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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Chicken Recipes » Chicken Adobo (Fillipino recipe) in a Slow Cooker

    LAST UPDATED: December 28, 2021 • FIRST PUBLISHED: September 9, 2020 By Toni Dash 23 Comments

    Chicken Adobo (Fillipino recipe) in a Slow Cooker

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    CHICKEN ADOBO TITLE IMAGE

    Chicken Adobo is a favorite tangy, salty, sweet Fillipino recipe because it’s easy and delicious! We’ve made it even easier with the slow cooker. Only a few minutes to set it up and favorite comfort food is ready in 4 effortless hours.

    CHICKEN ADOBO TITLE IMAGE

    Slow cooker recipes are a cool weather staple.

    They are easy to pull together and the crock pot cooking builds delicious flavor! 

    Chicken Adobo is a soul-warming recipe with salty, sweet and tangy flavors that’s perfect any time.

    We’ve taken a classic international stove top recipe and made it in the slow cooker instead.

    For more chicken recipes with international flair try Tuscan Chicken, Cashew Chicken, Korean BBQ Chicken or Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken! 

    An Authentic Filipino recipe

    Before making this recipe I did alot of research. I wanted to so justice to what is a treasured national dish of the Philippines.

    To my good fortune a local friend in the Philippines. She helped guide the accuracy of the recipe as well as giving insight and pro tips!

    chicken adobo cooked in slow cooker on spoon

    What is Fillipino Chicken Adobo?

    Chicken Adobo is a tangy-salty dish made with just a handful of ingredients.

    It’s budget-friendly, cooks quickly when made on the stove top and only uses a handful of ingredients.

    It’s a flexible recipe to use ingredients you have on hand.

    A rule of thumb is to add more soy sauce than vinegar to the marinade. 

    It’s a slighty salty dish thanks to the soy sauce. But there are tricks we’ve used to lessen this.

    Pro Tip: if it’s too salty add some potatoes to absorb some of the sauce.

    chicken adobo in bowls

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Boneless skinless Chicken Thighs – chicken thighs have more flavor and will stay moist when cooking. Chicken breasts can also be used though have a tendency to dry out.

    Soy Sauce – regular or gluten-free soy sauce can be used. Do not use dark soy sauce!

    Distilled White Vinegar – When made traditionally any type of vinegar may be used. We like the distinct tang of distilled white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar or cane vinegar can also be used. In the traditional version Calamansi, a type of lime may be used instead of vinegar for the acidity.

    Bay Leaves

    Whole Black Peppercorn – these are used in pepper grinders to make black pepper. They can be purchased with spices in any store and are used whole in the recipe.

    Garlic Cloves

    Brown Sugar – The traditional version does not include sugar. Sugar is added to offset the saltiness of the soy sauce NOT to make it a sweet dish. Adding sugar is a matter of personal preference. We include brown sugar for the wonderful addition of flavor. Brown sugar is suggested if using sugar.

    Variations

    Coconut Aminos can be substituted for the soy sauce. Because it is sweet, no additional sugar is needed if using it.

    Like many regional recipes, this recipe can be changed up to meet your needs. Add an onion or carrots for a heartier dish. 

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    Marinating the chicken isn’t necessary since it cooks in the slow cooker. The chicken pieces will absorb the sauce while cooking.

    STEP 1: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

    chicken adobo ingredients for slow cooker

    STEP 2: Combine the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, vinegar and brown sugar. Whisk together to dissolve the sugar. Pour into the slow cooker.

    Sprinkle on the garlic, peppercorns and add the bay leaves.fillipino chicken adobo ingredients in slow cooker

    STEP 3: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours. Serve on hot rice with some of the cooking sauce.cooked chicken adobo in slow cooker

    How to Thicken the Sauce (optional)

    Drizzling the cooking juices over the chicken is delicious. Rather have a thicker sauce? That’s easy too.

    When the chicken is cooked, combine the cooking liquid and a cornstarch slurry in a saucepan on the stove top.

    As it heats it will thicken.

    Instructions included in the printable recipe card below.

    How to Serve it

    Serve over hot rice drizzled with some of the cooking juices..

    chicken adobo on fork

    Storing Leftovers

    Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Add some of the cooking juiced in with the adobo chicken too. It will keep the chicken moist and is great for drizzling over rice.

    More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes
    • Caribbean Slow Cooker Pot Roast
    • Louisiana Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

    Try these Recipes too!

    • Sweet Chili Sauce
    • Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup
    • Peanut-Encrusted Asian Pork Tenderloin
    • Pumpkin Chipotle Cream Sauce for Pasta
    • Instant Pot Mashed Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    CHICKEN ADOBO TITLE IMAGE

    Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

    This authentic Filipino chicken recipe is a national treasure. It's a salty-tangy recipe made with just a few ingredients. Cooked in the slow cooker makes it even easier to make! A bit of sugar can be added to offset the salty soy sauce.
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Filipino
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 229kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 3 pounds boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs
    • 3/4 cup Soy Sauce (regular or gluten-free) do not use Dark Soy Sauce
    • 1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar
    • 2 Bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon Whole Black Peppercorns
    • 8 large Garlic Cloves rough chopped
    • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar optional

    To thicken the sauce (optional)

    • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon Water

    Instructions

    • Place the chicken thighs evenly in the slow cooker.
    • Combine the soy sauce, vinegar and brown sugar if using. Stir to mix and dissolve the sugar. Pour into the slow cooker.
    • Sprinkle in the peppercorns and garlic. Stir to distribute.
    • Add Bay leaves.
    • Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.

    To thicken the sauce (optional)

    • Create a slurry by combining the tablespoon of cornstarch with the tablespoon of water. Stir to fully mix.
    • Strain the cooking liquids into a saucepan. Add the cornstarch slurry.
    • Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stirring periodically simmer until the sauce has thickened. Spoon over the chicken and rice.
    • Serve with rice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 1368mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Cashew Chicken Recipe – Fast ‘Take-Out’ at Home!
    Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe – Easy Restaurant Soup at Home! »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kevin says

      September 11, 2020 at 7:48 am

      5 stars
      I have to break out the slow cooker now for this one! Looks so juicy and delicious!

      Reply
    2. Beti says

      September 11, 2020 at 7:46 am

      5 stars
      This looks incredibly delicious!! My family would love it!

      Reply
    3. Lyanna Soria says

      September 11, 2020 at 2:38 am

      5 stars
      I’ve tried Chicken Adobo before when a Filipino friend of mine cooked it for me and it was quite delicious! Those are some great tips and would love to make one someday.

      Reply
    4. Catalina says

      September 10, 2020 at 5:27 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! This chicken adobo is a must try recipe for dinner! Everyone will love it!

      Reply
    5. Olivia Douglass says

      September 09, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      Oh my!! This sounds and looks amazing. Thank you for sharing this delicious slow cooker recipe, I needed some new ones for fall.

      Reply
    6. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      September 09, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      This Chicken Adobo is seriously making me hungry!

      Reply
    7. Celebrate Woman Today says

      September 09, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      I like trying different flavors from International cuisines. This sounds and looks awesome.

      Reply
    8. Brandy Ellen Writes says

      September 09, 2020 at 5:36 pm

      I am always on the lookout for new slow cooker recipes! I haven’t used my slow cooker nearly as much as I had hoped, so this recipe is the perfect idea to try! I’m hoping the family devours your chicken adobo recipe when I get a chance to make it next week!

      Reply
    9. Lindsay Cotter says

      September 09, 2020 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      Comfort food dinner for the win! So easy to make in the slow cooker!

      Reply
    10. Tara Pittman says

      September 09, 2020 at 12:34 pm

      This sounds so delicious. I need to make this one for dinner as my family will love it

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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