Description
Chicken Adobo Pitas combine the rich, tangy, and savory flavors of traditional Filipino chicken adobo with the convenience of soft pita bread. This easy-to-make fusion dish is perfect for quick lunches, dinners, or party snacks, offering bold, balanced flavors with a fulfilling protein-packed meal that can be customized to your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
Adobo Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably cane or white vinegar)
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
Pita Assembly
- 4 pita breads, warmed
- Fresh vegetables (optional): sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or pickled onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Adobo Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, crushed garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves, creating a balanced salty, tangy, and sweet adobo marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs or breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, reserving the marinade. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Simmer in the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan with the chicken. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Assemble the Pitas: Warm pita bread slightly to soften. Spoon cooked chicken and generous amounts of sauce into each pita pocket. Add fresh vegetables if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight or at least 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and tenderness.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken to develop rich flavors.
- Adjust vinegar amount to control the tanginess of the dish.
- Warm pita bread prior to assembly to prevent tearing and improve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita with chicken filling
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg