slow cooker adobo chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooker adobo chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share this slow cooker adobo chicken recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The origins of adobo are in the Philippines, where it’s a staple dish made with meat or seafood marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. When I first tried it, I was hooked – the combination of flavors and textures is just magic.

This slow cooker version is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it’s easy to prepare and can simmer all day while you’re out and about. The key technique here is using low and slow heat to break down the chicken and infuse it with all those delicious flavors.

My kids love helping me prep the ingredients, from chopping the onions to sprinkling the bay leaves on top. And when we sit down to eat, everyone agrees that this recipe is a winner.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies in – I like to serve it with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side. It’s also super healthy, as long as you don’t overdo it with the oil or butter (although let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little bit of grease?)

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick dinner solution.

Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken

4.5 from 1744 votes

This slow cooker adobo chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken in a savory soy-vinegar sauce with garlic and bay leaves. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and aromatic dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Adobo

3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon brown sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in a single layer.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, water, minced garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
3Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
5Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
6Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid, then spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the liquid in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 10 minutes until reduced. Adjust saltiness by using low-sodium soy sauce if desired.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken Works

This slow cooker adobo chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick dinner solution.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven for a delicious meal ready when you need it.

And don’t even get me started on serving ideas – we love serving this over steamed rice or noodles, but feel free to get creative with your own favorite sides.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken

Q: What is adobo?

A: Adobo is a popular Filipino dish made with meat or seafood marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. It’s often served with steamed rice or noodles.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly – boneless chicken will cook faster than bone-in chicken thighs.

Q: How long does the chicken need to cook in the slow cooker?

A: The chicken should cook for at least 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. You can also cook it for longer if you prefer your chicken extra tender.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot! Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables before transferring everything to the pot and cooking on high pressure for 10-15 minutes.

Q: Do I need to add oil or butter to the slow cooker?

A: You can add a bit of oil or butter if you prefer – just be sure not to overdo it as this will add extra calories. Alternatively, you can skip adding any extra fat altogether.

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