Adobo-Inspired Braised Chicken with Soy and Vinegar

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A savory Filipino chicken stew braised in a tangy soy sauce and vinegar mixture, infused with garlic and bay leaves for deep, comforting flavors. This Filipino-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 50 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving

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Ingredients

2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup white vinegar
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for about 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy at the edges.
Step 2: Add 6 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 3/4 cup water. Stir in 3 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer the chicken for 30 minutes until tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to reduce and intensify the sauce. Season with 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste before serving.