Benefits:
The vinegar-forward cooking method in chicken adobo supports gut balance and digestion, which plays a key role in regulating inflammation-related breakouts. Garlic provides antimicrobial support for the gut-skin connection, while slow-simmered chicken delivers amino acids that help maintain skin strength and resilience. This low-sugar, dairy-free dish is grounding and clarifying without overstimulating the skin.
Skin Concern: Gut imbalance, inflammation-driven breakouts
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 3–4
Ingredients:
2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
1/3 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
1/3 cup cane vinegar or apple cider vinegar
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
1 cup water
1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken by placing it in a bowl with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Heat oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid, and brown the chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Pour the reserved marinade and water into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Uncover and continue simmering for 5–10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly and coat the chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm with steamed white rice, spooning the sauce over the top.
Shopping Tips:
-
Chicken: Bone-in pieces hold up best during simmering and deliver deeper flavor.
-
Vinegar: Cane vinegar is traditional, but apple cider vinegar supports digestion equally well.
-
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep the dish gut-friendly.
Cooking Tips:
-
Avoid stirring too often to keep the chicken intact.
-
For crispier skin, remove the chicken at the end and briefly pan-sear before serving.
-
Adobo improves overnight as flavors continue to develop.
This Filipino chicken adobo is a grounding, clarifying meal that supports the gut-skin connection and helps calm inflammation-driven breakouts without relying on restrictive eating.
