BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe
This BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy juicy, tender, and flavorful shredded chicken that pairs beautifully with sandwiches, tacos, or bowls. The Instant Pot method ensures you get that smoky BBQ goodness without the long wait of traditional slow cooking. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, dinner is served in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Use it in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or even on its own; the options are endless!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Kid-Approved: This dish is sure to satisfy picky eaters with its delicious taste.
Tools and Preparation
For this BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Forks (for shredding)
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: This is the star of the show! It cooks the chicken quickly while keeping it moist and tender.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your kitchen tidy.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when preparing your chicken and vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients effectively before cooking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (boneless skinless)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (divided)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (to taste)
How to Make BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat dry your chicken thighs or breasts. Season them with a blend of spices including smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Instant Pot
In your Instant Pot, pour in the chicken broth. Then add the seasoned chicken along with half of the barbecue sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
Set your Instant Pot to high pressure—cook thighs for 15 minutes or breasts for 12 minutes. Once done, allow a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Combine with Remaining Sauce
Stir in the remaining barbecue sauce into the shredded chicken. Sauté in the Instant Pot for an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken up the sauce if desired.
Now you’re ready to serve this delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken! Enjoy it in sandwiches or as part of your favorite dishes.
How to Serve BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe
BBQ Pulled Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
As Sandwiches
- Toasted Buns: Serve the pulled chicken on lightly toasted buns with extra BBQ sauce for a classic BBQ sandwich experience.
- Coleslaw: Add a scoop of coleslaw inside the sandwich for crunch and creaminess.
In Tacos
- Soft Tortillas: Use warm corn or flour tortillas to wrap the pulled chicken and top with fresh cilantro and lime juice.
- Avocado Slices: Include slices of avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.
Over Rice or Quinoa
- Fluffy Rice: Spoon the BBQ pulled chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Quinoa Bowl: Serve it over quinoa mixed with black beans and corn for a nutritious twist.
In Salads
- Mixed Greens: Toss the pulled chicken on top of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a refreshing salad.
- BBQ Dressing: Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce as dressing to enhance flavor.
On Loaded Nachos
- Tortilla Chips: Layer tortilla chips with pulled chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle with ranch dressing for a fun appetizer.
- Fresh Toppings: Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream for extra flavor.
How to Perfect BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe
To ensure your BBQ Pulled Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Chicken: Choose boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking to enhance its taste.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If using frozen chicken, increase cooking time by about 5 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allowing natural release helps keep the meat juicy; don’t rush this step!
- Experiment with Sauces: Try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe
Pairing your BBQ Pulled Chicken with the right sides can create a complete meal that everyone will love. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: A sweet and savory bread that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
- Baked Beans: Rich and hearty beans add a comforting element to your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled until tender provide a fresh contrast to the rich chicken.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the smokiness of the pulled chicken wonderfully.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw balance out the richness of BBQ sauce.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese serves as a delightful comfort food sidekick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BBQ Pulled Chicken in your Instant Pot, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using too much liquid: Adding excessive broth can make your chicken soggy. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Take a moment to apply spices for maximum taste.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the meat. Follow the cooking times closely to ensure juicy results.
- Not allowing natural release: Skipping the natural release step can lead to tough chicken. Always let the pressure release naturally for optimal tenderness.
- Ignoring quality of BBQ sauce: A low-quality BBQ sauce can ruin the dish’s flavor. Choose a sauce you love, as it greatly influences the final taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow chicken to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this recipe or have specific questions, you’ve come to the right place!
Can I use frozen chicken for BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken without thawing! Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?
Choose any barbecue sauce that you enjoy! Sweet and smoky varieties work particularly well with pulled chicken.
How can I customize my BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) Recipe?
Feel free to add extra spices like cayenne pepper or use different types of vinegar for unique flavor profiles.
What should I serve with BBQ Pulled Chicken?
This pulled chicken is fantastic on sandwiches, in tacos, or over rice! Pair it with coleslaw for a delightful meal.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. You can customize it with your favorite sauces or toppings, making it a versatile option that everyone will love!
BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Experience the ultimate weeknight dinner with this BBQ Pulled Chicken (Instant Pot) recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up tender, juicy shredded chicken infused with smoky barbecue flavors that are perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls. The Instant Pot method not only streamlines the cooking process but also locks in moisture, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. With minimal prep and endless serving possibilities, this recipe is your go-to for quick and delicious meals that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add seasoned chicken, half of the barbecue sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Set to high pressure: cook thighs for 15 minutes or breasts for 12 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes before quick release.
- Shred the chicken using two forks after resting for 5 minutes. Mix in the remaining barbecue sauce and sauté for an extra 2–3 minutes if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
