Discover the rich and savory flavors of Chicken Adobo, a classic Filipino chicken stew. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken with a tangy blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices for a delicious and comforting dish. Perfect for a family meal or special occasion, Chicken Adobo brings a taste of the Philippines to your table.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)

- 1/2 cup water

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns

- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

- Salt to taste

- Freshly ground black pepper to taste

- Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken

  - In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, garlic, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Sear the Chicken:

  - Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics:

  - In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Simmer the Stew:

  - Return the chicken to the pot and add vinegar. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the vinegar to cook off a bit.

  - Add water, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

Simmer and Reduce:

  - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

  - Remove the bay leaves and serve the Chicken Adobo over cooked white rice. Enjoy!

This Chicken Adobo recipe is a comforting and flavorful Filipino dish that's sure to please anyone at your dinner table.

Nutritional Values:

Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks (Skin-On, Bone-In):

- Calories: 215

- Protein: 26g

- Fat: 11g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.

- B Vitamins: Important for energy production and brain health.

- Iron: Vital for oxygen transport in the blood.

Soy Sauce:

- Calories: 10

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Sodium: 900mg

Benefits:

- Antioxidants: Contains compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress.

- Flavor Enhancer: Adds depth and umami to dishes without extra calories.

Vinegar (White or Apple Cider):

- Calories: 0

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Acetic Acid: May help with blood sugar control and weight management.

- Antimicrobial Properties: Can aid in preserving food and promoting gut health.

Garlic:

- Calories: 4

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

- Allicin: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

- Immune Support: May help boost the immune system.

Onion:

- Calories: 44

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 10g

Benefits:

- Quercetin: An antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation.

- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function.

Bay Leaves:

- Calories: 5

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0.2g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

- Antioxidants: Contains compounds that may aid in digestion and boost immunity.

- Essential Oils: Have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Whole Black Peppercorns:

- Calories: 6

- Protein: 0.3g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 1.5g

Benefits:

- Piperine: May enhance nutrient absorption and aid digestion.

- Antioxidants: Helps fight oxidative stress.

Vegetable Oil:

- Calories: 120

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 14g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Healthy Fats: Provides essential fatty acids for overall health.

- Cooking Medium: Used for cooking at high temperatures.

Brown Sugar (Optional):

- Calories: 45

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 12g

Benefits:

- Energy: Provides quick energy due to its carbohydrate content.

- Flavor Balance: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance savory flavors.

Incorporating these ingredients not only enhances the flavor of Chicken Adobo but also contributes to a balanced meal with various nutritional benefits.