• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Receive Free Recipes by Email
Sign Up
  • About
    • Meet Sara
    • Work With Me
    • Shop My Favorites
    • Discount Codes
    • Contact
  • Resources
    • Business
    • Keto
    • RB Friends FB Group
    • Nut-Free Keto Recipes FB Group
  • Cookbooks

Real Balanced

A food blog dedicated to sharing easy and delicious low-carb, nut-free, and 30-minute recipes and resources.

  • 30-Minute
  • Main Dishes
  • Snacks
  • Low Carb
  • All Recipes
Home Recipes Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Net Carbs:5.2g
Published:03/22/21Updated:01/24/22
4 Comments This post contains affiliate links.
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
coral colored Pinterest Pin image of a bowl of cauliflower rice topped with Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
K P DF CF NF EF IP

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe is Filipino-inspired, has a touch of sweetness, and is keto-friendly, low-carb, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, and coconut-free. This flavor-packed pressure cooker chicken recipe can be prepared and served in just 40 minutes.

This recipe post is being shared in partnership with Lakanto.

a bowl of cauliflower rice topped with chicken adobo with a pair of chopsticks place on the left sie atop a marble kitchen counter

Be sure to read through the blog post for the answers to frequently asked questions before you move on to the recipe card and begin making this recipe. You will find step-by-step photos within the blog post (located above the recipe card) that will help you to successfully make this Instant Pot chicken adobo recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

close-up shot of cooked chicken thighs with spring onion in chicken adobo sauce

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.

What size Instant Pot should be used?

I personally use a 6 qt Instant Pot, but you can also make this in an 8 qt. If you have a mini 3 qt Instant Pot, you will need to use half of the listed amount of ingredients.

Regardless of the size of Instant Pot you use, do not change the cook time. That will remain the same.

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.)

chicken thighs in a instant pot seasoned with salt and pepper

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.

chicken thighs still in pot, with added chicken stock, coconut aminos, onion, garlic, vinegar, bay leaves, monk fruit sweetener, and paprika.

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.

chicken adobo in an instant pot atop a marble kitchen table

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

close-up image of a bowl of cauliflower rice topped with chicken adobo atop a marble kitchen counter

I was inspired to make this recipe after seeing Geoffrey Zakarian make it on a Food Network show years ago.

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
Looking for more free recipes?

Subscribe to my email list and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and Twitter for all of the latest updates.

close-up image of a bowl of cauliflower rice topped with chicken adobo atop a marble kitchen counter

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo


  • Author: Sara Nelson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Filipino
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe is Filipino-inspired, has a touch of sweetness, and is keto-friendly, low-carb, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, and coconut-free. This flavor-packed pressure cooker chicken recipe can be prepared and served in just 40 minutes.


Ingredients

  • 2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp (30mL) avocado oil
  • 1 lb 10 oz (750g) boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup (240mL) unsalted chicken stock
  • ¼ cup (60mL) coconut aminos
  • 50g yellow onion (~½ small onion), diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp (45mL) apple cider vinegar
  • 3 dried bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp (24g) golden monk fruit sweetener
  • ½ tsp ground paprika

Garnish:

  • 1 spring onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Season chicken thighs with pepper and salt. 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.)
  2. 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.
  3. 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, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves, add chicken back to pot to warm through, before serving in bowls with a garnish of sliced spring onion and, optionally, atop cauliflower rice or alongside low-carb vegetables.

Recipe Notes:

Coarse Ground Black Pepper Substitution: Whole black pepper can be used here.

Avocado Oil Substitution: You can substitute olive oil at a 1:1 ratio for avocado oil.

Chicken Thighs Substitution: 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 Substitution: 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 Substitution: 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 Substitution: 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 Substitution: 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 Substitution: White wine vinegar can be subbed in for apple cider vinegar at a 1:1 ratio.

Dried Bay Leaves Substitution: In place of dried bay leaves, you can use 3/4 tsp dried thyme or dried oregano.

Where To Buy Monk Fruit Sweetener: 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.

Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener Substitution: 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 Substitution: 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 Substitution: Green onion or scallion can be used in place of spring onion in this dish.

Size Of Instant Pot: I personally use a 6 qt Instant Pot, but you can also make this in an 8 qt. If you have a mini 3 qt Instant Pot, you will need to use half of the listed amount of ingredients. Regardless of the size of Instant Pot you use, do not change the cook time. That will remain the same.

Net Carbs: 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 used as indicated above. 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.

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

Keywords: instant pot chicken adobo, keto low carb chicken adobo recipe, instant pot chicken adobo recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram at @realbalanced or leave me a comment & rating below.

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
  • Facebook190
  • Twitter
  • Email
Previous Post
Fudge Fat Bombs
Next Post
Lemon Garlic Scallops

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

4 Comments

  1. Laura Ford says

    March 11, 2022 at 9:17 pm

    How can I cook this without an instant?

    Reply
    • Sara Nelson says

      March 21, 2022 at 9:53 am

      I haven’t tried this recipe using a different cooking method, but my friend, Lisa, has a stovetop version on her site!

      Reply
  2. Briana says

    February 18, 2022 at 9:26 am

    Can you use frozen chicken thighs?

    Reply
    • Sara Nelson says

      February 21, 2022 at 8:08 am

      Yes, that should work!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome, Friend!

My name is Sara Nelson, and I am the face behind Real Balanced. I am a Mom to two and a proud Wisconsinite. Here, you will find easy and delicious tried-and-true recipes that can often be made in minimal time. Read More
K Keto W Whole30 P Paleo DF Dairy-Free CF Coconut-Free VG Vegetarian V Vegan NF Nut-Free EF Egg-Free IP Instant Pot

Popular Recipes

Golden Jicama Fries garnished with freshly chopped parsley on a parchment paper-lined plate atop a marble counter.
Net Carbs:3g

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

overhead hero image buffalo chicken tenders on a baking pan with spoon on top of a marble counter
Net Carbs:0.6g

Keto Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers on a plate with a bowl of the Everything Bagel Dip.
Net Carbs:1.3g

Bacon Wrapped Mini Peppers

Close-up shot of the Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake sprinkled with pepper and paprika, scooped by a spoon with the melted cheese stringing under.
Net Carbs:5.3g

Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Overhead close-up shot of Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats atop a marble plate. The plate rests atop a marble countertop.
Net Carbs:2.5g

Keto Cucumber Boats: Everything Bagel Seasoning With Avocado

Two bowls of Keto Zuppa Toscana on a marble counter. One of the bowls has a spoon in it.
Net Carbs:2.8g

Keto Zuppa Toscana

30-Minute Recipes

side angle shot of creamy asparagus pasta in a bowl with fork
Net Carbs:5.4g

Low-Carb Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

image of a scallop scooped by a spoon from a pan of lemon garlic scallops
Net Carbs:3.7g

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad (With Sour Cream And Mayo) in a ceramic bowl with serving spoons atop a marble counter.
Net Carbs:4.5g

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad (With Sour Cream And Mayo)

a hand holding green bell pepper sandwich atop cutting board and marble countertop
Net Carbs:7.1g

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs garnished with fresh parsley served atop steamed cauliflower rice in a shallow bowl. The bowl rests atop a marble counter.
Net Carbs:4.9g

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Overhead shot of a large pan with the One-Pan Creamy Dijon Chicken garnished with bacon crumbles, fresh parsley, and freshly-cracked pepper. The pan sits atop a marble countertop.
Net Carbs:3.7g

One-Pan Creamy Dijon Chicken

eBook cover for 30-minute low-carb recipe book.
Subscribe & receive my Free 30-Minute Low-Carb Recipes eBook!
Finding time to make quick, delicious, and low-carb meals, snacks, and desserts can feel like a challenge, but it doesn't have to be! This eBook contains 10 recipes that are low-carb that can be made and served in just 30 minutes! Sign Me Up!

Reader Favorites

Overhead shot of a large pan with the One-Pan Creamy Dijon Chicken garnished with bacon crumbles, fresh parsley, and freshly-cracked pepper. The pan sits atop a marble countertop.
Net Carbs:3.7g

One-Pan Creamy Dijon Chicken

Two bowls of Keto Zuppa Toscana on a marble counter. One of the bowls has a spoon in it.
Net Carbs:2.8g

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Close-up shot of the Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake sprinkled with pepper and paprika, scooped by a spoon with the melted cheese stringing under.
Net Carbs:5.3g

Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs garnished with fresh parsley served atop steamed cauliflower rice in a shallow bowl. The bowl rests atop a marble counter.
Net Carbs:4.9g

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Overhead shot of a pot with the Creamy Parmesan Sausage Soup garnished with chopped fresh parsley and shredded Parmesan. There is also a wooden spoon in the pot. The pot rests on a beige kitchen towel atop a marble countertop.
Net Carbs:7.4g

Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup

As Featured On
Back to Top

Follow Along

  • Join My Groups
  • Nut-Free Keto Recipes
  • Real Balanced Friends
  • 30-Minute Recipes
© Real Balanced 2023
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimers
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Back to Top
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • 190
881 shares
881 shares
  • 190