken, coat in glaze.

5. Serve over rice with the sauce.

What You're Practicing

• The vinegar does not taste sour after cooking — it mellows into a tangy, savory glaze.
• Braising then searing gives you tender meat AND crispy skin — best of both worlds.