Chicken Adobo Pitas
Chicken Adobo Pitas feature tender chicken thighs marinated in a bold, tangy Filipino adobo sauce, wrapped in soft pita bread for a quick, flavorful, and portable meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus at least 30 minutes marinating
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time if applicable)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet cooking and warming
- Cuisine: Filipino fusion
- Diet: Contains gluten (can be adapted to Gluten Free with gluten-free pita alternatives)
Chicken Adobo Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skin-on
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar (white or cane vinegar preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
Assembly
- 4 pita breads, warmed
- Optional fresh cucumber slices
- Optional pickled onions
Optional Variations & Garnishes
- Sliced chili peppers or sriracha for spice
- Marinated tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian alternative
- Whole wheat or multigrain pita breads
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Crumbled feta or grated parmesan cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Prepare the Chicken Adobo Marinade: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, crushed garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns in a bowl to create the adobo marinade, which balances salty and tangy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow deep flavor absorption.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Add the remaining marinade to the skillet and simmer gently until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Warm the Pita Bread: While the chicken cooks, warm the pita bread in the oven or on a pan until soft and pliable, making it easy to fold without breaking.
- Assemble the Pitas: Slice the cooked chicken and layer it into the warmed pita breads. Add optional cucumber slices or pickled onions, and spoon on extra adobo sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight whenever possible for richer flavor.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender meat.
- Simmer chicken gently to thicken sauce without drying it out.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.
- Warm pita bread until soft but not crispy for easier folding and to prevent cracking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita with chicken adobo filling
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Adobo, Filipino Chicken, Pita Sandwich, Quick Dinner, Fusion Recipe, Savory Chicken, Portable Meal