Slow-Simmered Chicken Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves

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

A classic Filipino chicken stew where succulent chicken thighs are braised in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce infused with aromatic garlic and bay leaves. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on 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 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: 50 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook another 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour off excess oil, then add 6 crushed garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 cup water. Add 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, turning the chicken halfway, until the meat is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Taste and add salt as needed. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Chicken Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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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