Description
This streamlined version of a Filipino comfort favorite is made quickly in the Instant Pot® with tender chicken simmered in a savory soy sauce and vinegar base, finished with aromatic garlic, onions, and bay leaves. Perfect served over rice.
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
Instructions
1. Season the chicken legs generously with salt and pepper.
2. Turn an Instant Pot® to the high saute setting and add the oil. Once shimmering, add half the chicken pieces and brown on both sides, about 7 minutes. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
3. Return all chicken to the pot. Add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Lock the lid, set to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes following manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Quick release the pressure carefully, then unlock and remove the lid. Switch the Instant Pot® back to high saute.
6. Boil and reduce the sauce until dark brown and thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves.
7. Transfer chicken and sauce to a serving platter, garnish with scallions, and serve with rice.
Notes
This Filipino-style adobo is different from Mexican or Caribbean adobo. The soy sauce reflects Chinese influence and replaces salt, while vinegar preserves the meat and deepens flavor. For a richer sauce, let it reduce longer before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1280 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg