Filipino Chicken Adobo

Steps

1. Toss the chicken with the soy sauce in a large, shallow bowl. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Remove the chicken from the soy sauce, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Transfer the chicken, skin side down, to a cold 12-in (30-cm) nonstick skillet. Set the soy sauce aside.

3. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and cook until the skin is crisp and dark golden, 8 to 10 minutes. While the chicken is browning, whisk the coconut milk, vinegar, sugar, and pepper into the soy sauce.

4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and discard the fat in the skillet. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. Pour the soy sauce-coconut milk mixture into the pan; add the garlic and bay leaves. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken registers 175°F (80°C). Transfer the chicken to a platter and keep warm by tenting loosely with aluminum foil.

5. Fish out the bay leaves and skim any noticeable fat off the surface of the sauce. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (if it is too assertive, add a few tablespoons of water and/or a bit more sugar). Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the scallions. Serve with rice. (Note: if you'd like the skin to be extra crispy, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before serving.)