Garlic Vinegar Chicken Adobo

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

Classic Filipino comfort food with tender chicken simmered in a tangy garlic-vinegar sauce and fragrant bay leaves. This filipino-inspired asian ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, soy sauce, vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 2, 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: 35 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup vinegar, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Add 1 lb chicken thighs and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until chicken is tender and sauce has reduced slightly.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and bay leaves. Strain the sauce into a bowl, discarding solids. Return the sauce to the pot and add 1/4 cup water. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens to a light glaze.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until coated in the glossy sauce and edges are slightly caramelized.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Vinegar Chicken Adobo take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Vinegar Chicken Adobo?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Vinegar Chicken Adobo?

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 Vinegar Chicken Adobo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Vinegar Chicken Adobo?

Filipino asian 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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