Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 1 hr 20 min
  • Active: 25 min
This streamlined version of a Filipino comfort favorite is speedy in your Instant Pot® multi-cooker, and there's only one pot to clean. Adobo in the Philippines has its origins in the Malay practice of preserving meat in vinegar and/or salt and differs from the Mexican sauce or Caribbean seasoning known by the same name. The soy sauce in Filipino adobo reflects Chinese influences and largely replaces salt in the dish. Mixed with vinegar and aromatics, it makes a deliciously savory base for the dish and an excellent sauce for the rice that accompanies it.
Advertisement

Ingredients

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

Cooked rice, for serving

Directions

Special equipment:
an Instant Pot® multi-cooker
  1. Season the chicken legs generously with salt and pepper. Turn an Instant Pot® (see Cook's Note) to the high saute setting and add the oil. Once it's shimmering, but not smoking, add half the chicken pieces and brown on both sides, about 7 minutes. Remove with tongs to a plate and brown the remaining chicken pieces. 
  2. Return all the chicken to the multi-cooker and add the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, onion and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
  3. After the pressure cook cycle is complete follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release and wait until the quick release cycle is complete. Careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid and turn the Instant Pot® back to the high saute setting. Let the sauce come to a boil and reduce it until dark brown and thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. 
  4. Transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving platter, sprinkle with scallions and serve with rice.

Cook’s Note

Settings may vary on your Instant Pot depending on the model. Please refer to the manufacturer's guide.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Irai R.

I was too hungry to wait and helped myself to piece of chicken before I browned the sauce. It was very good. I thought, "Oh, I can make this again." Then, I reduced the sauce...and WOW! I am DEFINITELY making this dish again and again! (Following the suggestions on the comments, I used 2 TBSP of sugar. I added another teaspoon or so when I was reducing the sauce, and to my taste, that was the perfect amount of sweetness to go with the soy and vinegar.)

See All Reviews