Adobo Simmered Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Filipino chicken adobo slowly simmered in a tangy soy and vinegar sauce infused with garlic and bay leaves, delivering tender, flavorful meat. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes pairs pounds 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 320 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: 40 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 6 crushed garlic cloves, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown chicken thighs on both sides for 4-5 minutes until golden and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced white onion to the skillet and sauté with chicken for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in reserved marinade along with 3/4 cup water and 1 tsp brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  5. Step 5: Simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt as needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Adobo Simmered Chicken with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (40 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 Simmered 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 pounds bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Adobo Simmered 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 Simmered 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 Simmered 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.

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