North Filipino-Inspired Chicken Adobo with Bay Leaves

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

Classic Filipino chicken adobo with a northern twist using whole black peppercorns and bay leaves for a rich, aromatic stew. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 60 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 6 smashed garlic cloves, 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, and 1 tbsp brown sugar; stir to dissolve sugar.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, coating well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown chicken pieces in the pot for 5 minutes per side until golden.
  5. Step 5: Pour reserved marinade into the pot with browned chicken, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt as needed. Serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does North Filipino-Inspired Chicken Adobo with Bay Leaves 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 North Filipino-Inspired Chicken Adobo with 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in North Filipino-Inspired Chicken Adobo with 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 North Filipino-Inspired Chicken Adobo with 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 North Filipino-Inspired Chicken Adobo with 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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