Spiced Pineapple Chicken Adobo

Name: Spiced Pineapple Chicken Adobo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, sliced; 1 small pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp black peppercorns; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; Salt to taste

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Welcome to a delightful blend of savory and sweet with our Spiced Pineapple Chicken Adobo. This recipe puts a tropical twist on the classic Filipino dish, adding a refreshing touch with juicy pineapple and a hint of smokiness.

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Ingredients for Spiced Pineapple Chicken Adobo

Chicken thighs provide juicy and flavorful meat that stands up well to long simmering. Pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the chicken. Soy sauce brings a rich umami depth, while apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness with a tangy kick. Garlic and onion add aromatic depth, with smoked paprika lending a subtle smokiness. Fresh pineapple slices give bursts of sweet flavor, and bay leaves and black peppercorns add complexity. Brown sugar balances the acidity, and vegetable oil is used for browning the chicken. Add salt to taste to enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes of simmering to let it reduce.
Using fresh pineapple is key for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Pineapple Chicken Adobo pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the savory sauce beautifully. For a pop of color and freshness, serve with a side of lightly sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and might not be as juicy as thighs.
Is it okay to use canned pineapple?: Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor, but canned can be used in a pinch.

Spiced Pineapple Chicken Adobo Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika in a large container. This is your marinade. Submerge the chicken thighs into this flavorful bath, cover it up, and let it rest in the fridge for at least two hours. The longer, the better if you have time.

When you're ready to cook, heat some vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Take the marinated chicken out and let it brown each side in the pan. This is your flavor foundation, so don’t rush this step.

Next, toss in the sliced onion and sauté until they're translucent and fragrant. Pour in the leftover marinade, then add the pineapple slices, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and brown sugar. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover your pan, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This will let the chicken become tender and absorb all those wonderful flavors. Once done, remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt if you think it needs it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines sweet pineapple with savory adobo for a unique flavor.
Uses simple pantry staples for a gourmet result.
Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Easy to prepare, offering a delicious escape to the tropics.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs

1 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, sliced

1 small pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced

2 bay leaves

1 tsp black peppercorns

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp vegetable oil

Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large container, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, cooking each side until browned.

3. Add onion slices and saute until translucent. Pour in the remaining marinade along with pineapple slices, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and brown sugar.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.