Instant-Pot Chicken Adobo is a Filipino favorite that bursts with umami flavor!
Lately, I’ve been immersing myself more in Filipino cuisine. There’s a Filipino food truck that opens up near our house every weekend, and it’s incredible. So I figured it was time to make one of my favorite dishes at home: chicken adobo. And you know what? It’s pretty darn tasty. And Instant-Pot chicken adobo is super simple to make!
Chicken Adobo is considered a mainstay dish in the Philippines. It’s known for its tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors—in other words, the perfect umami. This comes courtesy of the marinade made of apple cider vinegar, raw sugar, garlic, and soy sauce. The chicken gets so tender as it absorbs all the savory goodness of the marinade during cooking. Traditionally, Filipino chicken adobo is made on the stovetop (more on that later). We’re “cheating” and using an Instant Pot, but the convenience of the slow cooker is a huge plus, and this recipe is still undeniably delicious. I love how quickly and effortlessly this meal comes together.
Is Instant-Pot Chicken Adobo Healthy?
Chicken adobo can be a healthy and nutritious meal. It offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Plus, the dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet.
To make a healthier version of chicken adobo, consider using lean cuts of meat like chicken breast and lowering the sodium by replacing the light soy sauce with coconut aminos.
Using The Instant Pot For Authentic Dishes
Using an Instant Pot to make chicken adobo is obviously not the most authentic way to make this dish. But it’s quite a time-saver, and I really think it tastes just as good as if you made it on the stove. Traditionally, this dish would be cooked in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) or a clay pot called a palayok.
For those of us living a fast-paced life, the Instant Pot has been a culinary game changer, transforming traditional recipes like chicken adobo into quick and convenient weeknight meals. Pressure cooking significantly reduces the cooking time while ensuring your dishes are full of flavor. For this recipe, the Instant Pot’s high pressure allows the marinade to really seep into the chicken. And if you’re new to pressure cooking, chicken adobo is a worthy first recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be good in your fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze chicken adobo for 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Well, if you’re serving chicken adobo, you have to pair it with some fluffy brown rice. You don’t want any of that sauce to go to waste! If you want to keep the Filipino theme going, serve Filipino Adobo Eggs or Filipino Empanadas on the side. For something lighter, try Steamed Broccoli. Another great side dish is this easy Bok Choy, which adds a nice crunch to your meal. Wash it all down with an Açaí Smoothie.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar
- 6 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with black pepper.
- Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and heat the olive oil. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the Instant Pot, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, bay leaves, and onion. Return the chicken to the pot, coating it in the mixture.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, use the "Quick Release" method to release the pressure.
- Remove the chicken and set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode again. Reduce the sauce until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Discard bay leaves and serve the chicken with the reduced sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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