Main Course · Dinner · Asian · Filipino ·

Filipino adobo: Authentic chicken and pork recipe

Name: Filipino adobo: Authentic chicken and pork recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup white vinegar; 6 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 tsp black peppercorns; 3 bay leaves; 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp sugar; Salt, to taste; 2 green onions, sliced thinly; 1 red chili, sliced

Discover how to create the ultimate Filipino adobo using a few pantry staples for a rich and savory glaze. This traditional method ensures tender meat that pairs perfectly with steamed white rice.

4.7(698 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 21, 2025

Filipino adobo: Authentic chicken and pork recipe — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Chicken

For the Sauce

For the Garnishes

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 404 kcal
Protein: 35.4 g
Carbs: 10.2 g
Fat: 24.1 g
Fiber: 0.6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1615 kcal
Protein: 141.6 g
Carbs: 40.7 g
Fat: 96.5 g
Fiber: 2.4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 cup soy sauce	150	13	14	0.1	0
1/2 cup white vinegar	25	0	0	0	0
6 cloves garlic crushed	27	1.3	6	0.1	0.2
1 tsp black peppercorns	6	0.2	1.4	0.1	0.6
3 bay leaves	4	0.1	0.9	0.1	0.6
2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs	1210	126	0	82	0
1 tbsp vegetable oil	120	0	0	14	0
1/4 cup water	0	0	0	0	0
1 tbsp sugar	49	0	13	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 green onions sliced thinly	6	0.2	1.4	0	0.3
1 red chili sliced	18	0.8	4	0.2	0.7

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
2
Add chicken
Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Sauce

1
Dissolve sugar
Mix water and sugar in a small bowl until dissolved.
2
Set aside
Set aside for later use in the cooking process.

How to Make Filipino adobo: Authentic chicken and pork recipe

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Brown the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and wipe off excess liquid. Brown chicken on all sides for about 7 minutes.
2
Simmer
Pour marinade into the skillet with chicken. Add the water-sugar mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, flipping occasionally.
3
Caramelize the Sauce
Increase heat toward the end to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken, about 5 minutes.