Crispy Adobo Chicken & Purple Yam Protein Bowl with Tangy Calamansi Glaze

This vibrant protein bowl combines the bold flavors of Filipino adobo with nutrient-dense superfoods for a meal that's as beautiful as it is satisfying. Crispy chicken thighs marinated in classic adobo seasonings pair perfectly with sweet roasted purple yam and antioxidant-rich moringa leaves. A bright calamansi glaze ties everything together with citrusy tang that cuts through the richness.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1/4 cup coconut vinegar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 2 medium purple yams, cubed
• 3 cups fresh moringa leaves (or baby spinach)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 calamansi fruits, juiced (or 2 limes + 1 orange)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Marinate chicken in coconut vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns for 15 minutes (or overnight).
2. 2. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss purple yam cubes with 1 tsp oil, salt, and roast for 20 minutes until tender.
3. 3. Heat remaining oil in large skillet over medium-high. Pat chicken dry, reserve marinade.
4. 4. Cook chicken 6-8 minutes per side until deeply browned and crispy. Remove from pan.
5. 5. In same skillet, sauté red onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
6. 6. Add reserved marinade, calamansi juice, honey, and ginger. Simmer 4-5 minutes until thickened into glaze.
7. 7. Return chicken to pan, toss to coat in glaze. Remove from heat.
8. 8. Quickly wilt moringa leaves in pan juices (30 seconds).
9. 9. Assemble bowls: purple yam base, moringa leaves, glazed chicken.
10. 10. Garnish with coconut flakes and sesame seeds. Drizzle remaining glaze over top.

Chef's Note

For extra crispy chicken, pat thoroughly dry after marinating and don't crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. The sugar in the glaze caramelizes best with proper spacing.

Make-Ahead Tips

Marinate chicken overnight. Roast purple yam up to 2 days ahead. Reheat chicken in skillet to restore crispiness.

Substitutions

Purple yam → sweet potato. Moringa → kale or spinach. Calamansi → lime juice + orange juice. Coconut vinegar → rice vinegar.