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.

Overhead photo of chicken adobo in instant pot.

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.

Close up side photo of chicken adobo in a bowl with rice.

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. 

Step by step photos for how to make adobo. Seasoning chicken, browning chicken, adding ingredients to instant pot and chicken after cooking.

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. 

Overhead photo of chicken adobo in a white bowl with rice.

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.

Spooning sauce over the top of chicken adobo.

More Filipino Family Recipes: 

Filipino Lumpia 

Slow cooker Pork Adobo

Pancit Recipe 

More Instant Pot Recipes: 

Instant Pot Chili 

Instant Pot Chicken Stock

Kalua Pork in the Instant Pot

More Chicken Recipes:

Dill Pickle Chicken Wings

Brined Fried Chicken

Chicken Curry

Note: This post was originally written in 2018. It was updated with step by step photos, nutrition facts and a video in 2021. 

 

Closeup overhead photo of chicken adobo in white bowl.

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!
4.8 from 25 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 11.7gProtein: 35.3gFat: 7.6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 1895mgFiber: 1.3gSugar: 1.8g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: chicken, filipino adobo, instant pot

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Ravi Mehta
    August 25, 2024 at 6:40 pm

    5 stars
    I modified it a bit this time. I cut out the water and added a can of unsweetened coconut milk. There was more liquid at the end, so I used a bit of corn starch to help thicken it up a bit… it was delicious!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      August 26, 2024 at 10:23 am

      Oooooh I am going to have to try that! Adding unsweetened coconut milk sounds fantastic!

  • Reply
    Roz
    August 7, 2024 at 2:46 pm

    Hi Carol,

    I would not season the chicken with salt and pepper due to the soy sauce containing so much sodium. I would also use low sodium soy sauce. I find this to salty for me too.

  • Reply
    Carol
    July 9, 2024 at 6:21 pm

    1 star
    I am an Award winning home cook, we tried this recipe for it’s simplicity. Too salty for our tastes, had to adjust the taste sauce, it smelled better than it tasted. Not a keeper.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      July 11, 2024 at 3:55 pm

      Thanks for your feedback, Carol. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it, this is one of our personal favorites!

  • Reply
    Pamela
    February 11, 2024 at 4:50 pm

    5 stars
    DELICIOUS! We used boneless, skinless thighs and breasts and skipped the searing step. Will be making this regularly. Thank you!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 11, 2024 at 6:24 pm

      You’re welcome, Pamela! It’s good to know that this is good with boneless thighs and breasts too! :)

  • Reply
    Kim
    January 30, 2024 at 8:34 am

    5 stars
    This chicken was so tender and tasty, we ate the whole lot in one go. Luckily, I had a couple of pieces left because it was even better the next day!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 6, 2024 at 4:19 pm

      Adobo is always so good the next day! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • Reply
    Ashley
    January 24, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was delicious!! Perfect savoury chicken and sauce to serve over rice.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      January 24, 2024 at 3:21 pm

      Thank you, Ashley!! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

  • Reply
    GraceInMotion
    September 13, 2023 at 10:41 am

    5 stars
    I am somewhat new to IP cooking but I consider myself an expert on Filipino adobo. I chose this recipe because it contains all the ingredients of adobo and nothing more. It uses bone-in chicken and no sugar. Sugar imho is not ever used in adobo. This is, by far, the best IP recipe I have ever made. I made the recipe as written using apple cider vinegar but I did double the sauce ingredients which I think is essential.

    I want to share a secret of adobo that those who have not cooked it before may not be aware of. The vinegar flavor is always more pronounced right after cooking and mellows considerably after resting for a few hours and especially overnight. The leftovers of this recipe are exceptional so be sure to make enough rice to enjoy every last bit. You won’t regret it. This is a perfect meal for dinner and to have lunches for the work week.

    Changes I will make moving forward for our personal taste, but are certainly not required, are adding at least two additional bay leaves and using whole peppercorns instead of ground. I was on the fence using the IP for browning meat prior to this recipe and cooking this sealed the deal for me. The amount of time it takes to get the chicken browned to my liking is beyond excessive. I will be using my 14” frying pan and deglazing it with the water called for in the recipe.

    I began using an IP after moving to Texas and experiencing the summer heat. The day I made this it was 110F and I would have never made this on the stovetop. I suggest making the adobo, transferring it and using the IP to make the rice. I served it with the best watermelon you ever tasted and can’t wait to make it again.

    My deepest thanks for this recipe. 💜

    • Reply
      Deseree
      September 14, 2023 at 4:29 pm

      You are so welcome, Grace! And thank you for taking the time to come back and comment. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this, I rarely make adobo on the stovetop anymore, this is just so much easier! It does take a little while to brown the chicken in the IP but I think your method of using a frying pan then deglazing would be great and I might try that next time. :)

  • Reply
    Evita
    June 16, 2023 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve tried many adobo recipes over the years and this is by far the best. I followed the recipe exact n served it with plain white rice. Thank you for sharing. Definitely will make this over n over again.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 20, 2023 at 1:50 pm

      Yahoo! That is so nice to hear, Evita!! You’re welcome :)

  • Reply
    Marina
    March 22, 2023 at 8:21 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious and easy? Loving it

  • Reply
    Toshiko
    June 24, 2022 at 9:45 am

    5 stars
    This has been my favorite dish since childhood and I am missing home today. I just wanted to tell you that you brought back some very happy memories, this is DELICIOUS! When I opened up the Instant Pot and the smell hit me, I knew this would be really tasty. Not only was it tasty but it also didn’t take long to make. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 25, 2022 at 9:06 am

      What a nice compliment, Toshiko!! One of the reasons I love food so much is the memories that surround it. I am so happy to hear that this recipe brought back memories for you, Thank you for sharing!!

  • Reply
    Alma
    June 21, 2022 at 5:05 pm

    1cup vinegar is too much w only 1 cup soy sauce

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 23, 2022 at 2:24 pm

      first its 1/2 cup each. I like to do the even amount, especially in the instant pot because using more soy sauce can cause it to be overly salty.

  • Reply
    Cathy trying
    May 16, 2022 at 3:28 pm

    Disappointed. Maybe I didn’t know what to expect but i nearly choked when i tasted this. Waaaaaay too vinegary.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      May 16, 2022 at 9:16 pm

      Sorry to hear that Cathy! Have you had chicken adobo before? It does tend to have a pretty sour, vinegar taste. You can try adding a bit of brown sugar to cut it if you try it again.

  • Reply
    Susie L.
    March 20, 2022 at 9:48 am

    5 stars
    This recipe never fails! It’s always perfect and saves SO much time. So much flavor without having to marinate. Thank you!!!!!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 20, 2022 at 9:07 pm

      Susie, I am so happy to hear that! You’re welcome and thank you for taking the time to leave a review!

  • Reply
    Alzie
    December 3, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    5 stars
    How do I change the recipe for frozen chicken

    • Reply
      Deseree
      December 6, 2021 at 11:15 am

      Hi Alzie! I am not sure that you can use frozen chicken for this because you need to brown it first. Sorry!

  • Reply
    Jackie Gaarder
    October 15, 2021 at 10:30 am

    5 stars
    Can’t wait to make it

    • Reply
      Deseree
      October 15, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      Hope you enjoy it!

  • Reply
    Dale Shillings
    April 5, 2021 at 5:27 pm

    5 stars
    I am confused. There is no adobo chilies or adobo sauce in the recipe?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 6, 2021 at 9:22 am

      Hi Dale! This is Filipino Chicken Adobo which doesn’t have either :)

  • Reply
    Catherine Lee
    March 26, 2021 at 11:03 am

    5 stars
    I 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!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 26, 2021 at 9:37 pm

      You’re welcome!

  • Reply
    Susie Q
    February 24, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    I 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!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 28, 2021 at 7:49 pm

      So happy to hear that! It is definitely one of our favorites too!

  • Reply
    Susie Q
    January 6, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    5 stars
    I 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!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      January 6, 2021 at 10:12 pm

      Susie, yay!! You are so welcome! My kiddos love this too, it’s a family favorite around here :)

  • Reply
    Michelle N.
    December 4, 2020 at 11:06 pm

    5 stars
    This 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!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      December 6, 2020 at 9:21 pm

      I am so happy to hear that, Michelle! So glad you enjoy it!

  • Reply
    Irma brennan
    February 21, 2020 at 8:11 am

    5 stars
    Can this dish. Be made on stove top??

    • Reply
      Deseree
      February 21, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      Yes, 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! :)

  • Reply
    Dorothy Reinhold
    February 11, 2020 at 5:51 pm

    5 stars
    This is exactly the type of dish that makes me love my Instant Pot! Dinner tomorrow will be a snap!

  • Reply
    Sara Welch
    February 11, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    5 stars
    Another great recipe for my Instant Pot! Definitely adding this to my dinner line up for the week!

  • Reply
    Katerina @ diethood .com
    February 11, 2020 at 1:11 am

    5 stars
    This sounds incredibly delicious! So many amazing flavors! YUM!

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    February 11, 2020 at 12:26 am

    5 stars
    This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is couldn’t look any more perfect!

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    February 10, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so good, I’m looking forward to trying it!

  • Reply
    Carrie Robinson
    February 10, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    5 stars
    How have I not bought an instant pot yet?? This looks amazing! :)

  • Reply
    Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
    March 18, 2018 at 8:59 am

    5 stars
    This looks really tasty! A great addition to our dinner rotation!

  • Reply
    Cathy @ Lemon Tree Dwelling
    March 17, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    This looks so inviting….I want to sit down at your table and enjoy it with you!

  • Reply
    Jen
    March 15, 2018 at 5:50 am

    The flavors sound amazing! I love garlic!!

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    March 15, 2018 at 5:48 am

    This really couldn’t get any easier! Love it!

  • Reply
    Delaney | Melanie Makes
    March 14, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    This is a wonderful dinner!

  • Reply
    jessica | novice chef
    March 14, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    I love everything about this! Cannot wait to try it!

  • Reply
    Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
    March 14, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    That looks so yummy and flavorful!

  • Des

    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.

    Read more »

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