Vinegar-Braised Filipino Chicken Adobo with Bay Leaves and Black Peppercorns

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

Classic Filipino chicken adobo where chicken thighs are braised in a tangy mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and aromatic bay leaves for tender, flavorful meat. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, garlic cloves, smashed, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, 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: 50 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 6 smashed garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the pot and brown for 4-5 minutes on each side until the skin is lightly crisped.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 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 liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and continue cooking for 10 minutes to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly. Season with salt and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with steamed rice, spooning the tangy sauce over the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 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 Vinegar-Braised Filipino Chicken Adobo with Bay Leaves and Black Peppercorns?

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 garlic cloves, smashed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vinegar-Braised Filipino Chicken Adobo with Bay Leaves and Black Peppercorns?

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 Filipino Chicken Adobo with Bay Leaves and Black Peppercorns for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Filipino Chicken Adobo with Bay Leaves and Black Peppercorns?

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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