Philippine Chicken Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves

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

Tender chicken braised in a savory mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves, a traditional Filipino comfort dish. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) 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: 35 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 6 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 3 bay leaves. Add 4 bone-in chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and brown chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the reserved marinade along with 1/2 cup water and 1 tsp white sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly and intensify the flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with steamed rice and spoon the sauce over the chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 85 minutes (35 min prep + 50 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 Philippine Chicken Adobo 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Philippine Chicken Adobo 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 Philippine Chicken Adobo 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 Philippine Chicken Adobo 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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