Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This Chicken Adobo Crock Pot recipe is your answer. This classic Filipino dish gets a modern twist with the convenience of the slow cooker, resulting in incredibly tender chicken bursting with savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – easy, delicious, and satisfying. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds – ease and incredible taste!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs stay more moist)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (optional, for browning chicken)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Optional Browning Step: For a richer flavor, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on all sides. This step is optional but adds depth of flavor.
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Crock Pot Magic: Transfer the browned (or un-browned) chicken to your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged.
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Slow Cooking Time: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the sauce. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Adobo:
- Don't Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and sauce to circulate properly. If you have a large amount of chicken, consider using two slow cookers or cooking in batches.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, vinegar, or brown sugar to suit your preference. Some prefer a sweeter adobo, while others like a more savory version.
- Bone-in Chicken: For an even richer flavor and more tender meat, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance your adobo with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers for a more complete and healthy meal. Add them during the last hour or two of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Adobo: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili peppers for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Adobo with Potatoes: Add 1 lb of cubed potatoes to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Chicken Adobo Crock Pot recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply satisfying your craving for a delicious and flavorful dish. The ease of this recipe, combined with its incredible taste, makes it a winner in our book. Enjoy!