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    Home » Mains

    Filipino Chicken Adobo with Coconut Milk (Adobo sa Gata)

    Published: Apr 8, 2022 · Modified: Apr 8, 2023 by Carmen Spillette · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    This is the best Filipino Chicken Adobo with Coconut milk, aka “Adobo Sa Gata.” This is not your typical traditional adobo chicken recipe. I prefer this version to the traditional Chicken Adobo. This ultra famous chicken dish from the Philippines is all about flavor. It is salty, sour, and a little sweet and creamy from the coconut.


    chicken adobo with coconut milk

    With all the different variations of Chicken Adobo, this Adobo Sa Gata is my favorite way of preparing Chicken Adobo.


    adobo sa gata

    Where does Coconut Chicken Adobo (Adobo sa Gata) come from?

    Adobo’s cooking process of marinating meat in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and spices is a traditional Filipino cooking method that has been used for centuries.

    The addition of coconut milk to adobo is a variation that likely originated in the southern regions of the Philippines, where coconuts are abundant and commonly used in cooking. The use of coconut milk in adobo adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar.

    Today, adobo sa gata is a popular dish in the Philippines and is enjoyed by many around the world. It is often served with rice and is a staple dish in Filipino households and restaurants.


    Ingredients

    Chicken – I like to use a mix of chicken thighs and chicken legs. However, you can use any cut of chicken. I suggest getting something on sale. I like to remove the skin to make it healthier.

    Coconut milk – You can’t make Adobo Sa Gata without Gata (Coconut in Tagalog). There is no substitution for this. This makes the sauce creamy and delicious. You can’t even taste the coconut.


    Coconut Adobo Chicken Marinade

    Soy sauce – Use regular soy sauce or low-sodium. For my gluten-free friend, use tamari.

    Cane Vinegar – white vinegar is fine, but I prefer apple cider vinegar if you cannot find cane vinegar.

    Garlic – Use fresh. Always. Put as much or as little as you want.

    Brown sugar – coconut sugar works really well in this recipe.

    Whole black peppercorns – this is super important. However, freshly ground pepper works too.

    Bay leaves – no substitutions.


    Equipment

    Chicken Adobo with Coconut Milk is a very simple dish to prepare, and you only need a few things.

    • Large skillet with a lid
    • Cutting board
    • Knife

    How to cook chicken adobo (Filipino Chicken Adobo with Coconut Milk)

    1. Prepare your adobo chicken marinade. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl with a lid. 
    2. Remove the skin from the chicken. 
    3. Add the chicken to the marinade. Cover. Marinate for 1 hour or for best results overnight. 
    4. In a large skillet, brown your chicken pieces on all sides. Do not crowd, do it in batches. 
    5. Once the chicken is browned, add the marinade. Bring to a boil. 
    6. When it is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the coconut milk. Stir. 
    7. Simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick. 
    8. Serve with a bowl of rice, and enjoy! 

    Storage 

    Make a large batch of this Filipino chicken. Like every stew, it is usually best the next day or the day after. This Adobo sa Gata makes a great lunch.

    I wouldn’t recommend freezing it.

    coconut chicken adobo

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    Serve this dish with

    This Filipino chicken is best served with a bowl of white rice or brown. If you need some other side ideas, here are some suggestions.

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    • air fryer cauliflower
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    adobo sa gata coconut milk chicken adobo
    Print
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    Filipino Chicken Adobo with Coconut Milk

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    This adaptation of chicken adobo is my favorite way to cook this iconic dish. Adodo sa Gata, or Chicken Adobo with Coconut milk, is a dish worth making. It is creamy, delicious and super easy to make. Just add coconut milk when during cooking. 

    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 lbs of a mixture of chicken thighs and drumsticks (optional: remove skin)

    1 small can of full-fat coconut milk (160 ml)

    Adobo Chicken Marinade

    ⅓ cup cane vinegar (sub: apple cider vinegar)

    ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce

    8 cloves smashed garlic

    3 bay leaves

    1 tsp black peppercorn

    Instructions

    1. Prepare your adobo chicken marinade. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl with a lid. 
    2. Remove the skin from the chicken. 
    3. Add the chicken to the marinade. Cover. Marinate for 1 hour or for best results overnight. 
    4. In a large skillet, brown your chicken pieces on all sides. Do not crowd, do it in batches. 
    5. Once the chicken is browned, add the marinade. Bring to a boil. 
    6. When it is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the coconut milk. Stir. 
    7. Simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick. 
    8. Serve with a bowl of rice, and enjoy! 

    Equipment

    Kana Cast Iron Pans

    Kana Cast Iron Pans

    Buy Now →
    • Author: Carmen
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Marinating time: 1 hour
    • Cook Time: 20
    • Category: mains
    • Method: braising
    • Cuisine: filipino

    Keywords: adobo sa gata, chicken adobo with coconut milk, filipino chicken recipe, adobo, chicken adobo, healthy filipino food

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