Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

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I love takeout, especially this Chicken Adobo that I always order from Filipino restaurants. This sweet and tangy sauce is so delicious and the chicken is soooooo tender. However, I live too far away from restaurants and due to money saving, I tend to make my own better than takeout version at home.

One of my favorite things about this Crockpot Chicken Adobo recipe, is how incredibly simple it is to make. I am talking a minimal amount of prep, then set it, walk away, and let the slow cooker do the work – and dinner is done! Just as simple as these classic Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs.

What is Adobo Chicken?

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is what came to my mind the I first heard the word adobo. However, in Filipino recipes adobo is entirely different. Typically, adobo chicken has a vinegar-based sauce that contains soy sauce, garlic, onions, and spices like bay and coriander. It’s great for slow cooking meats like chicken thighs. 

Ingredient Notes

In this easy recipe, we’ll combine chicken thighs, spices, sugar, vinegar, and gluten free soy sauce, into a delicious chicken dish. Follow my tips on each ingredient for the best results.

• Oil – Use any neutral oil and brown chicken before cooking, for the best flavor.
• Chicken thighs – I think bone-in thighs give the best results. But, you can use a mix with bone-in drumsticks. Chicken breast tends to dry out, so I don’t recommend them.
• Veggies – I simply use sweet white onion and fresh minced garlic cloves. My friend does double the amount of garlic I do, and swears their recipe is better 🙂
• White wine vinegar – Whilst best to use sugar cane vinegar, I normally use white wine vinegar or rice wine vinegar (which will be a little less tangy). 
• Tamari soy sauce – I keep this gluten free with tamari. You can use regular soy sauce.
• Low sodium chicken broth (optional) – I use this to temper down the sharpness of the vinegar and add extra liquid. Skip, if you prefer a more tangy than sweet dish. 
• Herbs, spices and condiments – I prefer using ground coriander, rather than the traditional coriander seed. A combination of salt, pepper and bay leaves complete this. Add more or less to your taste.
• Sugar – Brown sugar is my sweetener of choice as it also adds a hint of caramel flavor. Sugar is optional if you prefer the more traditional sharper taste.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Brown chicken in a skillet and add it to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, saute the onions until softened, then add the garlic before adding to the slow cooker.
3. Mix together vinegar, soy sauce, chicken broth, ground coriander, brown sugar, salt, and pepper pour over the top of everything.
4. Add the bay leaves, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
5. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Bintu’s Tips and Variations

I really love switching things up in the kitchen. Here are some tips for easier cooking, and variations for you to try if you want something a little different.

• Thicken the sauce by heating it in a saucepan before serving if you prefer. 
• Avoid opening the crockpot too much during cooking as this will cool things down and prolong your cook time. Use the keep warm setting to make sure everything is nice and warm for serving.
• Add some coconut milk for a creamy coconut flavor to this dish. 

Storage

• Make Ahead – to save yourself some time before you head out the door in the morning, brown the chicken and prepare onions and garlic the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add the sauce to the slow cooker and cook as directed. 
• Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this up with some steamed white rice, Instant Pot Brown Rice or this Instant Pot Rice, some easy quinoa as well as Instant Pot Steamed Green Beans. My kids also enjoy it with Crockpot Mashed Potatoes.

If you prefer to keep this low carb, skip the sugar and serve with cauliflower rice. 

More Recipes You May Like

If you like this recipe, then you for sure want to check these out.

• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas.
• Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
• Crockpot Breakfast Casserole.
• 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Meatballs.
• Crockpot Sweet Potatoes.
• Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 3 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Tools Needed

• An awesome slow cooker.
• A skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A mixing spatula.
• The best ever sea salt flakes.

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