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+ servings
Bella

Spicy Chicken Adobo Recipe is a must-try dish!

This rich and smoky Mexican Chicken Adobo layers bold dried chiles, aromatic spices, and tender braised chicken in a deeply flavorful sauce. Simmered to perfection, it’s a comforting, rustic dish that’s full of heat, heart, and heritage.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds skinless chicken legs1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs2 tablespoons olive oil, divided3 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped1 white onion, roughly chopped3 large garlic cloves, peeled4 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and chopped1 dried ancho chile, seeded and chopped1 dried chipotle chile, seeded and chopped3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste1 teaspoon coriander powder1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon Mexican oregano½ teaspoon ground cloves2 dried bay leaves

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and char slightly.
  2. Add the dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles to the skillet, along with 2 cups of chicken broth. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the chiles have softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Transfer the entire mixture to a blender. Add the remaining 1 cup broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, coriander, cumin, thyme, oregano, and ground cloves. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth. Set aside.
  4. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken legs and thighs in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  5. Pour the blended adobo sauce over the seared chicken and stir gently to coat. Add the bay leaves to the pot.
  6. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  7. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot with Mexican rice, tortillas, or over a bed of beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Adjust chipotle quantity for more or less heat—start with half if sensitive to spice.
This dish is even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Great served with lime wedges, warm tortillas, or avocado slices on the side.

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