Coach Monica’s Healthy Chicken Adobo Recipe
When it comes to food, having a Hawaiian boyfriend is both fun and challenging. In general, the modern Hawaiian diet is not so healthy—which can make it super challenging for me when the whole family wants to eat what he’s used to eating. But, I absolutely love being introduced to new dishes and, of course, making them 21 Day Fix compliant. My latest recipe—for healthy chicken adobo—is the result of me adapting a traditional recipe to fit with my healthier lifestyle.
What is Chicken Adobo?
Chicken adobo is a very popular main dish in Hawaii. “Local food” on the islands is a mix of dishes from several different cultures who, at some point, came to call Hawaii home many generations ago. In general, it’s pretty unhealthy, which has caused obesity to increase throughout Hawaii.
Adobo originated in the Philippines and is made from meat, seafood, or vegetables that is marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. The vinegar was originally used to keep the meat fresh longer.
How to Serve Chicken Adobo
Chicken adobo is traditionally served over white rice. I probably don’t have to tell you that’s a no-no on the 21 Day Fix, so this is where I put my food swapping skills to good use.
Here are some Fix-friendly substitutions that you can use instead of white rice, depending upon what you like and your desired container allotment for the day:
- Brown rice
- Lettuce or shredded cabbage
- Steamed or spiralized veggies
- Spaghetti squash
- Quinoa
- Sweet potatoes
- Cauliflower “rice”
- Steamed spinach
Free 21 Day Fix Coaching
If you don’t know me personally yet, let me introduce myself. I am Coach Monica Koon, co-founder of The Fit Club Network and 21 Day Fix specialist. It is my passion to help people change their lifestyle so they can live their very best WHOLE life. I offer FREE nutrition and fitness coaching for the 21 Day Fix, as well as many other programs, to people throughout the U.S. and Canada. I also offer significant personal development opportunities as a healthy body depends on a healthy spirit. Most of the coaching happens in my 21 Day Fix Family group on Facebook and through private email or Facebook messages.
If you enjoyed my healthy chicken adobo recipe, and you don’t already have a Beachbody coach, please message me and let’s talk about where you are right now with your health and fitness—and where you want to be. I will help you create a plan that works for you and provide you the tools you need to reach your goals. Here’s how you get started:
- 5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1/2 cup white or unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup Braggs amino acid
- 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- Place the peppercorns and baby leaves in a mesh bag, like a tea filter bag, for easy removal at the end.
- Combine the chicken, vinegar, Braggs, garlic, and bag with peppercorns and bay leaves in a large pot. If you have time, cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours (I rarely do and it still turns out delicious!).
- Bring the chicken to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and simmer until the sauce is reduced and thickened and the chicken is tender, about 20 more minutes.
- Serve with one of the substitutes for steamed white rice that I mentioned above.
You can easily add your favorite vegetables to the mix. Also, feel free to water this down as desired.
Once cooked, you can just count this as a red container. If you added veggies, be sure to account for them in your serving!
