Adobo-Braised Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves
A classic Filipino chicken stew slow-braised in a tangy mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and bay leaves. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, soy sauce, white vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 6 crushed garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tsp whole black peppercorns. Add 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), and sear the chicken pieces skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced white onion to the skillet and sauté with the chicken for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the reserved marinade and 1 cup water, then stir in 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Uncover and simmer an additional 5-7 minutes to reduce the sauce to a glossy coating on the chicken. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Adobo-Braised Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Adobo-Braised Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Adobo-Braised Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Adobo-Braised Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Adobo-Braised Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves?
Filipino chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
