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Creamy Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe with Coconut Milk and Bay Leaves

creamy Filipino chicken adobo - featured image
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A comforting and authentic Filipino chicken adobo recipe enhanced with creamy coconut milk and aromatic bay leaves, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup vinegar (cane or white)
  • 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 3–4 dried bay leaves
  • 6–8 large garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • Optional: sliced onions or fresh chili peppers

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with salt. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium and sauté smashed garlic in the remaining oil until fragrant and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in soy sauce and vinegar. Add black peppercorns and bay leaves. Let bubble and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Add water and cover with a lid. Simmer on medium-low for 25 minutes, turning chicken halfway through.
  6. Remove lid, stir in coconut milk gently. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Add brown sugar if desired and adjust seasoning.
  7. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves and peppercorns. Serve hot.

Notes

Add coconut milk only after simmering chicken in vinegar and soy sauce to prevent curdling. Sear chicken skin to lock in juices and add texture. Adjust seasoning carefully as soy sauce is salty. For thicker sauce, remove chicken and boil sauce longer before returning chicken. Optional additions include fresh chili for heat or pineapple juice for a fruity note.

Nutrition

Keywords: Filipino chicken adobo, creamy chicken adobo, coconut milk adobo, bay leaves, easy Filipino recipe, chicken thighs, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-filipino-chicken-adobo-recipe-with-coconut-milk-and-bay-leaves-easy-and-authentic/