Chicken Adobo Simmered in Coconut Milk

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender and aromatic twist on the classic Filipino dish, where chicken slowly simmers in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and rich coconut milk, creating a deeply flavorful meal. This filipino-inspired filipino ready in about 60 minutes pairs soy sauce, white vinegar, minced garlic 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pot, add 2 bay leaves, 1 cup coconut milk, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 35-40 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Adobo Simmered in Coconut Milk 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 Chicken Adobo Simmered in Coconut Milk?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Adobo Simmered in Coconut Milk?

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 Chicken Adobo Simmered in Coconut Milk 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 Chicken Adobo Simmered in Coconut Milk?

Filipino filipino 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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