Instant Pot Chicken Adobo Recipe

Chicken adobo is one of the most iconic and comforting dishes in Filipino cuisine flavorful, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Traditionally slow-simmered on the stove, this version is made even easier with the help of the Instant Pot, bringing all the bold flavors you love in a fraction of the time.

Whether you're new to adobo or looking for a quicker way to enjoy this classic, this one-pot version delivers fall-off-the-bone chicken and a rich, glossy sauce perfect for spooning over rice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Adobo's signature flavor comes from the trifecta of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, which create a savory-sweet glaze with just the right amount of tang. Using the pressure cook setting in the Instant Pot allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful in under 30 minutes including prep.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 4 chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks separated)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1/3 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar

• 5 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced

• 2 scallions, sliced (for garnish)

• Cooked rice, for serving

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Brown in the Instant Pot:
   Set your Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Add the oil and once hot (but not smoking), brown half the chicken pieces on both sides, about 7 minutes total. Remove and repeat with the remaining pieces.

3. Build the Flavor:
   Return all the chicken to the pot. Add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

4. Pressure Cook:
   Lock the lid according to your Instant Pot's instructions. Set to high pressure cook for 8 minutes.

5. Quick Release and Reduce the Sauce:
   Once done, carefully perform a quick release. Open the lid and turn the Instant Pot back to high sauté. Let the sauce boil and reduce until thick and glossy about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

6. Serve and Garnish:
   Transfer chicken and sauce to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh scallions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition Spotlight

This dish is naturally protein-rich and uses heart-healthy garlic and vinegar, both of which offer potential benefits for cardiovascular and digestive health. Using skin-on, bone-in chicken adds flavor and depth to the sauce, though you can swap in boneless thighs for a leaner option.

Tips for Success

• Want a deeper umami flavor? Add a splash of fish sauce or a few mushrooms during cooking.

• Keep an eye on the sauce during the sauté stage it thickens quickly as it reduces.

• For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar by half and balance with more garlic or a dash of coconut aminos.

Storage Tip

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen.

Rich in culture and bursting with flavor, Filipino cuisine is rooted in family, tradition, and bold, nourishing meals. If you enjoyed this quick take on a timeless favorite, share it or subscribe to our newsletter for more global-inspired recipes and healthy kitchen tips.