Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is a delicious, hands-off dish that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of tender chicken simmered in a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet soy-vinegar sauce. The combination of spices, garlic, and bay leaves enhances the flavors, making this dish a family favorite that’s both easy and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and subtly sweet. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it an effortless meal for any day of the week. I love how the chicken becomes incredibly tender after hours of simmering in the flavorful sauce. Plus, the soy-vinegar combination creates a rich, mouthwatering flavor that’s so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, water, minced garlic, black peppercorns, brown sugar (if using), and paprika. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Add the sliced onion and bay leaves.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
Remove the bay leaves and discard. If desired, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Serve the chicken with its sauce over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
Spicy Adobo: Add more red pepper flakes or even a chopped fresh chili for an extra kick.
Sweet Adobo: Increase the brown sugar if you like a sweeter flavor to balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist on this classic dish.
Crispy Chicken: For crispy chicken, sear the chicken and then finish it under the broiler just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chicken and sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until heated through. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Related Recipes:
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Pot Pie Bake with Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter—around 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Absolutely! The searing step adds extra flavor, but the dish will still be delicious if you skip it.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo?
It’s traditionally served over rice, but you can also serve it with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a green vegetable for a well-rounded meal.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce separately in a saucepan for a few minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make this dish in a pressure cooker. Set it to cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is the perfect blend of flavor, convenience, and tenderness. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs the savory soy sauce, tangy vinegar, and sweet hints of brown sugar, making it a comforting and delicious dish for any occasion. Whether you serve it over rice or get creative with your sides, this recipe is sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is an easy and flavorful Filipino-inspired dish, featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet soy-vinegar sauce. With a combination of garlic, bay leaves, and spices, this hands-off recipe delivers comfort food at its finest. Serve it over rice for a meal your whole family will love!
Ingredients
2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, water, minced garlic, black peppercorns, brown sugar (if using), and paprika. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Add the sliced onion and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard. If desired, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serve the chicken with its sauce over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
For a sweeter taste, increase the brown sugar.
Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
To make crispy chicken, sear it and finish it under the broiler before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
