Discover the delightful flavors of Chicken Adobo with our easy-to-follow recipe! This traditional Filipino dish combines tender chicken marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced between tangy and savory, our Chicken Adobo will surely become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo in Less Than 30 Mins
Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish that combines soy sauce, peppercorns, and white vinegar to create a flavorful meal. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop, it always turns out amazing. The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that cuts down cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, tenderizing meat, and even baking. You can enhance your Instant Pot experience with various accessories.
The marinade is what makes this dish so delicious. It’s bold and intense, perfect for boosting the flavor of the chicken. Chicken thighs are preferred because they are juicy and tender, absorbing the flavors of the sauce well. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs depending on your preference.
The cooking method for this dish is similar whether using a skillet or an Instant Pot. The key element is allowing the chicken to stew in the marinade until it becomes tender. In the skillet, this takes about 30 minutes while the Instant Pot only needs half that time. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for the quicker method which produces flavorful and tender chicken in just 23 minutes.
If you have extra time, you can cook rice at the same time using the Pot-in-Pot method in your Instant Pot. Just place rice in a bowl on top of a trivet above the chicken. Be sure to naturally release all of the pressure to avoid soggy rice.
This recipe calls for Filipino cane sugar vinegar but you can substitute with white vinegar or rice vinegar if needed. The black peppercorns add traditional flavor; you can use whole or slightly crushed ones.
To make this dish, mix up the marinade and add it to your Instant Pot along with the chicken. Set the machine to Pressure Cook for the recommended time, allowing for pressure build-up and natural release. If desired, you can sear the skin side of the chicken first for added flavor and texture. The sauce can be thickened with a corn starch slurry if desired, and onions can be added for extra flavor.
Why Use An Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can drastically cut down on cooking time, making it perfect for busy individuals. It is especially useful for developing flavors in soups and stews, tenderizing tough cuts of meat, and even baking cheesecakes. Its ability to quickly cook ingredients while retaining their flavors makes it a valuable tool in the kitchen.
One of the main benefits of using an Instant Pot is its ability to reduce cooking time without compromising taste. With the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same delicious results as traditional cooking methods, such as slow cooking or stovetop cooking, in a fraction of the time. This is particularly beneficial for those who have limited time to prepare meals but still want to enjoy flavorful dishes.
Another advantage of using an Instant Pot is its convenience. It offers a one-pot cooking solution, meaning you can sauté, simmer, and pressure cook all in one container. This reduces the number of dishes you need to clean up afterwards and saves time on meal preparation.
The Instant Pot also allows for precise temperature control and consistent results. It has various settings that cater to different cooking methods, ensuring that your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly every time. Whether you’re making soups, stews, or even desserts like cheesecake, the Instant Pot provides reliable and consistent results.
The Instant Pot is a valuable kitchen appliance that offers convenience and efficiency in meal preparation. Its ability to quickly develop flavors and tenderize meat makes it ideal for creating delicious dishes like Chicken Adobo in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re a busy individual or simply looking to streamline your cooking process, the Instant Pot is a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.
What is Chicken Adobo?
Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish that combines soy sauce, peppercorns, and white vinegar to create a flavorful marinade for chicken. It can be made using different cooking methods such as the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop, and it always turns out amazing. The Instant Pot is a useful kitchen appliance that cuts down on cooking time and helps develop flavors in dishes like soups, stews, and even cheesecakes. Chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe because they are juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the flavors of the marinade. The marinade itself is bold and intense, giving the chicken a boost of amazing flavor. Chicken Adobo can be served with rice and garnished with onions if desired. Overall, it is a quick and easy weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Adobo
To make Chicken Adobo, you will need the following ingredients:
– Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are preferred because of their soft texture and ability to soak up the flavors of the sauce. However, you can use any cut of chicken you have on hand.
– Black peppercorns: Whole or slightly crushed black peppercorns are a traditional ingredient in Chicken Adobo. In a pinch, you could use ground black pepper.
– Filipino cane sugar vinegar: This vinegar adds a unique flavor to the dish. If you can’t find it, you can substitute white vinegar or rice vinegar.
– Bay leaves: Bay leaves add a distinctive flavor and fragrance to the dish. They should be removed and discarded before serving.
– Sugar (optional): Adding a small amount of sugar provides a slight sweetness that complements the vinegar in the dish.
To make Chicken Adobo in an Instant Pot, you will also need an Instant Pot pressure cooker.
The recipe suggests marinating the chicken in the sauce for at least a few hours or up to one day before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb more flavor and become juicier. If using skin-on chicken pieces, it is recommended to sear them in olive oil before adding the sauce to create firmer skin once cooked.
You can serve the chicken pieces whole or chop them up, and if desired, thicken the sauce with a corn starch slurry.
Overall, making Chicken Adobo is relatively simple and requires minimal ingredients. The result is a flavorful and delicious Filipino dish that can be enjoyed as a weeknight meal.
How to Make Chicken Adobo in the Instant Pot
Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish that can be easily made in the Instant Pot. To make it, start by combining garlic, soy sauce, and peppercorns in a non-reactive bowl or large freezer bag. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it marinate for at least 3 hours or up to one day.
When you’re ready to cook, add the marinade, vinegar, and bay leaves to the Instant Pot. Place the chicken thighs into the pot and bring the liquid to a boil using the Saute mode. Once boiling, turn off the machine and set it to Pressure Cook for 8 minutes (for boneless skinless) or 10 minutes (for skin-on, bone-in). Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick manual release.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Switch on the Saute setting again and return the sauce to a boil. Add sugar and stir until combined. While occasionally turning and basting the chicken, continue boiling the sauce uncovered until it is reduced by half and slightly thickened, which takes around 5-7 minutes.
Pro Cooking Tip
Marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight will result in a more juicy and flavorful outcome. If time allows, it is worth marinating the chicken for maximum flavor.
If using skin-on chicken pieces, searing the chicken in a bit of olive oil before adding the sauce will result in a firmer skin once cooked. This adds texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
To thicken the sauce, you can create a corn starch slurry by mixing corn starch with water and then adding it to the boiling sauce. This will give the sauce a thicker consistency, perfect for drizzling over rice or dipping.
If cooking the chicken adobo in a skillet instead of an Instant Pot, allow the sauce to naturally dissipate during cooking. This will result in a thick sauce that coats the chicken pieces and adds extra flavor to each bite.
For added flavor, you can include onions in your chicken adobo recipe. Simply sauté them before adding the sauce and continue with the cooking process. The onions will lend a delicious aroma and taste to the dish.
If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating the chicken beforehand and simply combine all ingredients directly in the Instant Pot. While marinating enhances flavor, this shortcut still results in a delicious dish within 30 minutes.
When selecting chicken cuts for your adobo recipe, chicken thighs are recommended due to their tender texture and ability to absorb flavors. However, you can use any cut of chicken based on personal preference or what you have on hand.
If you can’t find Filipino cane sugar vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes. These vinegars provide a mild flavor similar to cane sugar vinegar and will still contribute to the delicious taste of the adobo sauce.
To achieve a complete meal in one pot, you can cook rice at the same time as the chicken in the Instant Pot using the Pot in Pot method. Place the rice in a bowl on top of a trivet, making sure it doesn’t touch the chicken. This saves time and reduces cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Chicken Adobo?
Chicken Adobo is a popular Filipino dish that combines soy sauce, peppercorns, and vinegar to create a flavorful marinade for chicken.
2. Can I make Chicken Adobo in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make Chicken Adobo in the Instant Pot. The cooking time is reduced compared to traditional methods, making it a quick and easy option.
3. What cut of chicken should I use for Chicken Adobo?
Chicken thighs are preferred for Chicken Adobo because they are tender and can soak up the flavors of the marinade. However, you can use any cut of chicken you have on hand.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the marinade?
You can customize the marinade by adding onions or sugar for added flavor. However, these additions are optional and not necessary for a delicious Chicken Adobo.
5. How long should I marinate the chicken?
If you have time, it’s best to marinate the chicken for at least a few hours or up to one day. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and result in a more juicy and flavorful dish.
6. Can I thicken the sauce?
If desired, you can thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry after cooking. This will create a thicker consistency that coats the chicken pieces well.
7. How long does it take to cook Chicken Adobo in the Instant Pot?
Cooking time will vary depending on whether you are using boneless skinless chicken thighs or skin-on bone-in thighs. Boneless skinless thighs typically take 8 minutes under pressure, while skin-on bone-in thighs take 10 minutes.
8. Can I cook rice at the same time in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use the Pot in Pot method to cook rice at the same time as the chicken. Just make sure to naturally release all of the pressure before opening the pot to prevent soggy rice.
9. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
If you can’t find Filipino cane sugar vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or rice vinegar. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still result in a delicious Chicken Adobo.
Should I eat the peppercorns?
The decision to eat the peppercorns in your Chicken Adobo dish is entirely up to personal preference. Some people enjoy the added burst of flavor and slight heat that the whole or slightly crushed peppercorns provide. However, if you prefer a milder taste or do not enjoy biting into whole peppercorns, you can opt to remove them before serving. One option is to crush the peppercorns before adding them to the marinade or use ground black pepper instead. Alternatively, you can tie the peppercorns and bay leaves in a cheesecloth packet, making it easier to remove them from the sauce before serving.
What is the best type of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs are the best type of chicken to use for Chicken Adobo. They have a soft texture and are able to soak up the flavors of the sauce. You can use both boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken thighs with skin and bone, depending on your preference. The skin-on chicken thighs can be seared before cooking to add flavor and texture to the dish.
What if I can’t find Filipino cane sugar vinegar?
If you can’t find Filipino cane sugar vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or rice vinegar. These vinegars have a similar mild flavor and can provide the acidity needed for the dish. While the Filipino cane sugar vinegar adds a unique taste to the chicken adobo, using a substitute will still result in a delicious and flavorful dish.
In conclusion, the chicken adobo recipe offers a flavorful and simple way to enjoy a classic Filipino dish. With its tangy and savory flavors, this dish can be easily prepared using common pantry ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, chicken adobo is a versatile and delicious option to add to your culinary repertoire.
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