Chicken Adobo

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• 11 kg chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2½ cup white cane vinegar
• 3¼ cup soy sauce
• 41 whole head garlic, crushed
• 53 bay leaves
• 61 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 71 tbsp cooking oil
• 8½ cup water
• 91 tsp sugar (optional)

Step by Step

How to Cook

1. 1

   Combine chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and water in a heavy pot. Do not stir — let the vinegar cook off its raw edge first.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

4. 4

   Remove the chicken pieces and set aside. Reserve the braising liquid.

5. 5

   Heat oil in a wide pan over high heat. Sear the chicken pieces skin-side down until golden and slightly crisp, about 3–4 minutes per side.

6. 6

   Return the reserved braising liquid to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes until the sauce reduces and coats the chicken.

7. 7

   Taste and adjust with sugar if desired. Serve over steamed white rice.