Chicken adobo

Here's a simple recipe for Filipino Chicken Adobo:

Ingredients:

2 lbs (900g) chicken (thighs or drumsticks work well)

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup vinegar (cane or white vinegar)

1/2 cup water

1 small onion, chopped (optional)

4-5 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 bay leaves

1 tsp black peppercorns

1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

1 tbsp cooking oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: boiled eggs, potatoes

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and black peppercorns. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for better flavor. You can skip this step if you're short on time, but marinating enhances the flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Heat the oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade (save the marinade for later), and sear the chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown. This will enhance the flavor of the adobo.

3. Cook the Adobo:

Add the chopped onions (if using) to the pot and cook until translucent.

Pour in the reserved marinade, water, bay leaves, and brown sugar (optional). Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. You can add boiled eggs or potatoes during this time if you like.

4. Reduce the Sauce:

After the chicken is cooked through, you can remove the lid and let the sauce reduce to your desired consistency. Some people like it saucy, while others prefer a thicker sauce.

5. Serve:

Serve the adobo hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your flavorful Filipino chicken adobo!