Chicken Feet Adobo

Name: Chicken Feet Adobo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1½ pound chicken feet; 2 large dried bay leaves; 1 teaspoon peppercorn; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 2 inches ginger (sliced thinly); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium yellow onion (chopped); ¼ cup soy sauce; 1 teaspoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 tablespoons vinegar; 2 large red chili (chopped (optional))

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Chicken Feet Adobo or Adobong Paa ng Manok is made with chicken feet cooked using traditional Filipino Adobo ingredients. In the Philippines and most Asian countries, chicken feet are so popular that you can see this exotic ingredient on most restaurant menus. Try this recipe for your next meal and I hope you will love it as we do.

Chicken feet adobo is a traditional Filipino dish that has a lot of cultural significance for those who grew up eating it or have a connection to Filipino culture. This connection to cultural identity can sometimes make a dish more enjoyable.

Have you tried some of my adobo recipes? I share with you my Squid Adobo, Mushroom Adobo, Adobo ng Sitaw, and Chicken Adobo with Pineapple. I am sure you can't just pick one as your favorite because adobo is one of the dishes I can eat everyday. Talk to me about big flavors!

Why you will love this dish

Chicken feet adobo is typically cooked in a savory and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and spices like garlic and peppercorns. This can create a unique and delicious taste that some people might find appealing.
Chicken feet contain a lot of collagen, which can give them a gelatinous and slightly chewy texture when cooked. Some people enjoy this texture and find it adds an interesting element to the dish.
Adobo is one of those meals that can last days without spoiling. The meat tastes delectable after days of marinating in the sauce and blended spices.
Enjoy this dish as an appetizer and side dish or as a main dish with cooked rice.
If you want more recipes like this, don't forget to check my:
- Chicken Adobo
- Chicken Tocino
- Beef Mechado
- Arroz Caldo without meat Filipino Style
- Chicken Macaroni Soup

Finish dish of chicken feet adobo in a white bowl.

Ingredients

For the exact measurement of the ingredients for adobo chicken feet, kindly check the recipe card below, where you can also print it with calorie info.

Chicken feet - A popular ingredient in Asian Cuisine. This part of a chicken is gaining popularity around the world nowadays because of its collagen content. It is also used to make bone broth.
Soy sauce - To enhance the flavor and color of the dish. It adds saltiness and helps preserve adobong paa ng manok a little longer.
Ginger, garlic, and onion - These are staple aromatics in Filipino and Asian Cuisine.
Oyster sauce and sugar - Adds sweetness to balance the salt.
Red chili - I'm making this adobo chicken feet spicy with red chili. This is optional though.
Bay leaves and peppercorn - For flavors and aromatics.

Instructions

First, we need to learn how to prepare chicken feet. Here in the U.S., chicken feet are usually ready to cook, so there’s not much effort needed. However, make sure to follow the preparation below to improve the dining experience!

Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, trim the nails and discard them.
Sprinkle some salt. Massage them with salt for a few seconds, then rinse well with running water.

Step-by-step

Step 1. Boil the chicken feet with enough water and a pinch of salt for about 5 minutes to remove any excess protein and impurities. Discard the water.

Boil the chicken feet to make it tender.

Step 2. In the same pot, bring enough water to boil. We will boil these paws for a second time. Add the chicken feet, peppercorn, bay leaves, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Simmer in medium heat until the chicken feet are almost tender but don't fall apart, or about 10-15 minutes. Take them out and reserve the liquid.

Saute garlic, onion, and ginger until translucent. Then add chicken feet.

Step 3. In a skillet with cooking oil over medium heat, saute ginger, then add garlic and onion. Add chicken feet, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir and cook for 5-10 minutes. Then add about a half cup of reserve water; add more if you want a saucy dish. Cook it until they are tender to your liking.

Adding soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar.

Step 4. Lastly, add vinegar and red chili. Leave it undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir and taste test. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Allow leftovers to cool completely and transfer them into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for 3-5 days; the sauce will turn to a gelatin content from the bones, which is called collagen.
Reheat in a saucepan over low-medium heat or in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals until completely warmed through.
The chicken feet can be prepared ahead of time and will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months. Store in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Filipino chicken feet adobo healthy?

Generally, Chicken Adobo can be a part of a balanced healthy diet. Chicken feet are rich in collagen and protein, which is beneficial for our health.

Do you have to boil chicken feet before cooking?

Yes! The reason for boiling the chicken before start cooking is it is to tenderize them. Let them boil until almost tender but the bones are still together and don't fall apart.

Why is soy sauce important in adobo?

Soy sauce enhances the flavor of any adobo dish. The salt in soy sauce also helps to preserve the dish for a longer period of time along with vinegar. The darker varieties are most preferred for adobo, though more contemporary recipes might use lighter soy sauces.

What are the nutritional benefits of chicken feet adobo?

Chicken feet are rich in protein and collagen, which can provide some health benefits like supporting skin, hair, and joint health. Some people might enjoy eating chicken feet adobo because of these nutritional benefits.