Garlic-Scented Chicken Adobo with Banana Blossom

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a tangy vinegar-soy sauce with fresh garlic and banana blossoms, a traditional Filipino twist on a classic dish. This filipino ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, white vinegar, soy sauce 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a large pot, combine 1/4 cup white vinegar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 8 minced garlic cloves, and 4 cups water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds chicken thighs and 2 bay leaves. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, skimming excess foam as it rises.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced banana blossoms and continue simmering for 15 minutes until chicken is fork-tender and sauce reduces slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove bay leaves, discard skin from chicken, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Scented Chicken Adobo with Banana Blossom 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 Garlic-Scented Chicken Adobo with Banana Blossom?

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 Garlic-Scented Chicken Adobo with Banana Blossom?

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 Garlic-Scented Chicken Adobo with Banana Blossom 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 Garlic-Scented Chicken Adobo with Banana Blossom?

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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