Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe Easy Copycat at Home

Hopefully, you know the explosion of flavor that comes with Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe! But did you know it originated from the heart of Filipino cuisine?

If you haven’t tried Moe’s Adobo chicken, you don’t know what you’re missing! It’s a unique blend of traditional Filipino cooking with a twist of Moe’s Southwest Grill’s flair.

We’ll cover everything about Moe’s Adobo Chicken, from what you need to make it to the perfect sides to accompany it. This copycat recipe is sure to make it into your normal chicken rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Time to gather the ingredients for Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe.

You’ll need chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce for that umami depth, white vinegar and apple cider vinegar for tanginess, brown sugar for sweetness, and a mix of black pepper, bay leaves, olive oil, and garlic cloves for that intense flavor.

These simple ingredients, when combined, create a flavor that’s both rich and balanced, tickling your taste buds with every bite.

Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe highlights the savory flavors of soy sauce and tender chicken. Soy sauce brings a rich, umami depth, essential in Filipino cooking. You can choose between chicken thighs and breasts.

Thighs offer juicier texture, while breasts are a leaner option. Both, however, soak up the marinade beautifully, making every bite of this flavorful dish a delight!

Essential Kitchen Gear

Every chef knows that the right tools make all the difference.

For Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe, you’ll need a large skillet or a slow cooker, a large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken, and a food processor if you’re up for making your own soy sauce blend. The large skillet is perfect for achieving that golden brown finish on the chicken, while a slow cooker can be used for a more hands-off approach.

Don’t have a large skillet? No problem! A large, deep pan will work just fine. And if a slow cooker isn’t part of your kitchen arsenal, a covered pot on low heat can be a good substitute. The key is to maintain consistent heat for the chicken to cook evenly.

The importance of these tools can’t be overstated. A well-heated skillet ensures that your chicken pieces are cooked to perfection, getting that lovely balance between a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

Step by Step Adobo

Preparing Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe begins with marinating the chicken.

In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, white and apple cider vinegar, minced garlic cloves, brown sugar, black pepper, and bay leaves.

Add your chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or overnight for the best flavor infusion. The marinade allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, giving you great depth.

Next, it’s cooking time! In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (but don’t throw away the marinade) and cook until each side is golden brown. This searing locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a tantalizing texture.

Once browned, add the reserved marinade and simmer everything on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through.

The final touch involves reducing the marinade into a thick, flavorful sauce. Simmer the marinade in the skillet until it thickens slightly, then pour it over the cooked chicken.

This infuses the dish with an extra layer of flavor, making Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe a show-stopping dish.

Serve it hot, garnished with green onions or a sprinkle of chili powder for an added kick.

Great Side Items

What’s a great dish without the perfect side dishes? For Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe, think about balancing the savory flavors with sides that add a different texture or flavor.

A bed of steamed white or brown rice works wonderfully, soaking up the delicious sauce.

Or consider serving your chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to make it a more nutritious meal.

For those looking for a twist, why not try black beans or refried beans?

And for a truly Moe’s Southwest Grill experience, serve it with some homemade flour tortillas or cornbread, bringing a touch of southern charm to this classic Filipino dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes to be wary of.

In the preparation stage, a frequent mistake is not marinating the chicken long enough. Make suret the chicken is marinated for at least a few hours, ideally overnight.

During cooking, a common error is not allowing the chicken to reach the right internal temperature. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe, while overcooking can lead to dryness.

Using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) is a foolproof way to ensure your Moe’s adobo chicken recipe is cooked perfectly.

Another mistake is cooking the chicken on too high heat, leading to a burnt exterior while the inside remains undercooked. To prevent this, cook the chicken on medium heat, allowing it to cook evenly and soak up the flavors of the adobo sauce.

Recipe Variations

Moe’s adobo chicken recipe can be changed up easily to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

For vegetarians, replacing chicken with organic tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like bell peppers and eggplant can make for a delicious, plant-based version of the dish. Marinate and cook them in the same adobo sauce to retain the authentic flavors.

If you’re catering to different spice tolerances, adjusting the heat level in Moe’s adobo chicken recipe is easy. Simply reduce the amount of spice for people who prefer a more mild taste or kick it up a notch for those who want it spicier.

You can customize this dish, too! Try adding pineapple chunks for a sweet twist or a splash of coconut milk for a creamier sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers are a thing to be cherished! They usually are more flavorful the next day! Once the chicken has cooled down, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can safely be kept for up to three days. 

The best way to reheat Moe’s adobo chicken recipe is to do it slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the pan to keep the chicken moist. Cover the pan to allow the heat to distribute evenly, gently bringing the chicken back to the perfect temperature.

We’d love to hear about your experience making our delicious copycat Moe’s adobo chicken recipe, so feel free to share your stories and tips in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions About Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe

1. What is Adobo Chicken Moe’s?
Adobo Chicken Moe’s is a unique twist on the classic Filipino adobo dish. It’s characterized by its savory, slightly tangy, and sweet flavor, achieved through a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other spices. This version, inspired by Moe’s culinary creativity, adds a special touch, making it distinctive from the traditional recipe.

IngredientQuantityNotes
Chicken1 kgCut into pieces
Soy Sauce1/2 cupPreferably low-sodium
Vinegar1/2 cupWhite or apple cider
Garlic4 clovesMinced
Bay Leaves3
Black Pepper1 tspGround
Sugar (optional)1 tbspAdjust to taste

2. What method is used in adobo?
The adobo cooking method primarily involves marinating and simmering. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, then simmered in the same marinade until tender. This process infuses deep flavors into the meat, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

3. Does adobo mean chicken?
No, adobo doesn’t specifically mean chicken. Adobo refers to a cooking technique and flavor profile originating in the Philippines. It can be used with various meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, or even with vegetables. The term ‘adobo’ itself is indicative of the marinating and simmering process in the characteristic sauce.

More common frequently asked questions

4. What is adobo cut chicken?
Adobo cut chicken refers to the pieces of chicken used in making adobo. Traditionally, this can include a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts, often cut into serving-size pieces. This cut ensures that the chicken absorbs the marinade effectively and cooks evenly.

5. What is adobo seasoning made from?
Adobo seasoning is a blend of spices typically including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and sometimes dried oregano. This seasoning captures the essence of adobo’s flavor and can be used as a dry rub or added to the marinade for enhancing the dish’s taste.

6. What are the 2 versions of adobo?
The two primary versions of adobo are the ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ versions. The wet version, more common, involves simmering the meat in a marinade, resulting in a saucy dish. The dry version involves marinating and then frying the meat, resulting in a less saucy and more caramelized exterior.

Moe’s Adobo Chicken Recipe Easy Copycat at Home

Recipe by kitcheneasylifeCourse: DinnerCuisine: Filipino, SouthwestDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes

This recipe is a homage to the delicious flavors of Moe’s Southwest Grill and makes for a delectable meal that your whole family can enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt to taste

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat

Directions

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, chili powder, brown sugar, and bay leaf. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer for more flavor.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add it to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Simmer: Once the chicken is cooked, add the reserved marinade and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened. Adjust salt to taste.
  • Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve the adobo chicken hot. It pairs wonderfully with rice, black beans, or even in burrito bowls with your choice of toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese.
  • Enjoy!: Your Moe’s-inspired adobo chicken is ready to enjoy. This dish is perfect as an easy weeknight meal and is sure to satisfy your cravings for Moe’s Southwest Grill’s delicious flavors.

Notes

  • If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce or omit the chili powder and cayenne pepper.

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