Mexican Chicken Adobo (Adobo de Pollo)

Smoky, tangy, and deeply savory — this classic Mexican adobo marinade turns simple chicken into something you’ll want to make every week.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kilograms bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2.5 garlic cloves
• 1.5 tablespoons white vinegar
• 0.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano (Mexican preferred)
• 0.3 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.8 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 bay leaves

STEPS

1. Toast the chiles: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Press 2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded and 1 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded flat onto the skillet for 20 seconds per side until fragrant. Do not let them burn. Transfer to a bowl of hot water and soak for 15 minutes.
2. Blend the adobo sauce: Drain the soaked chiles. Add them to a blender with 2.5 garlic cloves, 1.5 tablespoons white vinegar, 0.5 cups chicken broth, 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin, 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano (Mexican preferred), 0.3 teaspoons black pepper, and 0.8 teaspoons salt. Blend on high until completely smooth.

1. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoons neutral oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear 1 kilograms bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks) skin-side down for 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook in the sauce: Pour the blended adobo sauce into the same pot. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce deepens in color. Return the chicken to the pot, add 1 bay leaves, and stir to coat every piece.
3. Simmer low and slow: Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through, until the meat is tender and pulls easily from the bone.
4. Rest and serve: Remove the bay leaves. Let the chicken rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the top.

Conclusion

This authentic Mexican chicken adobo recipe brings real rustic flavor into your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. The combination of smoky dried chiles and aromatic spices creates a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Did your family prefer this served over rice or tucked into warm corn tortillas? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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