Hey! I'm Des!
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Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a savory chicken dish with soy sauce, vinegar, peppercorn, garlic and bay leaves. A classic Filipino dish made easy in the Instant Pot.
I have been loving my Instant Pot lately. I’ve made Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese, artichokes and herb potatoes. And not to mention all the hard boiled eggs. And I thought it was high time I try some filipino instant pot dishes.
What is Filipino chicken adobo?
Thanks to my Filipino heritage, chicken adobo has always been a staple around these parts. If you are unfamiliar with Filipino Chicken Adobo, it is chicken simmered in a savory sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, pepper and bay leaves. Traditionally, adobo takes at least an hour to make and, don’t get me wrong, it’s totally worth every minute. But for those nights when you have a little less time Instant Pot Chicken Adobo can be done faster and is every bit as delicious.
And can we just talk about all the garlic for a second. Because seriously, it is my favorite part. Because garlic.
How do you make Chicken Adobo in the Instant Pot?
Despite trying many different dishes in the Instant Pot, I have been a little hesitant to try chicken. I was hesitant because, to be totally honest, I am not a huge fan of chicken in the slow cooker. It always seems to be a bit dry. I thought the instant pot would produce the same results. But guys, it does not. Not at all. The chicken in this Instant Pot Chicken adobo is super succulent.
Step 1: To make Filipino Chicken Adobo in the instant pot, start by seasoning both sides of the meat liberally with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Brown the chicken on all sides. You will likely need to do this in batches so that you don’t over crowd the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Place all the chicken and remaining ingredients in the instant pot and seal.
Step 4: Cook 9 minutes, do a natural release and then simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens just a bit.
DES’ TIP: One of the reasons that the chicken stays so succulent is that I chose to use chicken drumsticks in this recipe. I chose to use chicken drumsticks instead of chicken breasts because they are often more tender and do not dry out as quickly. A mix of chicken drumsticks and bone-in chicken thighs would be a great combination as well.
If you are wondering what to serve with chicken adobo, I always serve chicken adobo over jasmine rice with some roasted vegetables on the side.
More Filipino Family Recipes:
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More Chicken Recipes:
Note: This post was originally written in 2018. It was updated with step by step photos, nutrition facts and a video in 2021.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other higher heat oil such as canola)
- 1/2 yellow onion sliced
- 10 - 12 garlic gloves peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar (apple cider vinegar is also a good alternative)
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
Season chicken drumsticks liberally with salt and pepper.
With the saute feature on, heat oil and cook chicken pieces, in batches if necessary, until browned on all sides.
If you cooked the chicken in batches, return all chicken to the pot. Add in remaining ingredients. Put lid on the pot and seal.
Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. Do a manual release.
With the lid off, simmer for 10 - 15 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
Remove bay leaves. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and top with sauce. Serve with rice.
Notes
Nutrition facts are for estimation purposes only.
Nutrition information
Calories: 265 , Total Fat: 7.6g , Saturated Fat: 2g , Cholesterol: 101mg , Sodium: 1895mg , Carbohydrates: 11.7g , Fiber: 1.3g , Sugar: 1.8g , Protein: 35.3g
Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
Have new recipes emailed to you.
Dale Shillings
April 5, 2021 at 5:27 pmI am confused. There is no adobo chilies or adobo sauce in the recipe?
Deseree
April 6, 2021 at 9:22 amHi Dale! This is Filipino Chicken Adobo which doesn’t have either :)
Catherine Lee
March 26, 2021 at 11:03 amI love chicken adobo, my Phillipines step mother taught me to make it and now I’m so happy to find a pressure cooker version! Thank you!
Deseree
March 26, 2021 at 9:37 pmYou’re welcome!
Susie Q
February 24, 2021 at 12:51 pmI made this a couple of times, and it was a huge success both times—even my picky kids ate it up! This will become a regular on our menu rotation. Thanks for sharing!
Deseree
February 28, 2021 at 7:49 pmSo happy to hear that! It is definitely one of our favorites too!
Susie Q
January 6, 2021 at 5:46 pmI made this tonight — and even my pickiest kid ate up his chicken leg! As a result, we actually had no leftovers, which is a rarity in our home. We will definitely do this again — thank you so much for sharing!
Deseree
January 6, 2021 at 10:12 pmSusie, yay!! You are so welcome! My kiddos love this too, it’s a family favorite around here :)
Michelle N.
December 4, 2020 at 11:06 pmThis recipe is the epitome of instant yumminess! Not only does it look delicious, but it is scrumptious. Super easy and quick to prep and cook. I made 10 chicken thighs for 6 people and it wasn’t enough. Definitely a family favorite!
Deseree
December 6, 2020 at 9:21 pmI am so happy to hear that, Michelle! So glad you enjoy it!
Irma brennan
February 21, 2020 at 8:11 amCan this dish. Be made on stove top??
Deseree
February 21, 2020 at 4:10 pmYes, Irma! You certainly can. To do that simply brown the chicken in a large pot on the stove like you do in this recipe. Then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. It should be falling off the bone. I’ve made it many many times on the stove top! :)
Dorothy Reinhold
February 11, 2020 at 5:51 pmThis is exactly the type of dish that makes me love my Instant Pot! Dinner tomorrow will be a snap!
Sara Welch
February 11, 2020 at 1:03 pmAnother great recipe for my Instant Pot! Definitely adding this to my dinner line up for the week!
Katerina @ diethood .com
February 11, 2020 at 1:11 amThis sounds incredibly delicious! So many amazing flavors! YUM!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
February 11, 2020 at 12:26 amThis Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is couldn’t look any more perfect!
Kimberly
February 10, 2020 at 7:05 pmThis looks so good, I’m looking forward to trying it!
Carrie Robinson
February 10, 2020 at 4:39 pmHow have I not bought an instant pot yet?? This looks amazing! :)
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
March 18, 2018 at 8:59 amThis looks really tasty! A great addition to our dinner rotation!
Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling
March 17, 2018 at 1:17 pmThis looks so inviting….I want to sit down at your table and enjoy it with you!
Jen
March 15, 2018 at 5:50 amThe flavors sound amazing! I love garlic!!
Sabrina
March 15, 2018 at 5:48 amThis really couldn’t get any easier! Love it!
Delaney | Melanie Makes
March 14, 2018 at 8:53 pmThis is a wonderful dinner!
jessica | novice chef
March 14, 2018 at 5:56 pmI love everything about this! Cannot wait to try it!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
March 14, 2018 at 5:43 pmThat looks so yummy and flavorful!