Chicken adobo is a Filipino staple and this is our house’s favourite version of it, a riff on a recipe found in the Filipinx cookbook by Angela Dimayuga and Ligaya Mishan. We like to serve it with steamed white rice or garlic fried rice. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or a mix)
- 1 can (400 mL) of coconut milk
- ½ cup of soy sauce
- ½ cup of white vinegar
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns
- 4-6 Thai chili peppers, sliced (add more or less depending on your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they’re browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce and vinegar but do not stir. Allow this to come to a boil and then simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the Thai chili peppers, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Pour in the coconut milk and let the mixture come back up to a simmer. Allow this to cook for another 10-15 minutes. The sauce should reduce slightly and the flavors will meld together.
- Taste the sauce and add salt if needed. Remember, the soy sauce is quite salty already, so you may not need any extra.
- Once everything is cooked and the flavors have melded together, turn off the heat.
- Serve the chicken adobo over steamed white rice. Drizzle some of the sauce over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if you’d like.
And there you have it! A delightful, flavorful journey through the tantalizing world of Filipino cuisine with our Spicy Chicken Adobo with Coconut Milk (Adobo Sa Gata). This dish perfectly harmonizes spice, tang, and creaminess, guaranteeing a feast for your senses.
Don’t hesitate to play around with the recipe, adjusting the spiciness and other flavors to your preference. And remember, the best meals are shared ones, so invite your friends or family to partake in this culinary adventure!
If you enjoyed this recipe, or have any tips or questions, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Be sure to check back regularly for more recipes, tips, and guides to elevate your home cooking experience.
Happy cooking, and until next time, as they say in the Philippines, “Kainan na!” (Let’s eat!)
