Spicy Chicken Adobo Recipe

Spicy chicken adobo is a delicious and flavorful dish that has its roots in Filipino cuisine.

With its perfect blend of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and chilies, this dish has become a favorite not only in the Philippines but globally as well.

The unique preparation method of stewing chicken in a savory sauce elevates this dish and sets it apart from its Mexican counterpart.

As you embark on your journey to mastering this enticing recipe, you’ll discover the harmony of ingredients that make this dish truly special.

The simplicity of spicy chicken adobo lies in its marinade, which allows the flavors to meld and create an irresistible taste.

While there are numerous variations of adobo recipes, the spicy version adds a nice kick.

Whether you are new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Adobo?

Ingredients List

To make a flavorful and authentic Filipino-style spicy chicken adobo, you will need the following simple everyday ingredients:

• Chicken pieces (any preferred part, such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
• Vinegar (any variety)
• Soy sauce (coconut brand is recommended)
• Minced garlic cloves
• Chopped tomatoes
• Chopped large red onion
• Chili peppers or siling labuyo for heat
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper
• Bay leaves
• Paprika
• Cooking oil

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: Prepare the marinade ingredients

Combine vinegar, soy sauce, paprika, and brown sugar in a wide bowl.

Stir well to dissolve the sugar and paprika.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken pieces, peppercorns, and bay leaves to the marinade.

Mix well to coat the chicken pieces with the marinade.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight for a stronger flavor.

Step 3: Drain the chicken

After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and drain, reserving the marinade for later use.

Step 4: Brown the chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken pieces (skin side down) to the pan and cook until they’re browned on all sides.

Remove and place on a plate.

Step 5: Cook the sauce

In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade, garlic, chopped tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, black pepper, and bay leaves.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Simmer the chicken and sauce

Add the browned chicken pieces back to the skillet and reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Adjust the flavors

If necessary, add more sugar or salt to taste, and cook for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Your spicy chicken adobo is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it alongside steamed white rice and your favorite vegetable side dish for a complete, satisfying meal.

Side Dishes for Spicy Chicken Adobo

Spicy Chicken Adobo is a versatile and flavorful dish, and it can be paired with various side dishes to make a complete and satisfying meal.

Here are some of the best side dishes that complement the bold flavors of Spicy Chicken Adobo.

White Rice

A staple in Filipino cuisine, white rice serves as the perfect canvas to balance out the bold and fiery flavors of Spicy Chicken Adobo.

The soft and fluffy texture of white rice perfectly soaks up the rich adobo sauce, making every bite a harmonious explosion of flavors.

Brown Rice

For a more wholesome and nutritious option, you can serve your Spicy Chicken Adobo with brown rice.

The slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture of brown rice add an interesting contrast to the tender chicken and robust sauce.

Plus, brown rice is packed with valuable nutrients and fiber, making it a healthier choice.

Cauliflower Rice

If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice.

This light and fluffy rice substitute is made by pulsing raw cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency.

Cauliflower rice pairs well with the robust flavors of Spicy Chicken Adobo, absorbing the sauce without becoming too heavy.

In addition to the rice options mentioned above, several other side dishes can elevate your Spicy Chicken Adobo experience:

Garlic Fried Rice

Add a twist to your rice side dish by serving garlic fried rice, a delicious and fragrant option that complements the intense taste of Spicy Chicken Adobo.

The garlic-infused rice adds an extra layer of flavor that goes perfectly with the rich adobo sauce.

Lumpia Shanghai

These Filipino-style spring rolls are packed with ground meat and vegetables and are deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection.

Lumpia Shanghai delivers a delightful crunch and umami flavor that pairs well with the saucy and spicy chicken.

Pancit

Pancit is a traditional Filipino noodle dish often served on special occasions.

The soft and slurpable noodles soak up the Spicy Chicken Adobo sauce, resulting in a deliciously savory combination.

Pancit comes in several variations, such as Pancit Canton or Pancit Malabon, providing various textures and flavors to choose from.

By pairing your Spicy Chicken Adobo with any of these delightful side dishes, you can create a balanced and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Ingredients Substitutes

In this section, we will discuss some ingredient substitutes that can be used in a Spicy Chicken Adobo recipe.

Remember that substitutions may affect the final taste and texture, so it’s essential to know which alternatives suit your needs.

Brown Sugar

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use granulated white sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute.

Both options have similar sweetness levels, and the differences in flavor should not significantly impact your Spicy Chicken Adobo.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a common ingredient in Spicy Chicken Adobo, but if it’s unavailable, rice vinegar or cane vinegar can be used as alternatives.

Both options have a milder taste, which can be advantageous in preserving the dish’s overall flavor balance.

Black Pepper and Black Peppercorns

In case black pepper or black peppercorns are not accessible, you can resort to white pepper as a substitute.

While the flavor may be slightly different, white pepper will still provide the desired spiciness for your Spicy Chicken Adobo.

Garlic Cloves

If fresh garlic cloves are not available, you can opt for garlic powder as an alternative.

Generally, use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic in the recipe.

Light Soy Sauce

For a Spicy Chicken Adobo recipe, you can interchangeably use dark soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, or tamari sauce as substitutes for light soy sauce.

Dark soy sauce will provide a deeper color, while low-sodium and tamari sauce are suitable alternatives for those who prefer a less salty option.

Cooking Oil

If you need to substitute the cooking oil in your recipe, you can choose from various options like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.

Any neutral-flavored oil will work well for the Spicy Chicken Adobo.

Remember, these substitutes can help you make Spicy Chicken Adobo even when you lack specific ingredients.

However, the final taste may vary slightly due to these changes.

How to Store Spicy Chicken Adobo?

Spicy Chicken Adobo is a savory dish that can be stored easily for future enjoyment.

To ensure the quality and taste of your dish remain intact, proper storage methods are essential.

This section will provide you with a few key storage techniques and their descriptions.

Refrigeration

For a short-term storage solution, you can store Spicy Chicken Adobo in the refrigerator.

Place your cooled dish in an airtight container to prevent the sauce from drying out or absorbing other flavors.

The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you are ready to reheat it, use a microwave or a small saucepan over low heat.

Freezing

If you want to save your Spicy Chicken Adobo for a longer period, freezing is a viable option.

Divide the cooled dish into portions and place it into separate airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Label the containers with the date and content, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

By employing these storage methods, you will keep your Spicy Chicken Adobo tasting delicious while preserving its quality.

Always ensure the dish is fully cooled before storage, and use proper airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Spicy Chicken Adobo.

Overcooking the Chicken

When cooking the spicy chicken adobo, make sure not to overcook the chicken.

Cook the chicken pieces for about 3-5 minutes on each side over medium heat.

Overcooking will result in dry and tough chicken, losing its juicy and savory taste.

Insufficient Marination Time

Marinating the chicken pieces in the adobo sauce is essential for infusing the flavors into the chicken.

It is important to marinate the chicken for at least an hour or, ideally, overnight.

Patience pays off here, ensuring a truly flavorful and delicious dish.

Not Browning the Chicken

Before simmering the chicken pieces in the sauce, it is important to brown them.

This step adds depth to the dish’s flavor profile.

Brown the chicken over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, ensuring a golden and caramelized surface.

Skimping on Ingredients

A handful of ingredients are crucial to create the authentic spicy chicken adobo taste.

Don’t forget to include ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and, most importantly, the heat source (e.g., chilies and peppercorns).

These ingredients provide that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Not Adding Enough Liquid

During the simmering process, make sure there is enough liquid in the pan.

To avoid the chicken sticking to the bottom of the pan, add about 1 to 2 cups of water as needed.

This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly while absorbing the flavors of the adobo sauce.

Forgetting to Season the Chicken

Another common mistake is not seasoning the chicken with salt before adding it to the marinade.

A little salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and enhances the overall taste of the dish.