Adobo sa Gata (Chicken in Coconut Milk)

Directions

1. Combine the chicken, vinegar, water, sugar, soy sauce, bay leaves, crushed peppercorns, onion and garlic in a large pot;
2. Mix well and bring the mixture to the boil for 2 minutes.
3. Add half of the coconut milk into the simmering dish -do not stir, let it boil.
4. Once it boils, stir a bit to let the meat and coco milk mix together. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at a simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken to a large serving platter and set aside. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the liquid reduces by about one-quarter, almost about 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper;
7. Pour in the remaining coconut milk into the mixture. Cover and cook until the coconut milk appears oily, for another 10 minutes.
8. Turn off the heat once it becomes thicker and oily.
9. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
10. Top with chili garnish (optional) and serve.