Authentic Chicken Adobo

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut vinegar
• 0.5 cup soy sauce
• 1 head garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 10 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons annatto powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 5.5 pounds cut-up chicken parts
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

Steps

1. Combine vinegar, soy sauce, ½ chopped garlic, bay leaves, garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons annatto powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken, stir to coat, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
2. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, and pat dry. Reserve remaining marinade.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until brown, about 4 minutes per side. Off heat, set skillet aside.
4. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add remaining ½ chopped garlic; cook and stir until brown, about 3 minutes. Add remaining 1 ½ teaspoons annatto powder, reduce heat, and simmer, about 3 minutes.
5. Pour annatto mixture over chicken; add reserved marinade. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until chicken is tender, about 45 minutes. Uncover; cook until sauce has reduced slightly, about 10 minutes more.