Carmelita's Chicken Adobo

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of **Carmelita's Chicken Adobo**, a classic Filipino dish bursting with bold, tangy, and aromatic notes. This comforting recipe features tender, bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a harmonious blend of **soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns**, then simmered to perfection in its own flavorful sauce. The addition of a touch of brown sugar balances the dish with subtle sweetness, while a final simmer thickens the sauce into a velvety glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken. Perfectly paired with steamed white rice, this one-pot wonder delivers hearty, well-rounded flavors in just under an hour. Whether you're craving a taste of the Philippines or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this chicken adobo recipe promises authentic, crowd-pleasing results.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
• 0.5 cup Soy sauce
• 0.25 cup White vinegar
• 6 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 3 pieces Bay leaves
• 1 tsp Whole black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Canola oil (or cooking oil of choice)
• 1 cup Water
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 2 stalks Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and brown sugar. Whisk together to form a marinade.

Step 2

Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.

Step 3

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and sear the pieces skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to medium and pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Add the water and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should become tender, and the sauce will reduce slightly.

Step 6

Remove the lid and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce and season with salt if needed.

Step 7

Serve the chicken adobo over steamed white rice. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1426.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2495.4

Total Fat 170.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 852.8mg	0%
Sodium 5960.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 26.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.0g	0%
Total Sugars 10.2g
Protein 197.9g	0%

Vitamin D 117.9IU	0%
Calcium 248.4mg	0%
Iron 11.2mg	0%
Potassium 2793.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.0%

Protein: 32.6%

Carbs: 4.4%