Print

Easy Tender Instant Pot Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe for Beginners

Instant Pot Filipino Chicken Adobo - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy Filipino chicken adobo recipe made in the Instant Pot, delivering tender, flavorful chicken with a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and garlicky flavors in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) light soy sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) dark soy sauce
  • ½ cup (120 ml) white vinegar
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 3 dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 3 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels and trim excess fat if needed.
  2. Set Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add 6 crushed garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and brown for 3 to 4 minutes per side, scraping browned bits off the pot bottom with a wooden spoon.
  4. Pour in ½ cup light soy sauce, ¼ cup dark soy sauce, and ½ cup white vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Add ¾ cup water to help pressure build and prevent burning.
  6. Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to ‘Sealing,’ and select ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ mode on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  7. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
  8. Optional: Remove chicken and set pot to ‘Sauté’ mode to simmer sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
  9. Serve chicken with sauce spooned over, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh cracked pepper if desired.

Notes

Do not skip browning the chicken as it adds flavor and prevents burn warnings. Use a trusted soy sauce brand like Kikkoman for consistent flavor. For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Vinegar quantity can be adjusted to taste; start with less if new to adobo. Natural pressure release helps keep chicken juicy. Sauce can be reduced after cooking for thicker consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Filipino, Chicken Adobo, Easy, Quick, Pressure Cooker, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-tender-instant-pot-filipino-chicken-adobo-recipe-for-beginners/