You’re familiar with the term, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” right? In other words, there’s no need to change what isn’t bad or not working. This saying applies to a lot of aspects of our lives — what we do in the kitchen included! When a recipe already guarantees satisfaction, oftentimes we find no need to change it up. It’s often true that when we have a favorite food, we don’t do much to alter what’s already good. But what if we had the chance to make the good even better? Even the most timeless of recipes could use a bit of a spin every now and again! Don’t believe us? Try this not so ordinary chicken adobo and you’ll see why change can be a good thing!
We all know what chicken adobo is, don’t we? Frankly, it’s a Filipino dish that needs no introduction. If you grew up in a Filipino household, or have ever even been to a Filipino restaurant, chances are high that adobo is definitely on the menu. A strong contender for the national dish title, chicken adobo consists of meat that you marinate in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. This classic has been around since time immemorial, as it’s so easy to fall in love with its garlicky, umami flavors. You can make adobo with all sorts of protein — chicken, pork, even squid — or even with vegetables like kangkong!
The reason for this is that adobo refers more to a cooking process than it does an actual dish. Since precolonial times, to “adobo” has meant to marinate your protein of choice in vinegar and salt. Back then, this helped preserve your food, even amidst the tropical climate. Now, however, the addition of soy sauce makes adobo more than just a cooking process; it’s now a rich and savory sauce which bursts with flavor at every bite. It’s no wonder then chicken adobo and all other adobo renditions have become beloved across the country.
What makes this chicken adobo not so ordinary?
As we know, the classic chicken adobo recipe is already quite quintessential. Soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns — there’s really no room to go wrong with such a timeless combination. But why not up the ante, with a switch that seems so minimal but actually has a large impact? In this recipe for chicken adobo, we’ll be using butter and a garlic-infused oil to cook your food in! You may not realize it at first, but using creamy and sweet butter actually makes your chicken adobo a lot richer and more indulgent. And combining butter with garlic is always a combination that never seems to fail! Garnish your meal with some green onions, and you have yourself an improved chicken adobo that doesn’t forsake the classics but still provides something new.
Similarly, we’ve put twists on other Filipino classics! Here are a few that are sure to wow you and your loved ones.
Filipinos don’t shy away from the innovative and creative. One look at this sisig paella recipe, for instance, will tell you just that! Rich and flavorful paella rice with a crunchy, savory sisig makes for a rice meal that you simply won’t be able to stay away from. It has a hearty and festive array of flavors that you can taste all in one perfect bite. You’ll never want to have this Kapampangan favorite in the same way again once you try this delightful fusion feast!
Another Filipino favorite that constantly faces change is the delicious and dynamic pancit canton. With its own fair share of iterations, it’s reasonable to say there’s a pancit for everyone. And if you haven’t found your pancit yet, maybe this bagnet pancit canton will be for you! Topped with double and deep fried pork belly goodness, you get the best of both worlds of both textures and flavors!
Ready to make your not so ordinary chicken adobo? Let’s get cooking!
In a large bowl, combine your chicken pieces, soy sauce, vinegar, and half of your crushed garlic. Take these ingredients and mix them all together until you’re sure to have blended them well. Then, let it stay for about an hour; make sure your chicken marinates and absorbs all that savory goodness your sauce has to offer.
Once that hour is up, fry your remaining garlic until it becomes a beautiful golden brown, and set it aside. But keep the oil you fried your garlic in—and now, combine it with butter! This creamy combo will give you part sweet, part umami, and overall be incredibly rich and tasty. What’s more, it has the perfect aroma too!
Sauté your onions in the pan, and add your now already marinated chicken. Cook until your chicken turns a light brown, then add oyster sauce. Pour in the remaining marinade and some water, before bringing your chicken adobo to a boil. Your remaining ingredients go in next: Knorr Chicken Cube, sugar, bay leaves, fried garlic, and whole peppercorn. Reduce this to a simmer, then cover the pot and keep it cooking for 35 to 45 minutes.
When your chicken adobo is fully cooked, transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with your green onions. Fragrant and appealing to the eyes, the only thing left to do now is serve it! With heaping plates of plain or garlic rice, you and your family will absolutely adore this not so ordinary chicken adobo! Let us know what you think!
Not Your Ordinary Chicken Adobo
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs. chicken cut into serving pieces
- 1 Knorr chicken cube
- 1 head garlic crushed
- 1 onion minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole peppercorn
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 6 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Combine chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, and half of the crushed garlic in a bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well blended. Let it stay for at least 1 hour.
- Fry the remaining garlic until golden brown. Set aside.
- Combine the butter and garlic-infused oil (this is the oil used to cook the garlic). Sauté the onion and then add the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken turns light brown.
- Add the oyster sauce and then pour the remaining marinade and water. Let it boil.
- Add Knorr chicken cube, sugar, bay leaves, fried garlic, and whole peppercorn. Reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve. Share and enjoy!
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