Rice & Bowls

Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice

Name: Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 cups cooked rice, day-old; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mixed vegetables, such as peas and carrots; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh scallions, for garnish

By Imani Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Bowls

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice is a dish that brings back memories of my childhood. My mother used to make it for special occasions, and the aroma of adobo sauce and fried rice would fill our entire house. I've adapted her recipe to make it easier for home cooks to recreate this delicious dish.

The key to a great Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice is in the balance of flavors. You need to have the right combination of salty, sweet, and sour to bring out the best in the dish. In this recipe, we'll be using a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce to create a rich and savory adobo sauce.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine and wants to try something new. It's also a great way to use up leftover rice and chicken, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables, such as peas and carrots, or use different types of protein, like pork or shrimp. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited for you to try it out and make it your own.

In this article, I'll be sharing my tips and tricks for making the perfect Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice. From the importance of using day-old rice to the secret to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, I'll cover everything you need to know to make this dish a success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover rice and chicken, making it a budget-friendly option.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables and protein.
It's a perfect meal for families, as it's easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people you're serving.
The recipe is authentic and delicious, making it a great option for anyone who loves Asian cuisine.
It's a quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice lies in the cooking technique. By using high heat and constantly stirring the rice, you can achieve a crispy and golden-brown texture that's similar to restaurant-quality fried rice.

Another important factor is the balance of flavors. The adobo sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce, which provides a rich and savory flavor profile. By adding this sauce to the rice and chicken, you can create a dish that's both flavorful and aromatic.

The use of day-old rice is also crucial in making great Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, which can make it difficult to stir-fry and achieve the desired texture. Day-old rice, on the other hand, is drier and easier to work with, making it the perfect choice for this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice, you'll need a few key ingredients, including chicken, rice, and a variety of spices and sauces. The most important ingredient is the adobo sauce, which is made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce. You'll also need some aromatics, such as garlic and onions, to add depth and flavor to the dish.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality soy sauce and fish sauce, as these will provide the best flavor. You'll also want to use day-old rice, as this will be easier to stir-fry and achieve the desired texture.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessYou can use any type of chicken you prefer, but boneless chicken thighs work best for this recipe. Look for chicken that's fresh and has no added preservatives or hormones.
2 cups cooked rice, day-oldDay-old rice is essential for making great Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, which can make it difficult to stir-fry and achieve the desired texture.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilYou can use any type of oil you prefer, but vegetable oil works well for this recipe. Look for oil that's high in smoke point, as this will help prevent the oil from burning or smoking during cooking.
1 onion, dicedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, and they help to balance out the other ingredients. Look for onions that are fresh and have no signs of mold or rot.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice. Look for garlic that's fresh and has no signs of mold or rot.
1 cup mixed vegetables, such as peas and carrotsYou can use any type of vegetables you prefer, but mixed vegetables work well for this recipe. Look for vegetables that are fresh and have no signs of mold or rot.
2 tablespoons soy sauceSoy sauce is a key ingredient in the adobo sauce, and it provides a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Look for soy sauce that's high-quality and has no added preservatives or artificial flavorings.
1 tablespoon fish sauceFish sauce is a key ingredient in the adobo sauce, and it provides a salty and umami flavor to the dish. Look for fish sauce that's high-quality and has no added preservatives or artificial flavorings.
1 tablespoon vinegarVinegar helps to balance out the other ingredients and adds a tangy flavor to the dish. Look for vinegar that's high-quality and has no added preservatives or artificial flavorings.
1 teaspoon saltSalt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the dish. Look for salt that's high-quality and has no added preservatives or artificial flavorings.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper helps to add depth and flavor to the dish, and it pairs well with the other ingredients. Look for black pepper that's high-quality and has no added preservatives or artificial flavorings.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh scallions, for garnishScallions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish, and they make a great garnish. Look for scallions that are fresh and have no signs of mold or rot.

Ingredients for Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerSpatula

How to Make Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice

1
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar to make the adobo sauce. Set aside.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until they're tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6
Push the rice to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the other side of the skillet.
7
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast.
8
Add the adobo sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken and rice. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
9
Stir in the salt and black pepper to taste.
10
Transfer the Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
11
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to cool slightly.

Expert Tips

Use day-old rice to make the best Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, which can make it difficult to stir-fry and achieve the desired texture.
Don't overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C), but it should still be juicy and tender.
Add the adobo sauce towards the end of cooking, as it can burn easily. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the skillet.
Use a variety of vegetables to add color and texture to the dish. You can use any combination of vegetables you prefer, such as peas, carrots, and corn.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and sauces. Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to cool slightly, making it easier to serve and eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice. This can make the dish too moist and sticky, and it can be difficult to achieve the desired texture.
Overcooking the chicken. This can make the chicken dry and tough, and it can be unpleasant to eat.
Not using enough oil in the skillet. This can cause the rice and chicken to stick to the skillet, and it can be difficult to stir-fry and achieve the desired texture.
Not adding the adobo sauce towards the end of cooking. This can cause the sauce to burn or stick to the skillet, and it can be difficult to achieve the desired flavor and texture.
Not letting the dish rest before serving. This can cause the flavors to be uneven and the rice to be too hot, making it difficult to eat and enjoy.
Not using a variety of vegetables to add color and texture to the dish. This can make the dish look and taste bland, and it can be unappetizing to eat.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers into the adobo sauce.
Use different types of protein, such as pork or shrimp, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add some crunch to the dish by incorporating chopped nuts or seeds, such as peanuts or sesame seeds, into the rice.
Use different types of vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to add color and texture to the dish.
Make the dish more substantial by adding some cooked eggs or tofu to the rice and chicken.
Use different types of seasonings and sauces, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce, to change up the flavor of the dish.
Add some freshness to the dish by incorporating chopped cilantro or scallions into the rice and chicken.

What to Serve With Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice

Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main course, accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or a salad. You can also serve it as a side dish, accompanied by a main course of grilled meat or seafood.

Some other options for serving Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice include serving it with a fried egg on top, or adding some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch. You can also serve it with a side of steamed bok choy or snow peas, or add some diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Serve with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots.Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and flavor.Serve with a side of steamed bok choy or snow peas.Add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.Serve with a side of grilled meat or seafood, such as chicken or shrimp.Add some diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the dish in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 F (4 C) or below.

To freeze the dish, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze at 0 F (-18 C) or below. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

To reheat the dish, simply place it in the microwave and heat for 30-60 seconds, or until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, simply placing it in a skillet or wok and heating over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it's hot and steaming.

Some tips for reheating Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice include using a low heat to prevent the rice from drying out, and stirring constantly to prevent the dish from sticking to the skillet or wok. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the dish to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice?

Day-old rice is best for making Filipino Chicken Adobo Fried Rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, which can make it difficult to stir-fry and achieve the desired texture.

Can I use different types of protein in the dish?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as pork or shrimp, to change up the flavor and texture of the dish.

How do I prevent the rice from drying out when reheating?

To prevent the rice from drying out when reheating, use a low heat and stir constantly. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the dish to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.

What are some variations I can try with the dish?

Some variations you can try with the dish include adding diced jalapenos or serrano peppers for heat, using different types of protein, or incorporating chopped nuts or seeds for crunch.

How do I achieve the perfect balance of flavors in the dish?

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in the dish, use a combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar to make the adobo sauce. You can also add other seasonings and sauces, such as oyster sauce or hoisin sauce, to change up the flavor of the dish.

Can I serve the dish as a main course or side dish?

Yes, you can serve the dish as a main course or side dish. It's a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and needs.

How do I store the dish in the refrigerator or freezer?

To store the dish in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 F (4 C) or below. To freeze the dish, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze at 0 F (-18 C) or below.

The Full Recipe

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