Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Keto and dairy-free Filipino-inspired chicken adobo recipe

Filipino dishes are known for melding the flavors of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour, and this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Adobo delivers on all accounts. With plenty of garlic, onion, and my very favorite sugar-free Lakanto Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener, this savory meal includes a rich, tangy sauce that you’ll want to scoop up every last drop of.

The tender chicken thighs are the star of this show, so let them shine by garnishing simply with a spring onion and, optionally, serving with a cup or two of seasoned cauliflower rice.

By using the Instant Pot, you’ll create a dish that has all the depth and fully-developed flavors of a slow cooker meal, but in much less time.

Instant pot chicken adobo FAQs

Here are answers to the most commonly asked question about this low-carb instant pot recipe:

Are there any ingredient substitution options?

• Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Whole black pepper can be used here.
• Avocado Oil: You can substitute olive oil at a 1:1 ratio for avocado oil.
• Chicken Thighs: The best alternative for chicken thighs would be drumsticks, which can be subbed at a 1:1 ratio, and have a similar flavor profile. Do not use chicken breasts in this recipe.
• Chicken Stock: If you don’t have chicken stock on-hand, beef stock or vegetable stock can be subbed in at a 1:1 ratio.
• Coconut Aminos: Liquid aminos or gluten-free soy sauce can be substituted in for coconut aminos at a 1:1 ratio. Note that both of these products contain soy, which will mean the recipe is no longer paleo-friendly or primal-friendly. If you are watching your carb intake closely and want to lessen the carb count per serving, reduce the coconut aminos from ¼ cup to 3 tablespoons.
• Yellow Onion: Substitute with another type of onion, such as red or white, at a 1:1 ratio. These substitutions will change the carb content slightly.
• Minced Garlic: Garlic paste can be subbed in for minced garlic at a 1:1 ratio. For garlic powder, use 3/4 tsp in place of the minced garlic called for in the recipe.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar can be subbed in for apple cider vinegar at a 1:1 ratio.
• Dried Bay Leaves: In place of dried bay leaves, you can use 3/4 tsp dried thyme or dried oregano.
• Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener:  Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener, Swerve, or erythritol can be used here at a 1:1 substitution ratio. Note that these substitutions may alter the flavor of the resulting dish just slightly. I would not suggest using powdered stevia or liquid stevia here.
• Paprika: Either cumin or chili powder can be substituted for paprika at a 1:1 ratio. Note that using one of these will alter the flavor of the dish slightly.
• Spring Onion: Green onion or scallion can be used in place of spring onion in this dish.

Where can monk fruit sweetener be purchased?

I buy my monk fruit sweetener from Lakanto’s website and have it delivered. If you want to do this, you can use discount code REALBALANCED at checkout for 20% OFF your Lakanto order.

If you’d rather purchase monk fruit sweetener in a store, many grocery stores, especially specialty food stores and Costco, carry Lakanto’s monk fruit sweetener.

How many net carbs per serving?

Per serving, this chicken adobo recipe contains 5.2 grams of net carbs. If you want to lessen the carb count per serving, reduce the coconut aminos that the recipe calls for from ¼ cup to 3 tablespoons.

The serving size is 1 bowl and the recipe, as written, yields 4 servings. Net carbs are calculated by taking total carbs, subtracting fiber, and subtracting sugar alcohols.

The full nutrition information for this recipe, including the calorie content, total carbs, protein, and fat per serving, can be found in the nutrition label located below the recipe instructions.

What diets is this recipe compliant with?

• Keto and Low-Carb: Each serving of this recipe contains only 5.2 grams of net carbs, which makes it a great low-carb and keto-friendly dinner option.
• Gluten-Free and Grain-Free: This recipe is both gluten-free and grain-free.
• Nut-Free: There are no nuts or nut products used.
• Coconut-Free: this recipe does not contain any coconut ingredients.
• Paleo and Primal: This recipe is compliant with paleo and primal diets.
• Egg-Free: Eggs are not used to make this instant pot chicken adobo.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe does not contain any dairy products.
• Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe does not include any refined sugar, and instead uses Lakanto Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener.

How should this recipe be stored after cooking?

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to make this Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Select Sauté setting on Instant Pot and, once hot, add oil to coat bottom of pot. Add chicken thighs, cook for 2 minutes per side, then turn Sauté setting off.

(If you cannot fit chicken thighs in Instant Pot pot in even layer to sauté, put in enough chicken to cover bottom of pot then remove, set aside on plate, and add remaining chicken to sauté on both sides. We want to be sure each piece of chicken has opportunity to be cooked on each side. If you go this route, return all chicken thighs to Instant Pot pot before moving on to next step.)

To Instant Pot with chicken thighs still in pot, add chicken stock, coconut aminos, onion, garlic, vinegar, bay leaves, monk fruit sweetener, and paprika. Seal lid and cook on Manual setting (high pressure) for 10 minutes.

Once cooking has finished, quick-release pressure then remove lid. Using tongs, transfer chicken thighs to a plate. Select Sauté setting and simmer sauce until it has thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove bay leaves, add chicken back to pot to warm through.

Serve in bowls with a garnish of sliced spring onion and, optionally, atop cauliflower rice or alongside low-carb vegetables.

Looking for more keto chicken recipes?

If you loved this low-carb chicken recipe, try one of these other delicious options:

• Keto Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• One Pan Keto Crispy Tuscan Chicken
• Keto Stuffed Chicken Caprese
• Keto Chicken Marsala
• Instant Pot Low-Carb Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings
• One-Pan Low-Carb Creamy Garlic Chicken