Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

Our Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor.

The slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the rich, tangy, and savory flavors of the adobo sauce, resulting in tender and juicy chicken every time.

Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is a wonderful recipe to add to your rotation for its ease, rich flavors, and versatility.

Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo Recipe Highlights

  • 30-Minute Dinner Prep
  • Great for Parties and Potlucks
  • Minimal Ingredients
  • Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience
  • Comfort Food Classic

Ingredient Notes

Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.

Ingredients needed to make Adobo Chicken in the Slow Cooker.

CHICKEN – I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and rich flavor. You can also use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and could be drier. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work, but keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid dryness.

ONION – I chose a large red onion for its sweetness and vibrant color. You can use white or yellow onions if you prefer a milder flavor. The red onion adds a bit of color and sweetness to the dish, which complements the tangy sauce.

LIQUIDS – These ingredients make up the flavorful base of the adobo sauce. You can use apple cider vinegar to add a tangy depth to the sauce. White vinegar works as an alternative if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand. I use soy sauce for its umami and saltiness. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. I use honey to balance the tanginess with a touch of sweetness. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or brown sugar can be good substitutes.

SEASONINGS – These seasonings make the dish taste amazing. I choose garlic powder for convenience and consistent flavor, but you can use fresh garlic instead. We add dried bay leaves for their earthy flavor. You can adjust salt and black pepper to your liking. I like to garnish with fresh parsley for some color and freshness, but this is optional.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

Mixing sauce for Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken in a bowl.
Adding chicken and onions to Crockpot for Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken.
Adding sauce and bay leaves to Crockpot for Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken.
Cooked Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken in a Crockpot.
  1. Place the chicken thighs and chopped red onion in the slow cooker.
  2. Mix the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey in a bowl.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and add bay leaves.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours until tender.

Planning and Leftovers

STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FREEZE – Chicken Adobo freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

REHEAT – Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth.

MAKE AHEAD – You can prepare the sauce mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, combine it with the chicken in the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

STEAMED RICE – The perfect side to soak up the delicious adobo sauce.

AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI – Easy to prepare and pairs well with the savory chicken.

SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS – Add a fresh, crisp element to your meal.

AIR FRYER CHEESY GARLIC BREAD – A delicious and easy-to-make side that complements the rich flavors of the adobo.

OMA’S GERMAN CUCUMBER SALAD – A refreshing and cool side that balances the richness of the chicken.

Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken served over rice.

Recipe Success Tips

DRAIN – Removing excess fat from the chicken before cooking helps keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.

REDUCE SAUCE – If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and let the sauce simmer in the slow cooker on high with the lid off until it reaches your desired consistency.

TASTE TEST – Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed for your personal preference.

ADD VEGGIES – Adding vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the slow cooker can make this a complete one-pot meal.

ADJUST SWEETNESS – Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste. A bit more can balance the tanginess if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

Slow Cooker Adobo Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind that chicken breasts may dry out more quickly than thighs. To prevent this, you can reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness earlier.

Can I Use Fresh Garlic Instead Of Garlic Powder?

Substitute 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic for the garlic powder.

Can I Make This Recipe Without A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make Chicken Adobo on the stovetop or in an oven.
STOVE TOP – Simmer the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for 45-60 minutes until the chicken is tender.
OVEN – Bake in a covered dish at 325° Fahrenheit for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity. Make sure the ingredients are well-mixed and the chicken is evenly layered to cook thoroughly.

Crockpot Adobo Chicken served over rice.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo

Author: Maike Corbett
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Slow Cooker Times (see note section) 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Serving Size 6
Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is a must-try for its rich, tangy, and savory flavors, tender chicken, and simple preparation. It’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection for an easy and delicious meal.
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped red onion over the chicken.
  • Stir the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey In a mixing bowl until well combined.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken and onions and place the bay leaves on top.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours* until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Equipment

Notes

SLOW COOKER TIMES

ON LOW – for 6 to 8 hours
ON HIGH – for 4 to 6 hours

Nutritional Information

Calories: 767
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 57g
Protein: 56g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.

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