There's something undeniably special about a dish that combines simple ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. One such dish is the Filipino classic, Instant Pot Chicken Adobo.

Now, imagine being able to recreate this savory and tangy delicacy in your kitchen with the help of an Instant Pot.

Yes, you heard that right! The ease of making Instant Pot Recipes makes this chicken recipe not only simple but also incredibly quick.

So if you're looking for a tasty, hassle-free dinner idea, stick around as we dive into our Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo serving with rie and broccoli.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Cooking Chicken Adobo in the Instant Pot infuses the chicken with intense flavors while keeping it tender and juicy.

The pressure cooking method allows the marinade to penetrate deeply, resulting in a dish that's flavorful in every bite.

Plus, the Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, turning what was once a slow-cooked recipe into a quick and easy meal.

Chicken Adobo Ingredients

Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️

boneless skinless chicken thighs: Using chicken thighs ensures your adobo is rich and tender as thighs are more flavorful and moist than chicken breasts.
Salt and black pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
soy sauce: Gives the dish its characteristic savory taste.
white vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dish, balancing out the richness of the chicken and soy sauce.
granulated white sugar: A touch of sugar balances the saltiness and acidity.
onion: Onions add a hint of sweetness and texture.
fresh garlic: Garlic provides a robust flavor foundation for this dish.
bay leaves: Bay leaves infuse the dish with a subtle, herbal aroma.
oil: Used for browning the chicken, which adds depth of flavor.
ground cayenne pepper: A pinch of cayenne gives a hint of heat.
cornstarch and cold water: This mixture thickens the sauce, making it cling to the chicken better.
cooked white rice: Serves as a neutral base, soaking up the flavorful adobo sauce.

👇See the step by step directions below!

Easy Steps to Make Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Prep: Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.

Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting, add oil, and brown the chicken thighs on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Browning seasoned chicken thighs in the Instant Pot.

Step 2: In the same pot, add the garlic, sugar, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar and onions.

Adding the chicken adobo seasonings and sauce.

Step 3: Return the browned chicken to the pot.

Adding the browned chicken to the seasonings and sauce ingredients.

Step 4: Secure the lid, twist the pressure valve to closed and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure, and pressure cook for 8 minutes.

Step 5: Once done, do a quick release of the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the lid.

The cooked chicken adobo before thickening the sauce.

Step 6: Switch back to the sauté setting, and stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce. Simmer until the sauce has thickened.

Adding corn starch slurry to the sauce to thicken.

Step 7: Once thickened you are ready to serve. Serve hot over cooked white rice with steamed broccoli on the side.

Cooked chicken adobo in the thickened adobo sauce.

Perfect Sides with Chicken Adobo

Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, carrots, or any other vegetables of your choice
Fresh salad - A simple tossed salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and flavorful adobo sauce.
Garlic fried rice - This Filipino staple complements the adobo perfectly.
Stir-fried noodles - Traditional Filipino pancit noodles or any other stir-fried noodles make a great addition to the meal.
Grilled pineapple - The sweet & spicy flavor of my chili lime grilled pineapple balances out the savory and tangy flavors of chicken adobo.
Coconut rice - For a twist on traditional white rice, try serving it with my creamy coconut rice recipe for a creamy and aromatic accompaniment to chicken adobo.
Fresh fruit - A platter of fresh fruits like mangoes, papaya, and pineapple adds a tropical touch to the meal.

Chicken Adobo served over white rice and served in a bowl.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts may turn out less juicy than thighs.

Can I make this dish without an Instant Pot?

Yes, but it will require longer cooking time on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

📌Pro Cooking Tips

You can use a mix of chicken thighs and drumsticks for more variety.
For a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar to taste.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
Browning the chicken first adds a layer of flavor to the dish.
Be sure to do a quick release after pressure cooking to prevent overcooking the chicken.
Always thicken the sauce at the end of cooking for the best texture.

Garnished dish with green onion and served with steamed broccoli.

Treat Yourself with Instant Pot Chicken Adobo Tonight

With its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, this Instant Pot Chicken Adobo is sure to be a hit at your dining table.

The convenience of pressure cooking in an Instant Pot makes this dish an ideal choice for weekday dinners or weekend feasts.

So why wait? Dive into the delightful world of Filipino cuisine with this recipe.

Craving More? Try These Instant Pot Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out these other delicious dishes that are easy to prepare using your Instant Pot.

⭐Leave a Star Rating

Have you tried the recipe? Leave a star rating in the recipe card below to let me know how the recipe turn out.

Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo