After a long day, I like to keep dinner simple but flavorful. This Filipino chicken adobo stir-fry comes together quickly and hits that tangy, savory spot.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Chicken adobo is a classic Filipino dish that’s all about balancing tangy vinegar with savory soy sauce and garlic. Growing up, it was a staple in our house, often served with plain steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
This stir-fry version cuts down the cooking time by using bite-sized pieces of chicken breast instead of whole thighs simmered for hours. It’s quicker but still captures that familiar warm flavor.
One of my favorite parts is the vinegar—it really brightens the dish and gives it that signature zing. I usually add a little brown sugar to balance the acidity.
This makes a great weeknight dinner since you can prep the sauce ahead and just toss everything in the pan when you’re ready. Plus, it only needs one pan, so cleanup is easy.
I like to serve it with steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad to add a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. Leftovers reheat well, too, which is always a bonus on busy days.
Cuisine: Filipino
Course: Dinner
Servings: 3-4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2. Add the garlic and sliced onion, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4. Pour in the soy sauce, vinegar, water, and add the brown sugar, black pepper, and bay leaves.
- Step 5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 6. Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Tips for Success
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust vinegar and sugar to your taste; some prefer it more sour or sweet.
- Use chicken thighs if you want a juicier, richer dish but expect longer cooking time.
- Serve with fresh vegetables to balance the richness.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add sliced potatoes or hard-boiled eggs for a heartier meal.
- Try adding a splash of coconut milk at the end for a creamier sauce.
- Make a vegetarian version using firm tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken and water.
