Filipino Chicken Adobo

Servings 4
Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

– 1 kg halal chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)

– 1/4 cup soy sauce (halal-certified)

– 1/4 cup calamansi juice or lemon juice (as vinegar substitute)

– 6 cloves garlic – crushed

– 1 large onion – sliced

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

– 1 cup water or chicken broth (halal-certified)

– 2 tablespoons cooking oil

– In a bowl, combine chicken soy sauce and calamansi or lemon juice

– Add crushed garlic and mix well

– Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator

– Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat

– Sauté sliced onions until soft

– Add marinated chicken pieces and brown on all sides

– Pour in marinade liquid along with water or broth

– Add bay leaves peppercorns and brown sugar if using

– Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low

– Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens

– Remove bay leaves

– Adjust seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if needed

– Serve hot with steamed rice

– Calamansi juice gives a citrus tang similar to vinegar but milder

– Brown sugar balances the savory and sour flavors

– Use chicken broth instead of water for richer flavor

– For extra flavor, add a dash of fish sauce if halal-certified