Tips for Experienced Cooks
For an enhanced flavor profile, consider substituting the brown sugar with honey or molasses, offering a deeper sweetness and complexity to the dish. Additionally, experimenting with the types of vinegar (like apple cider or rice vinegar) can tweak the acidic note to your preference. Lastly, incorporating a short smoking phase using a smoking gun or stove-top smoker, before the browning step, can impart a subtle smokiness to the chicken, elevating the overall dish.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, water, brown sugar, garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. Stir to combine and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- 1 lb chicken
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and reserve the marinade. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Chicken from step 1
- Reserved marinade from step 1
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Reserved marinade from step 2
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Fried Rice
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cooked rice and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Cooked rice
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Adobo Chicken over the garlic fried rice and enjoy!
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1 head garlic
Seasonings & Spices
- 4 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- salt
- pepper
Pantry Items
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil