I’m a Filipino, and I heart ❤️ adobo like nobodys business. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes—salty, tangy, garlicky, and rich—and it deserves sides that do it justice. This list rounds up my favorite pairings, from fluffy garlic rice and crisp veggies to sweet-tangy salads and party-friendly twists. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a big family-style feast, let’s build the perfect adobo plate together.
Chicken adobo is a popular Filipino stew made with chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns This tangy, savory dish is a staple in Filipino cuisine While chicken adobo can certainly stand on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes enhances the flavor and creates a more complete meal.
So what goes well with chicken adobo? Here are 15 delicious options to consider:
Rice
The most common and traditional side dish for chicken adobo is rice. The rich, salty flavors of the adobo sauce go well with steamed white rice. A lot of people like garlic fried rice (sinangag) because it has a lot of flavor. The garlicky, crispy rice is a great contrast in texture, and it soaks up the adobo sauce even better than plain steamed rice.
Noodles
Noodles are another excellent carb pairing for chicken adobo. Filipino pancit noodles, especially the kind made with rice noodles, go well with rice. The chewy, soft noodles go well with the soft chicken pieces. Pansit bihon with adobo chicken is a heartier noodle dish that you can eat all in one bowl.
Vegetables
A mix of quickly cooked vegetables, such as bok choy, green beans, carrots, and broccoli, is a good way to balance out the rich adobo. You can steam or stir-fry them with garlic, salt, and pepper. Their fresh crunch balances out the strong salty and sour flavors of the stew.
Salads
Fresh, tangy salads pair wonderfully with chicken adobo. The brightness of the vegetables and acidic dressing helps cut through the rich sauce. Green papaya salad, cucumber salad, and tomato salads are particularly fitting. For added creaminess, a potato salad also complements adobo nicely.
Pickles
Pickled vegetables add a tangy crunch that balances the rich stew. Quick pickled onions, daikon radish, or cucumbers are simple to make and give a nice acidic kick. Fermented Atchara, a popular Filipino side made with shredded green papaya or carrots, is another excellent match.
Eggs
Eggs, either hard-boiled or over-easy, are often served with chicken adobo. The eggs soak up the sauce and add extra protein. You can also serve adobo over garlic fried rice and top it with a fried egg for a heartier meal. The runny yolk enriches the rice perfectly.
Lumpia
Crispy lumpia, aka Filipino egg rolls, pair wonderfully with chicken adobo. Their crunchy texture contrasts the stew’s tender meat morsels. Lumpia can be stuffed with hearty fillings like ground pork, shrimp, or vegetables. Dipped in vinegar or sauce, they balance the adobo’s salty flavors.
Bread
Warm crusty bread is great for sopping up every last bit of adobo sauce. Soft rolls like pandesal are ideal, as they readily absorb the sauce. Cornbread and biscuits also complement the stew’s down-home flavors.
Starchy Sides
In lieu of rice, starchy vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes give a satisfying accompaniment to chicken adobo. Boiled, mashed, fried, or roasted, they soak up the sauce nicely. Taro, cassava, and breadfruit also fare well.
Coconut
Coconut pairs wonderfully with the Filipino stew. Shredded coconut can be sprinkled on top of rice to serve alongside adobo. Coconut milk simmered with the chicken adds rich creaminess. And sides like coconut rice or sticky coconut rice cakes complement the dish’s tropical flavors.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple or pineapple juice lend a sweet, tropical fruitiness that helps tame adobo’s salty tang. Grilled or roasted pineapple chunks make a nice fruity accent. Chicken adobo cooked with pineapple is also a popular rendition.
Mango
Like pineapple, mango complements the adobo with tropical sweetness. A mango salad with cucumbers and onions tossed in a vinegar dressing is an especially refreshing accompaniment. Diced mango also makes a lovely fruity salsa or relish to spoon over the stewed chicken.
Kimchi
Spicy, funky kimchi pairs surprisingly well with chicken adobo. The fermented vegetables provide a tangy crunch that helps cut through the rich sauce. A small side of kimchi gives a nice contrast in texture and heat level.
Greens
Leafy greens help lighten up this meaty, saucy dish. Simply sautéed spinach, kale, collards, or mustard greens give a healthy, bitter note to balance the sweetness. Bitter melon or chopped green papaya stir fried with garlic are also fitting choices.
Chicken adobo is so flavorful on its own that it can be enjoyed on its own with plain rice or even just a loaf of crusty bread. However, sides like pickled vegetables, steamy pansit noodles, fresh pineapple salsa, or lumpia can take this Filipino favorite to the next level. These 15 options provide delicious ideas for building the perfect chicken adobo plate. With the right pairing, this stew becomes an even more spectacular centerpiece meal.
Sweet & Tangy Sides
Adobo tastes better with a tomato and onion salad that is simple, fresh, and has a splash of vinegar.
Sweet, caramelized saba balance the tangy adobo sauce, adding a delightful hint of sweetness. These plantains are sliced and fried in hot oil until golden brown.
Ube halaya, a sweet, dessert-like side made from purple yam, pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavors of adobo. This Filipino favorite is cooked with coconut milk and condensed milk, creating a rich and creamy jam.
Filipino mango sago is a cool dessert made with ripe mangoes, chewy tapioca pearls, and sweetened cream or coconut milk. It is fruity, creamy, and very refreshing. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a rich adobo meal, especially on hot days or at family gatherings.
Bonus: it’s easy to prep ahead in jars for parties!
Ensaladang Talong (Eggplant Salad)
Ensaladang talong, which is grilled eggplant with tomatoes and onions, is a smoky, tangy side dish that goes well with the richness of adobos. The eggplant is charred over medium heat until tender, then mixed with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a splash of white vinegar.
Sautéed water spinach with a whole head of garlic, known as kangkong with garlic, is perfect for balancing the rich flavors of Filipino adobo. This healthy side dish is cooked quickly over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil.
Boiled eggs often simmered in adobo sauce, add depth of flavor and are a classic side dish for pork adobo. These eggs absorb the savory sauce, enhancing their taste.
Sweet and savory longganisa provides a robust flavor that pairs well with the tangy adobo sauce. The sweet and savory notes of the skinless chicken longganisa complement the rich adobo, making it a perfect side dish for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Crispy fried tofu is a vegetarian option that pairs well with the tangy adobo sauce. The tofu is lightly coated in cornstarch and fried in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Chicken adobo is a top tier comfort meal
FAQ
What is a good side dish for chicken adobo?
Filipino Chicken Adobo is a simple dish that packs a big flavor punch. The combination of soy, vinegar, and sugar creates a salty-sweet tangy glaze that is hard to stop eating. That being said, this dish tastes great on rice or in a taco, and the corn and cucumber salad makes it even better.
What do people eat adobo with?
Steamed rice is the staple side dish for Filipino adobo. Additionally, it’s often accompanied by pickled vegetables (atchara), boiled eggs, or sautéed greens to complement its rich and tangy flavours.
What pairs well with adobo and rice?
Adobo pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, which soaks up the rich sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment. For a well-balanced meal, sautéed vegetables, pickled papaya (atchara), or a cool cucumber salad are also great side dishes.