A versatile Filipino dish that can be made with either pork or chicken, vegetables like Kangkong, long beans or cabbage, or seafoods like squid, tuna or mackerel. This widely popular Filipino is said to have originated from the Spanish word, “adobar”, meaning to marinate. The traditional recipe is a combination of chicken or pork, garlic, bay leaves, salt and crushed peppers and a small amount of peppercorns.
Adobo is often described as the Philippines’ national dish, and with good reason. Its deep-rooted history and the myriad variations across the archipelago demonstrate the Filipino palate’s love for flavors that are simultaneously tangy, salty, and rich. Chicken Adobo, in particular, is a favorite among many. The soft, tender chunks of chicken, soaked in a flavorful sauce that marries vinegar’s acidity with the savory depth of soy sauce, are simply irresistible. The garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns infuse the Chicken Adobo with an aromatic complexity that only heightens its appeal. Every household boasts a special Chicken Adobo recipe with subtle tweaks reflecting familial preferences and regional influences.
Adobo’s beauty lies in its adaptability. While Chicken Adobo is a beloved classic, the foundational adobo technique can be applied to a myriad of other ingredients. Some might venture to create a seafood Adobo, capitalizing on the freshness of the catch. In contrast, others might explore vegetarian versions, letting vegetables like okra or tofu shine in the signature adobo marinade. And while the dish’s essence remains consistent—its unmistakable savory-tangy profile—the countless interpretations of Adobo ensure a version for every taste and occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a grand family gathering, Chicken Adobo or any of its variations always promises a comforting and delightful meal.
The classic Chicken Adobo or Pork Adobo is simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, onion, bay leaves and peppercorns. However, each cook can create Adobo according to their own liking…some adding boiled eggs, often time chicken eggs or quail eggs when available. Others add vegetables like eggplants, potatoes and so on. The goal is to make them satisfying to their consumer. Check out Janis’s Chicken Adobo recipe with boiled eggs by clicking below.
Millie’s Original Chicken Adobo Recipe
