Vinegar-Braised Chicken Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves

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

A classic Filipino chicken stew simmered in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce infused with garlic and aromatic bay leaves, delivering tender, flavorful meat. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 55 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: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown on the edges, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 smashed garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup water. Stir in 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, and 1 tbsp brown sugar.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and continue simmering uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vinegar-Braised Chicken Adobo with Garlic and Bay Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 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 Vinegar-Braised 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vinegar-Braised 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 Vinegar-Braised 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 Vinegar-Braised 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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