Combine chicken, soy sauce, and garlic in a large bowl. Mix well.
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. The longer the time, the better.
Heat a cooking pot. Pour cooking oil.
When the oil is hot enough, pan-fry the marinated chicken for 2 minutes per side.
Pour-in the remaining marinade, including garlic.
Add water. Bring to a boil.
Add dried bay leaves and whole peppercorn.
Simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken gets tender.
Stir in vinegar. Cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in the sugar, and salt. Turn the heat off and serve hot.