Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe is an amazing main dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. It uses only a small number of simple ingredients but packs in a ton of flavor!

Chicken cubes on jasmine rice topped with chopped parsley and scallion

This chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Just add everything to the Instant Pot, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in just 35 minutes!

Should I Use Chicken Breast or Thighs?

I tend to use cubed chicken breast for this recipe, but you could also use thighs if that’s what you prefer. The cook time will remain the same.

What Size Should I Cut the Chicken?

This Filipino recipe calls for chicken cut into cubes. They don’t have to be perfectly square, and it’s ok if the size varies a little. I try to cut the chicken into bite size pieces for a better eating experience.

Can I Substitute Another Type of Vinegar?

This recipe calls for apple cider vinegar which lends a subtle sweetness to the dish, but you can swap in another type of vinegar if needed. White wine vinegar would be a good substitute here.

If you use a type of vinegar that’s not as sweet, you could always incorporate a little more honey or another sweetener to make up for it if you’d like.

Can You Eat Bay Leaves?

While you technically could eat a bay leaf without any harm, I would not recommend it. You’d be much better off removing bay leaves before serving.

Bay leaves are added to many soups and stews because they add a subtle bitter peppery taste that help to balance the overall flavor. However, they stay rigid even after hours of cooking, which is an unpleasant texture and could even be a potential choking hazard! To avoid this, simply dispose of bay leaves before serving.

Can I Use Minced Garlic?

Yes—in this Instant Pot recipe, you could add garlic cloves whole, sliced, or minced. Minced garlic will provide the most even garlic flavor throughout.

Can I use beef or pork instead?

Sure! You can also check this Instant Pot Pork Adobo recipe.

Variations

Adobo originated in the Philippines and is often made with chicken, pork, or a combination of the two. One reader has suggested adding potatoes to this pressure cooker recipe.

Adobo dishes vary in different cultures, but often incorporate pineapple, which adds sweetness and acidity to the dish. Many recipes will also have coconut milk and/or chilis for added heat. Thanks to one of our subscribers for the tips!

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, you can serve this Instant Pot Chicken Adobo with steamed vegetables and some kind of grain like plain rice, brown rice, quinoa or couscous.

More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a review in the comments section below. Thanks!

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

A simple yet delicious Filipino dish that can be made easily with the ingredients available in your pantry…
4.82 from 16 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: bay leaves, chicken, Chicken Adobo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Corrie

Ingredients

  • 2 lb chicken in cubes
  • cup apple cider vinegar
  • cup soy sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Place the chicken and all the other ingredients to the Instant Pot.
  • Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • When cooking time is complete, do a quick pressure release. (If needed, move the little handle to "venting").
  • Open the lid and transfer chicken to a serving dish.
  • Select sauté and let the sauce simmer for 10 more minutes.
  • Drizzle the prepared sauce over chicken and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcal Carbohydrates: 2g Protein: 15g Fat: 11g Saturated Fat: 3g Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 54mg Sodium: 773mg Potassium: 197mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 1g Vitamin A: 106IU Vitamin C: 2mg Calcium: 18mg Iron: 1mg
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5 thoughts on “Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

  1. This dish from the Philippines is often made with chicken or pork, or both. I have varied it by, at times, adding potatoes, and/or pineapple chunks, and/or coconut milk, and/or chili for heat.

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