Sautéed Chicken Adobo with Vinegar and Soy Reduction
A classic Filipino stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a tangy blend of vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, finished with a rich, caramelized sauce. This Filipino-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 80 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 380 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
- for serving white rice, cooked
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 3 bay leaves. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve liquid) and sear chicken for 4 minutes per side until browned and edges turn golden.
- Step 3: Pour reserved marinade and 1 tbsp brown sugar into the skillet with chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Taste and season with salt if needed. Serve hot over steamed white rice for a comforting meal.









