Easy Instant Pot Chicken Adobo Recipe
This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is a delicious way to enjoy chicken with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken thighs and savory and sweet sauce makes this an easy and flavorful meal. The Instant Pot makes this dish quick to prepare and cooks the chicken perfectly, you can’t go wrong.
After trying this chicken adobo recipe be sure to also try this flavorful Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a pressure cooker twist on the classic chicken adobe recipe. Which means that it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- In this pressure cooker version, you get tender chicken thighs every time that you make them.
- The ingredients are easy to find and the recipe is simple to make.
- Plus, you’ll get that same delicious adobe flavor in a fraction of the time!
Equipment Needed
You only need a couple of kitchen tools to help you make this Filipino adobo recipe. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy this delicious meal.
- Instant Pot – 6 quarts or larger
- wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
You only need a handful of basic ingredients and a little bit of time to make this great recipe. So, pull out these ingredients and get ready for a simple meal that the whole family will enjoy.
- bone-in chicken thighs
- olive oil – or any other neutral oil like avocado or canola.
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- soy sauce
- sugar
- white vinegar
- minced garlic
- bay leaves
- chives- Fresh chives are preferred, but dried chives add a touch of flavor as well.
How to Make This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo Recipe
This easy recipe comes together in a few simple steps. This is a quick overview of the steps, You can find the full step-by-step instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Heat the oil in the pressure cooker
Set the instant pot to the sauté setting and add the oil to the insert.
Step 2: Sear the chicken on all sides
Once the pot is hot, add the chicken skin side down and sear for 2 minutes in the hot oil. Flip the chicken on the other side and sear for an additional 2 minutes. Repeat searing on each side a second time.
Step 3: Deglaze the pot
After the chicken is browned, add the vinegar and scrap the bottom of the pot to loosen any remnants to prevent burning.
Step 4: Add the sauce ingredients
Add the soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, and bay leaves.
Step 5: Pressure cook the chicken
Seal the lid and pressure valve and set the instant pot to high pressure for 7 minutes. When the timer is complete naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Finish the chicken
Remove the chicken and drizzle the delicious sauce from the instant pot over the chicken. Then, garnish with chives and serve with steamed rice or any other favorite side.
What To Serve With This Dish
My family loves to pair this classic Filipino dish with a bed of white rice. And, this Sticky Rice is my favorite recipe to pair with it. You could also add in a vegetable like this Easy Baked Zucchini Squash recipe.
Substitutions and Additions
Here are a few ways that you can add additional flavor or personalize this easy Instant Pot recipe.
- You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts instead however you will need to adjust the pressure cooking time.
- If you don’t have olive oil on hand you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or even vegetable oil instead if you prefer.
- Need a gluten-free sauce since coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- You can use any type of vinegar – apple cider, white wine, or rice vinegar for example.
- Add some heat by adding a few red chili flakes or adding in some diced jalapenos.
- Are you on a low-carb diet? You can serve this on top of a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
How To Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to help ensure that this recipe turns out perfectly for you every time that you make it.
- When you add the vinegar make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to remove all the brown bits. This will not only add flavor to the sauce but it will prevent a burn notice.
- Make sure that you allow this Instant Pot Adobo Chicken to complete a natural release for at least 10 minutes. This prevents the chicken from being tough.
- You shouldn’t have a lot of liquid left, however, if there is too much liquid you can turn the pot on saute and add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it then pour it over the chicken pieces.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this chicken adobo Instant Pot recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Adobo is a dish that originated in the Philippines, however, it has been adapted in different regions and countries. It’s commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico or Latin America.
Adobo typically consists of meat, vegetables, garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce. It’s a savory stew that is both delicious and easy to make.
The best way to reheat your adobo is in the microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe container, and heat for one-minute intervals until the dish is heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F.
Other Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You May Enjoy
- Instant Pot Carnitas
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
- Instant Pot Chicken Soup
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs with the skin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt kosher
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chives freshly diced
Instructions
- Set the instant pot to sauté setting and add the oil to the insert.
- Once the pot is hot, add the chicken skin side down and sear for 2 minutes. Flip the chicken on the other side and sear for an additional 2 minutes. Repeat searing on each side a second time.
- After the chicken is browned, add the vinegar and scrap the bottom of the pot to loosen any remnants to prevent burning.
- Add the soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Seal the lid and pressure valve and set the instant pot to high pressure for 7 minutes. When the timer is complete naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and drizzle the sauce in the instant pot over the chicken.
- Garnish with chives and serve with steamed rice or any other favorite side.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
